Holiday boat parades on the San Rafael Canal have been helping Marin families celebrate for more than 50 years.

Each year, thousands of spectators line the route to admire and shout holiday greetings to dozens of beautifully decorated, brightly lit boats as they pass.

This year the parade will again be led by Santa, aboard the San Rafael Police Boat the “Mission City.” He will be followed by boats filled with Holiday revelers. Parade watchers along both shores will exchange season’s greetings with boats, many of which will carry singers and be playing music.

The beneficiary of this year’s parade is the San Rafael Santa Cop Program, sponsored by the San Rafael Police & Fire Departments, the San Rafael Police & Fire Associations, and International Footprint Association Chapter 15. Their aim is to make the holidays a little happier for the many children who have no control over their own circumstances. Santa Cop also strives to create a positive bond between the Police, Fire and families that are part of the community they serve.

Rain or shine — The parade begins as boats converge at the east end of the San Rafael Canal, across from Pickleweed Park at 5:30 pm. The San Rafael police boat “Mission City” will emerge from the Marin Yacht Club marina to lead the parade. Boats will proceed east along the Canal to the Turning Basin behind Montecito Shopping Center, and back to Pickleweed Park.

Dress warmly and share in this wonderful, free, community holiday celebration.