The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights transforms the city’s waterfront into a dazzling celebration! Each year, the local boating community goes all out, with dozens of vessels featuring festive light displays that reflect off the waters of the bay. With hot cocoa and warm blankets, locals gather along the shoreline to watch the beautiful parade. Below, you can find the ideal spot – and timing – for you.
This free, family-friendly event returns on December 13 and 20, 2026. This year’s theme is ‘Liberty Lights The Bay’ – a special celebration for America’s 250th birthday.
The parade follows a carefully planned route, beginning at Shelter Island and making its way past several iconic landmarks. It finishes across the bay in Coronado. Because this is one of the most anticipated events of the season, viewing spots fill up quickly. We highly encourage you to secure your spot well before the first boats appear.
Here’s the schedule and route:
- Shelter Island (start of parade): 5:30 PM
- Harbor Island: 5:40 – 6:10 PM
- Seaport Village: 5:50 – 6:20 PM
- The Embarcadero: 6:10 – 6:40 PM
- The Port Park and Pier in Barrio Logan: 6:40 – 7:10 PM
- Ferry Landing on Coronado: 7:10 – 7:40 PM
All listed arrival times are approximate. Whether you watch from the Embarcadero or the quieter stretches of Coronado, the parade will be one to remember. See you there with some holiday cheer!
