During the holiday season Tampa Bay neighborhoods and boats are ablaze with holiday lights. Holiday lighted boat parades are a Florida tradition and Tampa Bay has embraced that tradition for decades. Almost every community in the bay area that is on or near water celebrates the holiday with their own illuminated boat parade. Here’s our list of Tampa Bay’s best holiday lighted boat parades for 2012.

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Tampa’s Twinkle In Tampa Bay
A Lighted Channelside Boat Parade
Saturday, December 22nd 2012 – 6:30pm

This Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade takes place along the water at the by Davis Island, Harbour Island and the Channelside District. You will be able to see the parade along the a great stretch of land from Davis Island to Channelside near downtown Tampa. Channelside Bay Plaza is a great place to enjoy yourself before or after the parade. Parking is available at several public parking lots. Channelside offers a wide variety of restaurants from Hooters to Bennigan’s and everything in between. Across the street from Channelside is a multi-level parking structure.

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Redington Beach/Indian Shores
Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 22nd 2012 – 6pm
www.myindianshores.com

This boat parade starts in Madeira North of the Tom Stuart Causeway and runs north pass the public view area at Indian Shores Town Hall. The Pub in Indian Shores will host refreshments and the Awards Presentation. The website shows the parade route and best areas for public viewing.

Related: Best Ways To Celebrate Hanukkah In Tampa Bay