San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is Ready to Dazzle Spectators for 54th Year

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, one of San Diego's favorite holiday events, is just around the corner! As always, the community has two special opportunities to see San Diego Bay transformed by dozens of holiday themed vessels. The first opportunity is Sunday, December 8, 2024, followed by a second procession a week later on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The Port of San Diego proudly sponsors this free, family-friendly event.

For the 54th year, the boat parade will entertain nearly 100,000 spectators around the bay with another festive array of lit up and decorated vessels. Approximately 80 decorated boats and yachts will take part in the procession to reflect this year's theme, "Peace on Earth."

"The Port of San Diego is proud to sponsor the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights," said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "It's so important to continue to support such a beloved event that brings the community together to celebrate the holidays along our beautiful waterfront. It is my sincere hope that everyone has a safe and peaceful holiday season."

On both dates, the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Shelter Island. The route then proceeds to Harbor Island, the North and South Embarcadero areas, Cesar Chavez Park Pier, and ends at the Ferry Landing on Coronado. The entire procession takes about one-and-a-half to two hours.

Below are the approximate arrival times at each location:

• 5:30 p.m.: Shelter Island (start of parade)
• 6:15 p.m.: Harbor Island
• 6:45 p.m.: The Embarcadero
• 7:15 p.m.: Seaport Village
• 7:30 p.m.: The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park
• 7:45 p.m.: Coronado Ferry Landing

The best locations to take in this incredible event are Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Broadway Pier, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park and Pier, finally heading west and ending at the Coronado Ferry Landing. There is no cost to view the parade.

The parade is sponsored through the Port's Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP). The program supports special events that activate Port parks and other public spaces along the waterfront with new experiences and opportunities for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay. The Port has provided event sponsorships in some capacity since the 1990s. TAP was formalized in 2014 through Board of Port Commissioners Policy 771.

For more details on the parade and to view a map of the parade route, please visit sdparadeoflights.org.