Patchogue’s annual Christmas Holiday Boat Parade is all set for this Sunday, Nov. 18, on Patchogue River. It’s estimated that 5,000 people will make their way to the riverfront.
Here’s everything you need to know before joining them:
• The boats, close to 30 in all hailing from across the South Shore, start making their way up Patchogue River at 6 p.m. This is a rain or shine event, but the skies look clear.
• The (free) public spots for families to view the parade include (click for maps and directions): Sandspit Park, Beach & Marina and the Davis Park Ferry terminal, the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal.
• Families will typically begin arriving to the parks after 4 p.m.
• Riverfront restaurants and marinas open for the parade include (click for websites): The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille, Drift 82, Off Key Tikki, Harbor Crab Co. and Island View Marina.
• There’s live music at all the public viewing locations and the restaurants. Drift 82 is in the process of setting up a winter wonderland on its property. Drift is also doing a drink-the-gazebo-dry event from 1-5 p.m. It’s $40 per person for four hours of open bar.
• It takes about an hour for the boats to sail up and down the river.
• There’s no voting. The people’s choice ballots will be cast Saturday night at an Off Key Tikki preview event. The judges will declare Sunday’s winners in the other categories.
• Sources say the best places to catch a glimpse of will be at Sandspit Park, the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, Drift 82 and Off Key Tikki.
• This year’s theme is A Cartoon Christmas. The theme is optional.
• This is the 25th annual boat parade in Patchogue.
Visit the GreaterPatchogue.com often for more great events.
Top: Lisa Harden-Stone file photo from the 2017 boat parade. Click below for more.
Patchogue’s Christmas Holiday Boat Parade rings in the holiday season
