Watch a flotilla of festively decorated boats illuminate the Petaluma River Turning Basin. Individual boaters and the local yacht clubs join in the Lighted Boat Parade every year. Boats aglow with colored lights and holiday decorations start from the Petaluma Marina at dusk (about 5:30 p.m.) to sail into the Historic Downtown Harbor against the darkening sky.
The flotilla remains on view all night long in the Turning Basin. Following the Lighted Boat Parade, visitors and local residents mingle in Historic Downtown, gathering to dine, drink hot chocolate, snack and enjoy the remainder of the evening entertaining themselves at the many nearby restaurants & clubs.