Photo of 2023’s winner Steve Purks with his boat, named “Festival of Lights.”

Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, 12/7/24

The holiday season is here, and Lake Anna’s Lighted Boat Parade is back to bring festive cheer and community spirit! For those who are new to the scene, the Lake Anna Lighted Boat Parade is a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together for a night of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and a whole lot of fun. Boat owners from all around gather to adorn their vessels with a dazzling array of holiday lights, creating a captivating spectacle on the lake which is viewed by hundreds from various lake locations.

Each year, a growing number of boats participate, decorated with holiday lights, music, and costumes. The boats do a slow ride starting at Tim’s Restaurant at 5:15 p.m. and ending at the Lake Anna Taphouse, where a large crowd gathers and winners will be announced.

Randy Thomas, representing the Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP), is chairing the committee for the fourth year. “The creativity and excitement of our boat decorators never cease to amaze us,” said Thomas. “It’s a beautiful event that brings joy to everyone.”

According to Thomas, 13 boats participated in 2022 with the same number again in 2023. Participants generally wait to enter, however, until it’s closer to predict the weather.

2023’s winning boat, named “Festival of Lights,” owned by Steve Purks, stood out with its enchanting presentation. Purks, however, humbly shared the credit, attributing the success to the “wood hood from Bluewater Community.” Second place went to Joseph Lawrence with “Candy Cane,” and “No Grinch Here,” by Linda Cole, clinching the third-place spot. Previous year’s winner was Mike Cleaves, who won 2022 with a moving, breathing dragon, and 2021 with a pirate ship.

“There are just over 8,760 lights on the ship, over 2,000 zip ties holding everything together,” said Cleaves. When lit, the Viking ship was a spectacular sight. Read more about Cleaves methods of building floats here.

Where to View the Lighted Boat Parade at Lake Anna

Lake Anna Boat Parade spectators have a variety of prime viewing spots around the lake, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the glittering display, from the docks at Tim’s Restaurant where the parade begins to the Lake Anna State Park, High Point Marina, and Anna Point Marina right off of the 208 bridge, and of course the finishing location, Lake Anna Taphouse.

“It’s not an exact science like a land parade,” said Thomas. “It depends on the number of boats and the weather. We’ve been very fortunate the last few years to have perfect weather… it’s like Christmas weather, its part of the fun.”

Here’s when & where the boats will be throughout the event:

4:30 – 5:15 pm Tim’s Restaurant
6:00 pm Lake Anna State Park
6:45 pm High Point and Anna Point Marinas
7:00 pm Lake Anna Taphouse

Public Activities & Events During the Lighted Boat Parade

There are a variety of special events going on at Lake Anna before and after the boat parade. The Lake Anna Taphouse will be hosting the event with live music, food and drinks from their menu, and Santa Claus starting at 5:00 pm. The Lake Anna Business Partnership assists with parking, as the lot tends to fill out by 5:30 pm.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Thomas, whose team assisted with parking at the 2022 Lighted Boat Parade, also ending at the Lake Anna Taphouse.

Rain Date set for December 14th

In case of bad weather, such as rain, fog, or wind above 10 miles per hour, the event will be moved to the following Saturday, December 14th at the same times and locations.

How to Enter a Boat into the Lighted Boat Parade

Anyone can enter their vessel into the boat parade by filling out the Lake Anna Business Partnership’s captain application and official liability waiver. By signing the waiver, participants are agreeing that there are risks involved in participating and assuming responsibility. Applications are due to the Lake Anna Business Partnership by noon on November 30th.

Requirements to Enter include a 100′ height restriction due to Stubbs Bridge, no boat is allowed to exceed the state capacity for occupants, and special requests to drive by a person’s dock are strictly prohibited.

Captains are required to attend a mandatory captain’s meeting at Tim’s Restaurant starting at 4:30 pm that day. In addition to the safety waiver, captains are required to go through proper safety checks by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where they will review safety regulations such as life preservers, a head count, verification of current state registration, proper fuel, working lights, charged batteries and that everyone on board is dressed properly for the temperature.

Download Your Application Here

Safety is a Top Priority

The boats are led by the Coastguard Auxiliary Flotilla 8-7 Lake Anna, comprised of volunteers from the surrounding counties of Spotsylvania and Louisa, VA. BoatUS also supplies a rescue boat on the water during the parade.

In addition to detailed security checks at Tim’s docks, before the parade begins, volunteers are present at the Lake Anna Taphouse to tape off the docks and provide on-site emergency services. Viewers are strictly prohibited from walking on the docks during the event.

“We simply wouldn’t be able to do this event without the help of Spotsylvania and Louisa counties and BoatUS providing emergency medical services, both on and off the water,” said Thomas. “It’s getting bigger and bigger each year, and safety is our top priority.”

Photos from the 2023 Lake Anna Lighted Boat Parade

Photos from the 2022 Lake Anna Lighted Boat Parade

Thanks to Carol Barker Wyatt of Lake Anna Photography, we have some amazing photos of the boats from the 2022 Lighted parade. Take a look:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the 2024 Lake Anna Lighted Boat Parade:

1. When and where is the 2024 Lake Anna Lighted Boat Parade taking place? The parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2024 from 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm and will take place on Lake Anna, Virginia from Tim’s Restaurant to the Lake Anna Taphouse.
2. Are there any specific requirements for decorating my boat? There are no strict requirements, but participants are encouraged to decorate their boats with festive lights and decorations to create a magical display.
3. Is there an entry fee for spectators or participants? No fees for entry or participation.
4. Will there be food and drinks available? Yes! Food will be for sale at the Taphouse location. Other venues may be providing food and drink options. You may bring your own food and beverages at the Lake Anna State Park. Please, no alcoholic beverages.
5. Is there a rain date for the parade in case of bad weather? Yes, December 14th.
6. Is there a fee to enter the state park for the event? Not after 4:00 pm.

We hope these FAQs provide you with all the information you need to prepare for and enjoy the 2024 Lake Anna Lighted Boat Parade!

Read more about the 2023 Lighted Boat Parade here