Photos courtesy of Marv Sloben Photography

The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: December 14 and December 21, 2025

2025 Theme:  AN OUT OF THIS WORLD CHRISTMAS

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 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during 2 evenings on  December 14 and December 21, 2025. Participants in this year’s highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme.

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 7th 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 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade  route.

Please send questions or comments to sdparadeoflights@gmail.com.

The parade takes approximately one  hour to one and a half hours to pass any given point along the parade route. 

PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY AS IT GETS CROWED AT THE TOP LOCATIONS.

The APPROXIMATE arrival time of the parade at various locations are:

• Shelter Island (start of parade)   5:30 p.m.
• Harbor Island                                 5:45 –  6:15 p.m.
• Seaport Village                                6:20 – 6:45 p.m.
• The Embarcadero                            6:50 – 7:15 p.m.
• The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park     7:20 – 7:30 p.m.
• Ferry Landing on Coronado          7:40 p.m.

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