As the sun set along the Christiansted boardwalk Saturday, the harbor came alive with light and celebration as the 2025 St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade made its way through Christiansted Harbor.
Thousands of community members and visitors lined the boardwalk, gathering to take in one of the island’s most cherished holiday traditions.
Founded in 1998 by a group of local boaters who wanted to bring Christmas spirit to Christiansted Harbor, the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season. Each year, families, friends, and visitors fill the boardwalk to celebrate, creating a festive atmosphere that stretches from the restaurant Rum Runners all the way to Fort Christiansvaern.
Vendors lined the streets selling food and merchandise, while nearby restaurants extended their hours to welcome the steady flow of attendees. The boardwalk was transformed into a lively gathering place, filled with laughter, music, and holiday cheer.
This year’s parade was nothing short of breathtaking, with more than 15 beautifully decorated boats illuminating the waters of Christiansted Harbor. Following the parade, the evening continued with an impressive drone show and a fireworks display that lit up the night sky, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The success of the event was made possible by the dedication of the parade’s organizers and participants. This year’s boat parade participants included co-chairs Trish Rhodes and Nadia Bougouneau, along with Willard John, Joel Ureta, David Jackson, Dean Andrews, Nancy Torres, and retired chairman Sal Sanpere, whose continued involvement reflects the strong community spirit behind the annual celebration.
