The annual Venice Christmas Boat Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade starts just north of the Albee Rd. Bridge. There are public areas at the start and down the parade route for a ways, and across the water are restaurants.
The parade continues down the Intracoastal Waterway and out the jetties as far as land on the south side. There is viewing on both sides of the jetties in this area. There is also a restaurant to the east on the Venice side, and if you come by boat there are plenty of spots along the way to drop anchor.
As the parade goes down the Intracoastal the next large area for public viewing is on both sides of the Intracoastal, which is known as the Venetian Waterway Trail.
Remember, get there early. If you are new to the area take a look for yourself and find that special spot, because there are no bad locations. Don't wait until the last minute.
On Venice Island when the bridges go up Saturday, the Circus Bridge remains down for vehicular traffic only; that remains in effect until such time that the other two bridges are reopened to vehicular traffic.
Rain date is the next day, Sunday, Dec. 2. Get more info or sign up to participate by clicking here.