San Diego’s signature holiday tradition returns to the waterfront, transforming the bay into a moving festival of color, music, and maritime creativity.
A Holiday Tradition on the Water
For more than five decades, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has marked the start of the holiday season with a spectacle found nowhere else in Southern California. Now in its 55th year, the parade brings together dozens of privately owned boats—each decorated from bow to stern in synchronized lights and themed displays—that glide across the bay after sunset.
What makes this event special isn’t just the scale of the decorations, but the setting itself. With the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, and working harbor as a backdrop, the parade captures the essence of San Diego: festive, coastal, and community‑driven.
How the Parade Works
Participating vessels line up along the bay and follow a designated route that allows spectators on both sides of the water to enjoy the show. Boats range from small sailboats to large yachts, all competing for top honors in categories such as best overall decoration, originality, and best use of lights.
The parade traditionally runs on two consecutive weekend nights, giving locals and visitors multiple chances to experience it. Each evening culminates with a slow, scenic procession that keeps the boats visible long enough for photos, cheers, and the occasional holiday sing‑along.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. There is no cost to view the parade.
2025 Parade Theme is Out of This World
The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade route.
The APPROXIMATE arrival time of the parade at various locations are:
- Shelter Island (start of parade) 5:30 p.m.
- Harbor Island 5:45 – 6:15 p.m.
- Seaport Village 6:20 – 6:45 p.m.
- The Embarcadero 6:50 – 7:15 p.m.
- The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park 7:20 – 7:30 p.m.
- Ferry Landing on Coronado 7:40 p.m.
Best Places to Watch (and Photograph)
One of the parade’s strengths is accessibility. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy it—just a good vantage point.
Popular viewing locations include:
- Seaport Village & the Embarcadero – Ideal for wide shots that include boats and skyline reflections.
- Shelter Island – A favorite for photographers, offering unobstructed views and calmer crowds.
- Coronado Ferry Landing – Perfect for capturing boats with Coronado lights in the background.
- Cesar Chavez Park – A relaxed setting with room to move and frame different angles.
For photography, arrive early to claim a spot and plan to shoot through blue hour, when the remaining daylight blends with the glow of the lights on the water.
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