Things to Do

Get Into the Holiday Spirit at the Trail of Lights Boat Parade

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Whether you’re an avid boater or an enthusiastic spectator, head to Austin’s 360 bridge (5300 North Capital of Texas Highway) on Saturday, December 9 to witness the first annual Boat Trail of Lights boat parade event on Lake Austin. Featuring festive lights adorning boats of all shapes and sizes, this exciting way to enjoy the holiday lights is sure to become a family holiday tradition.

Decorate Your Boat With Festive Lights

Lighted Boat Parade

Photo: Flickr/gbozik photography

Plan to decorate your boat or your body with holiday spirit and lights. Meet under the 360 bridge at 6 p.m. Everyone will turn on their lights at 6 p.m. sharp, listen to holiday music, and celebrate together with this wonderful spectacular event! This event is free to participate in and will bring loads of joy to everyone this holiday season.

If you’re a boater, planning to participate in this year’s event, please contact the organizers to schedule your launch. Then, begin the process of decking out your boat for the parade. The event organizers suggest that you wait a few more days to winterize your boat and ask your local boat store about the correct electric inverter for your boat. Next, all you need is outside lights and your favorite holiday decorations!

A Different Way to Enjoy the Lights

Trail of Lights

Photo: Flickr/AussieActive

Another bonus about this event is that being on the lake at night makes for excellent shoreline holiday light enjoyment. There are so many festive lights that adorn the homes that line Lake Austin that are only visible from the water. So, get your boat out, decorate it for the season, and have a jolly old time on Lake Austin this weekend! To learn more about this event, check out their Facebook page.

Can’t Make it to Lake Austin?

Merry Christmas boat

Photo: Flickr/Port of San Diego

If you can’t make it out to Lake Austin this weekend, a similar boat parade is happening at Canyon Lake. On Saturday, December 9, the parade snakes through Canyon Lake, ending at Holiday Harbor where there will be cocoa, coffee, and cookies for free!  To learn more about the Canyon Lake boat parade, visit the event website here.