SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Santa first appeared on one of the police boats leading the parade, and then later was seen with Mrs. Claus and a few of his reindeer further back in the parade.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

The annual Punta Gorda Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve Parade of Lights started at 6 p.m., winding in and around the Punta Gorda Isles canal system. Playing "Joy to the World," an unidentified angel rides on the front of this boat with other angels riding inside

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Capt. Jeffery Nelson and his crew ride the canals of Punta Gorda.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

A small lit palm tree leads the way for this boat.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Waiting for the start of the boat parade, Capt. Gary Gaddy and his crew enjoy the sunset.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Riding on the bow, a lone reindeer pulls Santa in his convertible.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

A large Christmas tree lit up one of the larger sailboats.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Krysta Benzenberg, Aya Yolvilai, Mykhal Matrullo and Scott Bahr Jr. found an empty lot to watch the boat parade.

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Someone is a fan of "A Christmas Story."

SUN PHOTO BY BETSY WILLIAMS

"Toyland" lit up Capt. Nick Miller's boat.