An Out Of This World Christmas
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Returns on December 14 and 21 for its 55th Celebration SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns for its 55th year this holiday season with an exciting new theme: “An Out Of This World Christmas.” Set to light up the bay on December 14 and 21, 2025, the parade invites everyone to experience the magic of the holidays with a fun and imaginative outer space twist.
This year’s theme encourages boaters and spectators to dream beyond the stars. Think of shimmering rocket ships, glowing alien elves, or Santa soaring through space. Whether you’re participating or just watching, it’s a chance to enjoy the season in a creative, one-of-a-kind way that’s sure to leave you starstruck.
The Parade of Lights is one of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions, drawing over 100,000 people each year to the waterfront. With dozens of boats decorated in stunning lights and designs, it’s a festive and memorable experience for the whole community. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on both nights and follows a beautiful route through San Diego Bay, starting at Shelter Island, moving past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Cesar Chavez Park, before heading under the Coronado Bridge and finishing near the Coronado Ferry Landing.
There are plenty of great spots along the parade route where spectators can enjoy the show for free. Viewers are encouraged to arrive early and take in the sights as the boats bring this year’s space-themed holiday to life. Boaters interested in participating can register starting in November at sdparadeoflights.org/join-the-parade/participant-info. The entry fee for private boats is $75 through November 25, and $100 after that date. Commercial boats may enter for $500. Whether you’re sailing a small vessel or a large yacht, all are welcome to be part of the show.
Creative boat designs that capture the spirit of “An Out Of This World Christmas” will be eligible for a variety of awards and prizes, so participants are encouraged to have fun and go all out with their decorations.
The parade also relies on volunteer perimeter boats to help guide the procession and keep it running smoothly. Experienced boaters interested in lending a hand can reach out to Bill Edwards at cdredwards@cox.net or 619-708-5047.
A big thank-you goes to the Port of San Diego, one of the main sponsors for the 55th San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Those interested in sponsoring the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights can contact Joni Geis at joni@boatlenderusa.com or 619-224-4466. For more information and parade details, visit sdparadeoflights.org.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored tradition brought to the San Diego Bay by the boating community. Each year, more than 80 lavishly decorated boats proceed around the San Diego Bay on two consecutive Sundays in December. For more information, please visit www.sdparadeoflights.org.