It’s almost time for one of the most exciting holiday events of the year: the wonderful San Diego Bay Parade of Lights! This year, once again, over 80 beautifully decorated boats will attract more than 100,000 residents and visitors alike. Find a spot and enjoy the holiday-themed displays sail across the Bay on December 14 and December 21, 2025. It’s fun and free for all.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2025
As usual, participants need to decorate their boats according to the year’s theme. In 2025, that’s “An out of this world Christmas” – and we can’t wait to see what sailors come up with! Think aliens and more otherworldly fun.
Now in its seventh year, the parade will once again continue to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before turning toward Coronado, giving spectators an additional viewing spot. Starting at 5:30 PM each night, the route begins at Shelter Island and moves along Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and finally the Ferry Landing in Coronado.
The parade takes about an hour to pass any location, and there are plenty of comfortable waterfront areas to watch from. Because traffic and parking get busy, we advise that you plan ahead or take the trolley.
Want that extra commentary and additional insights on the participating boats? Announcers will be stationed at the Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero and at Coronado Landing, sharing brief histories and details about each boat as it passes. Find a place there to catch all the action.
Schedule and best viewing spots
For landlubber viewers, the north and south ends of the Embarcadero are great areas for viewing, as well as the pathway along Coronado as these areas tend to be less crowded. Another excellent viewing point is the park behind Seaport Village and the new pier at Cesar Chavez Park.
If you plan on watching the parade from Harbor Island, get there early and be aware that parking is very limited.
Here are the places-to-be, and the approximate time when the parade passes by. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, please arrive earlier.
- Shelter Island (Start) – approx. 5:30 PM
- Harbor Island – approx. 5:45 PM – 6:15 PM
- Seaport Village – approx. 6:20 PM – 6:45 PM
- The Embarcadero – approx. 6:50 PM – 7:15 PM
- Cesar Chavez Park Pier – approx. 7:20 PM – 7:30 PM
- Coronado Ferry Landing (End) – approx. 7:40 PM
Parking
Organizers recommend that you take the trolley or other forms of public transport. You can also park Downtown and utilize San Diego Pedicab service for transportation to the Embarcadero, where fares run about $1 per minute. Below are other parking options, if you need one either way:
- Metered Spaces along Harbor Drive
- Availability: Metered – 7 Days a week
- Allright Parking (Broadway & Harbor Dr.)
- Cost: Paid
- Seaport Village
- Cost: Paid
- Parking Lot in front of Fish Market Restaurant north of Seaport Village
- Availability: Metered
- Harbor Island
- Cost/Availability: Free but limited
- Shelter Island
- Cost/Availability: Free
Enjoy the festive, free parade! If you’d like to be part of it, register your boat here.