December Stay in Lantana Near the Holiday Boat Parade
Tue Jul 28 2026
December stays in Lantana, Florida
If you are thinking about a coastal getaway in Palm Beach County later this year, December brings one of the easiest local events to build a trip around: the Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The 2026 parade is scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, with the event beginning at 6:00 p.m., and the parade forming at 6:30 p.m. near the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana before traveling south along the Intracoastal toward Delray Beach. That makes Lantana an especially convenient place to stay if you want holiday atmosphere without a packed big-city weekend. Official holiday boat parade information
For travelers looking for a relaxed base, Barefoot Mailman Inn & Suites offers an easy fit with the area’s laid-back pace. This 22-room retreat in Lantana has an Old Florida feel, tropical landscaping, garden walkways, and a peaceful setting close to both the beach and the Intracoastal. With room types that range from efficient queen and king rooms to suites with living areas, kitchenettes, and full kitchens, it works well for a simple weekend trip or a longer seasonal stay.
Why this event works so well for a Lantana trip
Some holiday events require long drives, parking stress, or a full day of planning. This one does not. The parade route itself connects directly to Lantana’s waterfront area, and official event information notes that the boats gather by the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana before heading south. In other words, you can plan a stay that keeps you close to the action while still enjoying quiet downtime earlier in the day.
The same official page also lists viewing options at waterfront parks and restaurants along the route, plus timing estimates for bridge delays later in the evening. If you want the simplest approach, staying in Lantana lets you enjoy the local waterfront first, then head to your viewing spot without turning the night into a long commute. Parade route and viewing details
An easy one-night or two-night plan
Day one: arrive and keep it simple
Check in, settle into your room, and take advantage of the coastal setting nearby. Barefoot Mailman Inn & Suites is well placed for visitors who want access to Lantana Public Beach, Bicentennial Park, the local fishing pier, and the town’s waterfront side. If your idea of a good trip is more walk, less rush, this part of town is ideal for that.
Later, head toward the Intracoastal for the parade. If you like planning ahead, the Boynton Beach CRA recommends the marina as the official watch location, but it also notes there are many viewing areas along the route, including spots in and around Lantana. View official watch information
Day two: enjoy the slower side of town
One of the best things about choosing Lantana for a December stay is that you do not need to overpack the schedule. The Town of Lantana promotes year-round community events through its official Enjoy Lantana! program, centered on the town’s parks, beach area, and seaside character. Even when you are visiting for one major event, the town itself supports a slower, outdoorsy rhythm that many travelers are actually looking for. Town of Lantana events page
You can spend the next morning near the beach, stop by Bicentennial Park, or simply enjoy a more unhurried start before continuing on to other Palm Beach County stops. If you prefer staying local, that works too.
Stay close to the water in Lantana
A lot of South Florida trips become better when they get simpler. Instead of hopping between distant stops, you can stay near the beach, enjoy a real local holiday event on the Intracoastal, and keep the rest of the trip easy. For travelers searching for a hotel near Lantana Beach, a place to stay near the Lantana waterfront, or a December getaway in Palm Beach County, Barefoot Mailman Inn & Suites offers a comfortable base with local character and flexible room options.