To the tune of “Winter Wonderland,” please: Sail boats bling, are you listening? In the bay, the parade is glistening. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, watching along a waterfront wonderland.
The beloved San Diego Bay Parade of Lights presented by the Port of San Diego returns to downtown’s waterfront at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 + Sunday, Dec. 15.
The 54th annual tradition will feature a procession of ~80 boats decked out in holiday lights and decorations — and this year’s theme is “Peace on Earth” (in 2023, it was “Christmas Traditions Around the World”).
Here’s how to navigate the big, free event — including prime viewing spots — so you can get your jollies.
A glimpse at the glowing procession in 2022, when the theme was “FantaSEA.”
Photo via @emilygrahamdalton + San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The route and spectator spots
The parade takes about an hour and a half to pass any given point along the route. You should be able to see the boats from land at these points at these approximate times:
- Shelter Island | 5:30 p.m. | The parade begins here, at the south end.
- Harbor Island | 6:15 p.m. | The route proceeds from the west to east end.
- The Embarcadero | 6:45 p.m. | The boats will go past the Maritime Museum of San Diego — including the Star of India — then parallel the Embarcadero to Tuna Harbor Park.
- Seaport Village | 7:15 p.m. | The parade continues past the landmark and the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
- The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park | 7:30 p.m. | Pro tip: The judging of the parade boats will take place at the pier near the park. The route then turns south to cross the bay to the Marriott Coronado Hotel.
- Coronado Ferry Landing | 7:45 p.m. | The boats will head west, finishing at buoy 22a.
In all, the procession will take ~2 hours.
This year’s parade takes place on Sunday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 18.
Photo via Marv Sloben Photography
Public transit and parking
This holiday tradition typically draws 100,000+ spectators, which means parking around the waterfront will be at a premium. Consider taking a rideshare to one of the viewing spots, or take the Trolley.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) three Trolley lines will drop off riders at Santa Fe Depot (Blue and Green lines) or the Courthouse Station (Orange line), both a short walk from Harbor Drive.
This festive parade along the waterfront is just so San Diego.
Photo via Marv Sloben Photography
MTS says these locations near the parade route are also accessible by Trolley (you’ll then have to walk a little to get to a viewing spot):
- Seaport Village | Via Green Line
- Gaslamp Quarter | Via Green Line
- San Diego Convention Center | Via Green Line
- 12th + Imperial | Via all three Trolley lines
- Barrio Logan | Via UC San Diego Blue Line
By the way, on Sundays — so, parade days — two kids ages 12 or under ride free on the MTS Trolley or bus with each paid adult.
The boat parade usually features about 80 vessels, trimmed to the nines.
Photo via Marv Sloben Photography
In terms of parking, organizers say there is free but limited parking at Shelter and Harbor islands. You might also get lucky and snag a metered spot along Harbor Drive or in front of the Fish Market Restaurant. There is also a paid lot at Seaport Village, or you could search for paid parking in downtown San Diego and walk or take a rideshare to the shoreline.
Our final pro tips: Leave early so you can make your way to your viewing spot, expect traffic, bring a blanket or chair, and bundle up — it gets cold by the water this time of year for us San Diegans.
A shimmering snapshot from the 2022 procession.
Photo via @branchoutonalimb + San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Also, keep an eye on the parade’s website and Instagram feed, in case the weather takes a turn. In 2022, the first Sunday of the parade was canceled due to a storm — a rare occurrence for the event.
Oh, and if you have a boat and want to participate in the parade, check out this info — boats are awarded prizes based on their lights, music, special effects, and adaptation of the parade’s theme.
