Saturday, November 29, 2025
Santa Arrives By Tugboat
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Santa Claus is coming to town aboard Cross Sound Ferry's Tug Boat, the John Paul. Bring your children to see Santa arrive and spend time by the Mystic River Park Christmas tree, telling Santa what they want for Christmas. There will be picture opportunities with Santa and Christmas themed items, Carolers and a few surprises!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Join us at Mystic River Park to Officially Light the Mystic Christmas Tree for this 2024 Christmas Season.
Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 6:15 PM
Spectators and passersby line both sides of the Mystic River to watch as decorated boats pass by in the 22nd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Interested in showcasing your boat for the Lighted Boat Parade. Participation is open to the public and only requires a toy donation to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center which will be on site the day of.
Come and see as decorated vessels parade down the Mystic River just after 6PM and return to the Mystic River Park, where spectators and judges gather. Boats are judged on creativity and team spirit, with prizes offered in five categories: 'Most Charismatic Crew', 'Innovative Vessel', 'Best Dressed Vessel', 'Most Holiday Spirit' and 'Miss Mystic Vessel of Grandeur'.
Is your boat still in the water through the holiday season? Decorate your vessel and participate in the 2025 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Email info@mysticchamber.org for registration and more details.
For Everyone's Safety, Please keep your smaller water crafts including paddleboards, kayaks and Jet Skis Home for this event.
WHERE TO WATCH THE PARADE IN MYSTIC
Mystic Seaport Museum
Celebrate the season with the annual Lighted Boat Parade on the Mystic River, viewed from the grounds of Mystic Seaport Museum on Saturday, November 29. Organized by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, this beloved holiday tradition features festively decorated vessels parading past the Museum’s waterfront.
Bring a chair, find your spot along the river, and enjoy a perfect view of the parade. Seasonal treats and hot beverages will be available for purchase to keep you warm and in the holiday spirit.
Doors open at for this event at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6:15 p.m. This program is free for Museum Members and for visitors already admitted during the day. For non-Members arriving after 5:00 p.m., tickets are $10 per person. Please enter through the South Entrance.
Gravel Street
Gravel Street will close by 6pm to allow for people to gather on the road to view the Parade. We ask that you please stay on the pavement and keep off of people's grass and docks.
Mystic River Park
On the Dock at the Park has limited viewing and can be crowded.
Thanks to Mystic Seaport Museum for their continued support and being a true community partner. We would not be able to manage the water aspect of the Lighted Boat Parade with out the support of the Seaport.
A special thank you to Adam Wronowski and his Company Thames Towboat Co., for transporting Santa on the Tugboat, Jean Paul.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Parking Lots
Mystic Seaport Museum South Lot
50 CT-27
FREE
Mystic Museum of Art
15 1/2 Water Street
PAID
Seaport Marine
2 Washington St
PAID- $30 All Day
Closest to Event
Mystic Parking LLC
1 Pearl Street
PAID
Union Baptist Church
119 High St.
PAID