The boat parade is the evening act of the city’s all-day Christmas festival on the lakefront: after the mayor switches on the lights, captains cruise past the promenade before fireworks over the lake. It falls on Thanksgiving weekend, earlier than most Gulf parades.
- Starts: Immediately after the lighting ceremony (6:15 PM in 2025); fireworks 7:30 PM
- Route: Along the Lakefront Promenade past the Lake Charles Event Center
- Where to watch: Lakefront Promenade, Arcade Amphitheater / Event Center grounds, 1111 Bord du Lac Dr