Looking for a unique, free way to see the Christmas lights in San Diego this holiday season?

Consider attending the Parade of Lights holiday boat parade!

The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights runs Sunday, December 14 and Sunday, December 21, 2025, starting around 5:30 PM both nights. Boats are decorated to the theme (“An Out of This World Christmas”) and they cruise about a 90-minute route, starting at Shelter Island and ending at the Ferry Landing at Coronado. It’s a spectacular celebration to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the magic of the season in San Diego with friends and family.

What is The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?

The Parade of Lights is a long-standing community tradition: dozens of private and club boats are decorated with holiday lights and travel the bay in procession. You can expect music, crowds, a visit from Santa Claus, and fireworks at some viewing points. It attracts over 100,000 people to the waterfront to watch the parade and enjoy the festivities.

The Port of San Diego and local tourism groups run various holiday events along the Embarcadero and in Coronado, including food vendors, family activities, “December Nights on the Bay” listings, and harbor tours. Many waterfront businesses and hotels offer special packages and viewing parties. Flagship and other harbor cruise operators run narrated Parade cruises for people who want reserved seats on a larger boat.

Parade Route & Best Places to See the Boats

The parade starts at Shelter Island (~5:30 PM) with the procession moving past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero (downtown), Seaport Village / Cesar Chavez Park, and then finishing near Coronado Ferry Landing.

Arrival times at each spot are approximate, and the parade usually takes ~1–1.5 hours. Announcers are positioned near the Maritime Museum (Embarcadero) and Coronado Landing, where they’ll describe participating boats as they pass.

For skippers or participants on boats in the parade — the official skipper notice contains the exact starting line, parade direction, and safety/communications (VHF) instructions — if you plan to be on the water as part of the parade or nearby, read that PDF/notice carefully.

Best Places to Watch the Parade of Lights from Land

  • Shelter Island — Parade starts here; great if you want to see the decorated boats as they begin. Pros: wide views, park areas; Cons: can be crowded and windy.

  • Harbor Island — Excellent viewpoints looking toward downtown; good for photos as boats move out from Shelter Island.

  • The Embarcadero / Maritime Museum / Seaport Village — Central, lively, and where announcers call the boats; you’ll get narration and close-up views against the downtown skyline. Arrive early to secure a spot near the waterline.

  • Cesar Chavez Park (Pier) — Natural vantage point; quieter than Seaport Village but still close to the action.

  • Coronado Ferry Landing / Coronado Shores — Great finishing views and often less windy; perfect spot if you want to combine the parade with Coronado’s holiday activities.

Practical shore tips:

  • Arrive 1–2 hours early for prime shoreline seating and parking. Bring blankets, chairs, jackets, and a flashlight. Expect festive vendors near Seaport Village and the Embarcadero. Public transit/ride-share is recommended—parking near the Embarcadero and Shelter Island fills quickly.

Boat Charters to See the San Diego Holiday Boat Parade on the Water

Options:

  • Book a narrated Parade cruise (commercial operator) — easiest, most comfortable: you board a large, licensed vessel with seating, restrooms, and narration. Popular providers run special Parade cruises that depart before the parade and follow the route.

  • Rent a private boat and watch from the water — more private and customizable (see the Getmyboat section below). If you rent, strongly consider hiring a licensed captain unless someone in your party is experienced with night navigation and local rules.

Boat Parade 1

Safety & etiquette on the water:

  • Stay outside the official parade lane unless you are an authorized parade participant. Organizers publish the parade channel and rules — respect the no-wake zones and keep a safe distance from the boats in the parade.

  • Nighttime navigation: make sure all running lights work, have charts/GPS onboard, keep your VHF radio tuned to the event channel, have life jackets for everyone, and a charged phone.

  • If in doubt, take a commercial Parade cruise — they’re licensed, guided, and follow the parade route legally and safely.

How to Rent a Boat for the Parade of Lights with Getmyboat

  1. Decide your experience level & party size. Options range from small powerboats and pontoons (good for smaller groups) to large captained yachts (best for larger groups or if you want someone else to drive). Getmyboat lists a wide range of San Diego vessels.

  2. Search and filter. On Getmyboat’s San Diego listings, you can filter by boat type, price, capacity, and — crucially — captained vs bareboat. For a nighttime parade on a busy bay, strongly prefer a captained option unless you’re an experienced local skipper.

  3. Message the owner/host before booking. Confirm the pickup location, parade-time availability, and whether the host is comfortable navigating the Parade area. Make sure to ask about life jackets, lighting, restroom access, and any additional fees (fuel, cleaning, docking).

  4. Confirm safety & documentation. Review the rental’s safety checklist and required documents (IDs, signed waiver, proof of competency if bareboat).

  5. Book early. Parade nights are extremely popular—commercial cruises and private charters sell out well in advance. Book weeks or months ahead for larger boats.

  6. Day-of checklist. Arrive early at the marina, run through the host’s pre-departure safety inspection, confirm the VHF channel for parade communications, and review the plan for watching the parade without entering the official parade lane.

Practical Tips & Transportation Advice

  • Transit & parking: Use the Coronado ferry, trolleys, or a ride-share to avoid the stress of parking. If you drive, expect to walk a considerable distance from parking lots to shoreline viewing spots.

  • Weather: San Diego is mild but can be breezy and cool at night—bring layers, blankets, and a warm beverage. Check the parade’s social feeds for last-minute weather updates or cancellations.

  • Photography: Be sure to arrive early for clear, unobstructed views; use a tripod or set your phone camera to night/long-exposure modes for the best images of the lit boats and skyline.

  • Accessibility: many waterfront parks and piers have accessible viewing areas—check individual venues (Seaport Village, Embarcadero) for ADA access details.

What to Bring to the Parade of Lights

  • Warm clothes + blanket, portable chairs (if viewing on land)

  • Snacks or cash for vendors (some viewing sites have food trucks)

  • Tickets/boarding confirmations for any commercial Parade cruises

  • Transit plan or parking spot reservation

  • Camera or phone fully charged

Safety Considerations

If you’re on the water, prioritize safety and follow the parade organizers’ and Port of San Diego’s instructions — keep well clear of the parade lane unless you are an authorized participant. Nighttime, crowded waterways require caution: life jackets for all, clear communications (VHF), and a conservative, non-intrusive viewing distance.

In Summary

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a wonderful way to see Christmas lights and enjoy kicking off the holiday season in Southern California. With many ways to enjoy as a spectator on land or to participate on the water with your own decorated boat, there’s something for everyone at this annual holiday event. Don’t miss your chance to experience the bayfront festivities in San Diego this season.