Captiva Holiday Golf Cart Parade returns in 2026
The Captiva Civic Association (CCA) has announced that the Captiva Holiday Golf Cart Parade, a beloved Captiva tradition since 2010, will return in 2026, bringing its signature blend of holiday spirit, creativity and island fun back to the streets of Captiva.
What began as a simple idea to turn residents’ decorated golf carts into a community parade grew into one of the island’s most anticipated holiday celebrations. The original parade was the inspiration of then-Captiva resident Denice Beggs.
Interrupted by Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton and the subsequent rebuilding of the Captiva community, the parade will return on the afternoon of Dec. 5, 2026, kicking off the annual Luminary and F.I.S.H. music celebrations.
The inaugural “Light the Way” Golf Cart Parade drew approximately 50 decorated carts and quickly became an annual favorite, eventually becoming a festive kickoff to Captiva’s larger Luminary celebrations.
Over the years, elaborate lights, costumes, oversized decorations and the occasional plastic flamingo have helped give the parade its uniquely quirky Captiva character.
“Bringing back the Holiday Golf Cart Parade has been a CCA and community goal,” said CCA President Lisa Riordan. “Captiva residents and business representatives have already begun forming a planning committee and are working on plans. The parade route will be expanded to cover the entire village area and extend all the way to Tween Waters.”
The parade will begin and end at the CCA parking lot on Chapin Lane, where festivities will be held.
As in the past, official judges will select winners, with prizes awarded for the best-decorated carts.
Information on how to enter one or more golf carts will be available by mid-to late September and will be shared with the community.