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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)