Cheat Sheet: The Christmas Holiday Boat Parade is tonight

Patchogue’s annual Christmas Holiday Boat Parade pushes off tonight on Patchogue River.

Here’s a few things to know before heading down:

• The boats, close to 30 in all hailing from across the South Shore, start making their way up Patchogue River at 6 p.m.

• The (free) public spots for families to view the parade include (click for maps and directions): Sandspit Park, Beach & Marina, the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal and the Davis Park Ferry Terminal.

• Families will typically begin arriving to the parks after 4 p.m.

• Riverfront restaurants open for the parade include (click for websites): The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille, Off Key Tikki, Harbor Crab Co. and On the Waterfront.

• There’s live music at all the public viewing locations and the restaurants.

• It takes about an hour for the boats to sail up and down the river.

• There’s no voting. The people’s choice ballots were cast Saturday night at an Off Key Tikki preview event. The judges will declare Sunday’s winners.

• This year’s theme is A Very Disney Christmas. The theme is optional.

• This is the 22nd annual boat parade in Patchogue.

• Depending on the weather, it’s estimated up to 5,000 people make their way to the riverfront.

• This is a rain-or-shine event.

Visit our calendar often for more great events.

Photo from Saturday night’s preview event at Off Key Tikki. (Michael White)