It’s boat parade week! The annual Venice Christmas Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Early chair set-up is prohibited until noon, Saturday, Dec. 7

The parade is NOT viewable from Circus Bridge, the South Jetty, or Nokomis Beach Park

The parade concludes at the endpoint and does not make a return trip north. While boats may travel north afterward to return to their launch locations, this is not considered part of the official parade route or schedule

Here are some essential things to remember:

– The parade starts at the Albee Road Bridge and travels at a slow rate, between 3 to 5 knots

– It can take anywhere between 45 to 60 minutes for the boats to make it to the North/KMI Bridge from the parade start

– It can take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes for the boats to make it to the W. Venice Ave Bridge from the North/KMI Bridge

– It can take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes for boats to make it to the parade end point, which is just before Marine Max

– Best places to view from include behind Venice High School, Venetian Waterway Park, and Legacy Park

These times are estimates and are always subject to change.