The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Coming Up!

The 2025 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights holiday boat parade will feature 80+ festively-decorated boats lighting up the night along the San Diego Bay.

Key Takeaways

The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will take place on December 14th & again December 21st, 2025, on the beautiful San Diego Bay.
What is the parade route? The parade starts at 5:30pm at Shelter Island, passing by Harbor Island, Seaport Village, & many other areas.
Where are the best viewing locations? The north and south ends of the Embarcadero, pathway along Coronado, & park behind Seaport Village.

By Kristina Cappetta

Last Updated on
Dec 18, 2025

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Coming Up!

Counting Down to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Holiday Boats on the Bay!

San Diego Parade of Lights Boat with Santa

Submarine the Californian and the Star of India

If you're anything like me, looking at holiday lights is one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season.

And when it comes to San Diego, nothing says holiday time quite like the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, which is about to sail into town this weekend!

Many Boats at the San Diego Parade of Lights

What is the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is the city's annual holiday boat parade featuring dozens of holiday-decorated boats in the San Diego Bay. The festive nautical event is a procession of holiday cheer like no other. Each year has a theme, and this year it is "An Out of This World Christmas".

While I won't be able to attend, I know our founder Todd is hoping to go with his family. He and I share a love for boats, so I know he doesn't want to miss this! Plus, this is a FREE event, which is just another reason why it's among our list of the Best Holiday & Christmas Events in San Diego!

When is the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in 2025?

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will take place on December 14th, 2025, and December 21st, 2025. The procession will start at 5:30pm from Shelter Island and follow a predetermined route.

I noticed there is a detailed map on the event site that highlights the route so you can pick your viewing area. I would definitely take a look before you go so you can find the best spot.

Spoiler alert…I'm going to share some of the best viewing spots in just a minute!

Arrive Early for Prime Viewing Spots

Locals know that Harbor Island parking fills up fast during the parade. Get there at least an hour early to snag a spot, or head to the less crowded north Embarcadero or Cesar Chavez Park for easier parking and great views of the illuminated boats sailing by.

Parade Schedule & Special Viewing

Sun just went down on Shelter Island Looking Towards Downtown

You'll want to pick the best viewing location so you can see all of the boats as they sail by!

Parade Schedule & Route

Have a look at the 2025 timeline so you can make sure you arrive before the boat parade sails by.

Shelter Island (start of parade at the south end of Shelter Island): 5:30 pm
Harbor Island: 5:45pm – 6:15pm
Seaport Village: 6:20pm – 6:45pm
The Embarcadero: 6:50pm – 7:15pm
The Pier at Cesar Chavez: 7:20pm – 7:30pm
Ferry Landing on Coronado: 7:40pm

The parade heads west towards the Coronado Bridge to the Coronado Ferry Landing and finishes at buoy 22a.

Special Viewing & Dinner!

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is hosting this year's Parade of Lights Dinner aboard the Victorian-era 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley. They've posted the menu, and it includes ham, apple cider, and so many other delicious foods!

If you're interested, I'd suggest that you make your reservation ASAP, because the 21st is already sold out. As of the time of writing, the 14th still has space available. Dinner both nights starts at 5:00pm with tickets costing $70 for adults and $35 for kids 6-17. Kids 5 and younger are free.

If you don't want to go to dinner and just want to watch the Parade of Lights from the Star of India, tickets are $15.00 per person. This event starts at 5:30pm.

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Getting There & Parking

Downtown San Diego Fred Electric Shuttle

Parking could be a little tight depending on where you go to watch, but you'll have plenty of options.

Where Should I Park?

I would try for the free parking at Harbor Island and Shelter Island first.

If not, there are metered spaces along Harbor Drive and in the parking lot in front of Fish Market restaurant north of Seaport Village. You'll also find paid parking at Seaport Village and Allright Parking at Broadway & Harbor Drive.

What About Public Transportation Options?

San Diego Trolley service will get you within a short walk of Harbor Drive. Check out the UC San Diego Blue Line or Green Line to Santa Fe Depot, or the Orange Line to Courthouse Station.

Don't forget, kids 12 and under ride for free with a fare-paying adult.

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Last-Minute Tips

Enjoying the Outdoor Lounge at the Intercontinential San Diego

I think one of the biggest things to keep in mind is where you're going to have the best view of the boats, don't you agree?

Best Viewing Spots

Some little birdies (or locals that have been to the boat parade many times before) told me that the north and south ends of the Embarcadero and the pathway along Coronado are less crowded than many other spots.

The park behind Seaport Village and the new pier at Cesar Chavez Park often have lighter crowds and are also among the best spots.

Wherever you go, I'd just recommend that you get there early, especially at Harbor Island, because parking there can be tight.

Can I Watch the Parade From My Boat?

Since the parade route is restricted to the boats in the parade, I would stick to the land spots.

Personally, I can't wait to see all of the pictures of the parade and see which boat is the judges' pick for the best decorations!

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