On Saturday, November 30, the annual Flotilla for Toys Boat Parade of Lights will take place on Smith Mountain Lake from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A beloved tradition at SML, this unique toy drive lights up the lake with a parade of boats, all decked out for the holidays in glittering style. Smith Mountain Lake boat owners have really gotten creative with this fun and festive display, making the boat parade truly a sight to see.
Flotilla for Toys is a joint venture with Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina and the Lake Christian Ministries.
Be on board for the parade
For those who want to join the festivities but don’t own a boat, you can contribute to the toy drive and enjoy a two-hour cruise on the lead boat. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for kids under 25, and include the evening cruise, hors d’oeuvres, assorted cookies, and holiday punch. See the Virginia Dare website for contact and ticket purchase information.
Have a boat? Parade with us!
Smith Mountain Lake is proud to operate the Flotilla for Toys with respect and consideration for SML residents and the community. The parade is accompanied by Smith Mountain Lake Fire Boats for your safety, and all boat captains who’d like to join the parade must attend a mandatory captain’s meeting, and bring an unwrapped toy to donate for the drive.
Get more information on how to register your boat in the Flotilla for Toys boat parade. We look forward to seeing you!
Parade route
The Flotilla for Toys departs from the Virginia Dare Marina at 7 p.m. on November 30. From there, we cruise to Halesford Bridge at Bridgewater Plaza, arriving around 8 p.m. Then it’s a circle around the Smith Mountain Lake State Park before we head back to port at the marina.
Catch this dazzling display from the shore, or get your tickets now to ride in the parade!