A quintessential winter activity that screams Southern California is the 53rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights that kicks off for two weekends each December. The two weekends before Christmas sees the boating community come together to create their own floating winter wonderlands, each decked out in a different way to encapsulate the year’s theme. This year’s theme is ‘Christmas Traditions Around the World.’
The boats are dressed up in lights like Maritime Christmas Trees as they sail the hour and a half long route along the coast for bayfront viewers. To see the Parade of Lights is completely free and according to their website, “this year, for the 6th time, the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade.”
The procession will start at 5:30pm and follow the predetermined parade route, with the schedule as follows below. The boats should be passing each location within the time specified below, approximately:
The event is free to attend, but as it’s quite popular, come early if you’re looking for a front-row spot.
Location: Shelter Island