21st Annual Mystic Holiday Lighted Boat Parade This Weekend

MYSTIC, CT — The 21st Annual Mystic Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is Saturday, and Town of Groton police have issued a traffic advisory.

The parade will include the arrival of Santa by tugboat and the lighting of the Mystic River Park Christmas tree on the Stonington side of the Mystic River.

The downtown Mystic area is expected to see many spectators on both sides of the Mystic River, which will also bring a significant increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Visitors are advised that the Mystic Drawbridge will be raised at approximately 5:55 p.m. to allow the boat parade to travel south on the Mystic River to the Mystic River Park and allow spectators to watch the boats pass by. The drawbridge will then be lowered at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Heavy traffic congestion should be expected in the following areas of the Groton side of Mystic prior to, during, and immediately after the event:

• West Main Street, Mystic. Please note that traffic on West Main Street (Route 1) will only be allowed to flow west bound at the end of the parade until traffic is decreased to an appropriate degree.
• Water Street, Mystic
• New London Road, Mystic
• Pearl Street, Mystic
• Gravel Street, Mystic
• Water Street, Mystic
• High Street, Mystic

The Groton Police Department reminded drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant and safe when traveling in the downtown Mystic during this event.

"We also ask for your continued support to ensure we provide a safe and fun environment for all spectators," police said in a statement.