11/20/2025
Two Lighted Boat Parades Coming To Lake Anna
Lake Anna, Va. - Lovers of Christmas lights and Lake Anna will be thrilled to note there are two lighted boat parades scheduled for back-to-back weekends this year.
The Cove at Lake Anna Restaurant will hold their annual lighted boat parade Saturday, November 29 and the Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP) has announced the return of their annual lighted boat parade on Saturday, December 6, 2025, a beloved holiday tradition that lights up Lake Anna with festive creativity and community spirit.
Both parades will feature a nighttime event with boats decorated for the holidays.
The parade departing from The Cove will begin at 6 pm directly after their annual Christmas tree lighting. Potential participants are encouraged to register at www.thecovelka.com;
scroll down to the Event of the Boat Parade on the website and click on it, it will state “RSVP” and it will then ask for your name and email. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third place.
The Lake Anna Business Partnership parade will begin at Tim’s at Lake Anna Restaurant & Crabhouse around 5:15 pm, where participating boats will line up and set sail, dazzling spectators with holiday lights and decorations. The illuminated procession will make its way across the lake, concluding at the Lake Anna Taphouse at approximately 7:15 pm, where final judging and winner announcements will take place.
LABP Director and event lead Steve McCormick leads coordination efforts for the LABP parade, working closely with Spotsylvania EMS, Louisa EMS and other partners to ensure a safe and well-organized event for both participants and spectators.
McCormick is also assembling a parking crew to help manage traffic flow at the Taphouse, where hundreds of spectators are expected to gather, including the LABP Santa Claus who will greet families & guests starting around 5pm.
The Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP) encourages homeowners, HOAs, and vacation rental hosts along the parade route to join the fun by hosting holiday viewing parties. Gather friends, family, or neighbors and enjoy a festive evening watching the illuminated boats glide by. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, show community spirit, and give parade participants a lively audience cheering them on from every cove and shoreline.
Vendor Village and Festivities
A Vendor Village will be set up at the Lake Anna Taphouse from 2 pm – 6 pm, featuring local artisans, small businesses and community organizations. Vendor set-up will begin at 12:30 pm, with booths closing after 6 pm. Limited spaces are available, so interested parties should register early and reserve their space.
“The Lighted Boat Parade is one of the most anticipated holiday events on Lake Anna,” said LABP President Ronda Guill. “It’s a beautiful way to bring our community together to celebrate the season and showcase local creativity, hospitality, and holiday cheer.”
This event is made possible through the cooperation of local businesses, volunteers, and community partners dedicated to fostering the Lake Anna spirit of unity and celebration.
This year, including bragging rights for the top three winners, there are amazing cash prizes up -$500 for third place, $750 for second place and an astounding $1,000 for the grand prize winner.
For event updates, vendor registration, and participant information, please visit https://visitlakeanna.org/2025-lake-anna-lighted-boat-parade/
Contact: Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP) www.VisitLakeAnna.org
Vendor Application: https://forms.gle/vMTZFKvSTgX3W64n7
