People Photos copyright 2018 Gigi Ebert. Boat Photos copyright 2018 Marv Sloben www.MarvPhoto.com

The 47th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The dates for 2018 are December 9 and December 16, 2018

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 47th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during the evenings of December 9 and 16, 2018. Participants in this year’s highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme, Tropical Island Christmas.

Presented by the Port of San Diego, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. There is no cost to view the parade.

This year, for the 3rd 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.

When: December 9 & 16, 2018

The procession will start at 5:00 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade route.

2018 Theme: Tropical Island Christmas

Whether a participant or spectator, the Parade of Lights is a festive and delightful experience for all!

Awards Presentation Dinner

The Awards Presentation dinner will be at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island on January 10, 2019 at 6pm. Your parade registration includes two tickets to the award presentation dinner that will be held at the door in your name. Additional Awards Banquet admission tickets are available for purchase online here for $35/each until January 1. After January 1, the cost will be $50. In the past, the Awards Dinner has filled to capacity.

The 47^th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will announce winners of the best decorated boats at the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights’ Awards Dinner held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse.

Win Incredible Prizes for Participating

Anyone can join the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (but you will need a boat to float upon)! Click here for Skippers Instructions and Online Signup Forms.

Cruises, 5 Star Hotel Stays and much more

Last year’s grand prizes were:
A luxury cruise package for two with Royal Caribbean.

Everyone who participates in both nights of the parade, passes both sets of judges and the southern mark by Chavez pier will be eligible to win prizes. There are dozens of other prizes donated from our sponsors that participants can win. Don’t miss the parade fun and a chance to win a great prize!

Presenting Sponsor

Awards Banquet Sponsor

A San Diego Local Favorite

Best of Parade Winner Testimonial

Come Join the Fun

Growing up in San Diego, the parade has always been one our family’s traditions over the holidays. Only once had we been guests on a boat in the parade and it was great fun! When we became boat owners, we couldn’t wait to enter.”

~ Jeanne & Devin Scott, 2012 ‘Best of Parade’ Winners

Join the parade - win fabulous prizes.

Show off your lighting talents to all of San Diego and win prizes for just participating.

You'll never find better odds of winning a fabulous prize while having so much fun!

Have a blast leisurely cruising your lit boat down San Diego Bay, and also get a chance to win the Grand Prize from Royal Caribbean Cruises, just for entering both nights. You can also win 5-star resort stays, local gift certificates, local hotel stays, and many other fabulous prizes. Join the parade today!