Boats, Bright Lights and Holiday Cheer Come Together for Naples’ Christmas in July Parade

Imagine a warm July evening, the sun going down over the lake, and suddenly a line of boats covered in Christmas lights starts cruising across the water. That’s exactly the kind of summer-meets-holiday magic happening at the 7th Annual Town of Naples Christmas in July Boat Parade in Naples, Maine. The event takes place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with boats lining up on Long Lake at 8:00 p.m. before the parade gets underway around 8:25 p.m.

What Makes It So Fun?

This isn’t your usual parade with floats rolling down a street. Instead, decorated boats light up the lake with colorful displays and festive decorations as spectators watch from the Naples Causeway and along the shoreline. Past editions have featured boats decked out in Christmas lights, local businesses joining the fun with their own decorations, and crowds gathering to enjoy the atmosphere.

If you have a boat, you can register for free and become part of the parade yourself. If not, no problem, grab a good viewing spot by the water and enjoy the show.

It sounds like one of those wonderfully quirky community events that shouldn’t work, but totally does. Christmas lights, summer weather, boats, music, and a crowd by the lake? Honestly, that sounds like a pretty great Saturday night.