LAKE WEIR, FL (352today.com) – Santa Claus traded his sleigh for water skis on Saturday, December 7, 2024, dazzling spectators during the annual Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade. Hosted by the Lake Weir Yacht Club, this festive event brought holiday cheer to the shores of Lake Weir, as creatively decorated boats lit up the night in a colorful display.

The parade began at Carney Island, with the flotilla circling the lake and passing iconic landmarks like Gator Joe’s, the Lake Weir Yacht Club, and Eaton’s Beach. “Lots of folks gathered around the lake to enjoy this annual event,” says guest judge Big Red from 93.7 K-Country. “This was my second year judging, and I am looking forward to next year’s event.”

Boats prepare for the 2024 Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Weir
Boats prepare for the 2024 Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Weir. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

The competition showcased boats decked out in festive themes, from sparkling lights to elaborate designs. The winning entry, created by the Ocala Sailing Club, earned the $250 first-place prize. Second place went to the Pontoon Train, which won $150, while the Bright Pontoon took home $100 for third place.

Boats decorated with Christmas lights tour Lake Weir during the 2024 Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Holiday spirit rolls onto Lake Weir with festive train-themed boat display. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Christmas cheer chugs along as train-inspired boat prepares for Lake Weir parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Christmas fans watch the boat parade from Eatons Beach during the 2024 Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Weir. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Boats decked out in Christmas lights tour Lake Weir during the 2024 Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Among the highlights, Santa’s water ski performance left the crowd cheering, while the Grinch made a splash of his own, cruising around the lake on a jet ski. Rob Mease and his family joined the parade, waving merry Christmas greetings to fans on the shore.

Santa surfs the waves, spreading holiday cheer at Lake Weir’s festive boat parade. Photo courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Jolly water ski Santa glides across Lake Weir, bringing maritime holiday magic. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Water skiing Santa steals the show, riding waves of Christmas spirit at Lake Weir boat parade. Photo courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Chilly Santa catches a break after his high-speed holiday lake adventure. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Mischievous Grinch crashes the holiday fun on Lake Weir before boat parade begins. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Children and families bundled up to enjoy the festivities, including three-year-old Clark Doyle, who beamed with holiday excitement. His mother, Katie Doyle, joined with her twin daughters, Everly and Melody, to ride in the parade, making cherished holiday memories.

Young Clark Doyle beams with holiday excitement at Lake Weir boat parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Rob Mease, left, and his mom Emily Mease. The Mease family cruises into holiday spirit at Lake Weir boat parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Emily Mease, right, bundles up one and a half-year-old twins Everly Doyle, left, and Melody Doyle, center, as their mother, Katie Doyle, looks on during the 2024 Light Up Lake Weir Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Weir. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Rob Mease spreads holiday cheer, waving to Lake Weir boat parade spectators. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Festive wave from the boat: Rob Mease greets onlookers during Lake Weir Christmas parade. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Spectators lined the shores of Lake Weir, many gathering at Eaton’s Beach to watch the procession of boats. The train-themed pontoon boat, a crowd favorite, prepared for its journey with intricate decorations and plenty of Christmas spirit.

Big Red (back center) is joined by other judges and members of the Lake Weir Yacht Club for the Light Up Lake Weir Boat Parade.
Big Red (back center) is joined by other judges and members of the Lake Weir Yacht Club for the Light Up Lake Weir Boat Parade. Courtesy: Lake Weir Yacht Club

“The parade is such a wonderful tradition that brings the community together,” shares Big Red. “I’m already counting down to next year’s event!”