FREE to the public. The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights from December 14-December 18, 2016. The parade starts at Collins Island at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half hours over 250 ships participate in the parade along with hundreds of water front estates. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. FREE for spectators, entry fee for participating boats. Over 1 million people view the parade each year.