The holiday season shines brightly at Lake Anna with The Cove Restaurant’s Annual Boat Parade, part of this weekend’s much-anticipated holiday kickoff celebrations. Set for Saturday, December 7th, this event promises a dazzling display of lights and, as always, a warm sense of community spirit!

The festivities begin with The Cove’s annual tree lighting at 6 PM. Shortly after, boat captains will set out for the parade and return to The Cove for prizes and additional celebrations. Spectators are encouraged to join in at The Cove or enjoy the parade from the comfort of their own docks.

Lake Anna hosts two official boat parades this evening—one departing from Tim’s Restaurant and ending at The Taphouse, and the other starting and returning at The Cove. These dual parades provide the community with a chance to enjoy the festivities no matter which side of the lake they’re on. You can find more details about the Lighted Boat Parade from Tim’s to The Taphouse here.

“Last year was one of the most fun events we’ve ever had,” shared Suzie Squiers, owner of The Cove Restaurant. “We had people gathered at the docks, waving, laughing, and celebrating. It’s a joy to see everyone come together to light up Lake Anna.”

Beyond the boat parade, The Cove’s holiday kickoff weekend is packed with festive activities, including hot chocolate stations, cozy fire pits, music, and the much-anticipated lighting of the holiday tree.

“Even if you can’t attend The Cove, try to see the Lighted Boat Parade,” said Squiers. “Whatever you do, just enjoy the time together as a community. Whether you’re on a boat, at the Taphouse, decorating your dock, or simply enjoying the view, we hope everyone joins in the fun.”

The holiday cheer doesn’t end there. The Cove’s annual Automobile Parade is set for the following Saturday, December 14th, at 6 PM. This unique event features cars, trucks, and jeeps decked out in lights, trailers blasting holiday music, and families waving from the roadside. To cap off the weekend, The Cove will host Breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning, December 15th, at 10 AM.

“This is my favorite time of year,” said Squiers. “I love seeing people enjoy it together—it’s a family-friendly event for everyone.”

This year also marks a milestone: The Cove’s 10th anniversary of spreading holiday joy. While the Lighted Boat Parade once included a single route that covered the entire lake, the event has since been split into two to accommodate participants and avoid the chill of long rides.

With safety as a top priority and community spirit at its heart, The Cove’s Annual Boat Parade offers the perfect way to ring in the holiday season.

Mark your calendars and join the celebration—because nothing lights up Lake Anna quite like this magical time of year!

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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