The magic of the holidays returns to Lake Anna as the 2025 Lighted Boat Parade sets sail on Saturday, December 6, bringing twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday joy to every cove and shoreline along the route. This beloved tradition has become one of the most anticipated winter events on the lake—drawing hundreds of spectators and showcasing some of the most creative floating displays in Virginia.

Whether you’re joining from the water, watching from the shoreline, or planning to decorate your own boat, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Lighted Boat Parade.

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🎄 When & Where

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Start Time: 5:15 p.m.
Starting Location: Tim’s at Lake Anna
Ending Location: Lake Anna Taphouse (arrival around 7 p.m.)

The parade will follow the traditional route from the Boardwalk area up toward the 208 Bridge, making its way to the Taphouse, where spectators typically gather early to enjoy food, drinks, and the festive atmosphere as the boats arrive.

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🚤 How to Register Your Boat

Boaters who want to participate must register through the Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP), who organizes this event each year:

👉 Register here: https://visitlakeanna.org/2025-lake-anna-lighted-boat-parade/

Registration is free, and you only need to provide basic information about your boat and contact details.
All registered boats will receive lineup instructions, parade guidelines, and judging information in advance.

Note: You must be registered to be considered for prizes and official judging.

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🏆 Prizes & Judging

The LABP awards prizes each year for the most impressive and creative displays. Categories typically include:

• Best Overall Boat
• Most Creative Theme
• Best Use of Lights
• Crowd Favorite

Past winners have included unforgettable entries such as:

✨ Mike Cleaves’ fire-breathing dragon
✨ The crowd-favorite Viking longship
✨ Elaborate Christmas villages
✨ Pirate ships with animated effects

Lake Anna’s boat builders and decorators are known for pushing boundaries—and 2025 promises to be no exception.

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👀 Best Places to Watch

Spectators line the shores all along the route, but the most popular viewing spots include:

• Tim’s at Lake Anna (start)
• The Boardwalk / 208 bridge area
• Lake Anna Taphouse (finish)
• Dockside homes and rental properties along the main channel

If you want a great seat at Tim’s or the Taphouse, arrive early—these locations fill up fast.

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🌟 What to Expect

The Lighted Boat Parade has grown into one of Lake Anna’s most vibrant traditions. Expect:

• Dozens of boats decked out in thousands of lights
• Holiday music echoing across the water
• Santa sightings
• Coordinated themes
• Laughs, cheers, and community excitement

For many families, this event is the true kickoff of the holiday season.

For more parade history, past winners, and behind-the-scenes features, revisit some favorites:

• Pirates, Dragons, Vikings—Oh My! Floating Innovations Light the Night
• Mike Cleaves Reclaims the Blue Ribbon at Lake Anna’s Lighted Boat Parade
• A Dazzling Display of Lights: Lake Anna’s 2023 Parade Illuminates the Night

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🎅 Safety & Parade Guidelines

To keep the event safe and enjoyable:

• All boats must be insured and properly lit for nighttime operation.
• Captains must follow all instructions from parade coordinators.
• No towing or oversized inflatables that obstruct navigation lights.
• Maintain safe distances and speeds.

If severe weather impacts safety, LABP will post updates on their website and social channels.

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🎄 Don’t Miss: The Cove’s Christmas Boat Parade (Nov. 29)

Before the main lake parade, residents can enjoy a second holiday tradition on the private side of Lake Anna.

The Cove at Lake Anna will host its annual Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, November 29, immediately following their Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.

Boaters can register by visiting TheCoveLKA.com, clicking the event listing, and submitting a quick RSVP.
Cash prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

It’s a warm, community-centered way to kick off a full week of holiday lights on the lake.

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⭐ A Lake Anna Tradition That Shines Brighter Every Year

Between The Cove’s Nov. 29 parade and the Dec. 6 event, Lake Anna will once again glow with festive creativity, neighborhood pride, and the magic of the season.

Whether you’re watching from the shore or joining the parade lineup, this year’s event promises to be one of the most spectacular yet.