The Annual San Diego Bay Parade Of Lights Returns For Its 53rd Year!

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 53rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during 2 evenings on December 10 and December 17, 2023.

80 boats, 100,000 visitors

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 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 will follow the predetermined parade route.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Route

The parade takes approximately one hour to one and a half hours to pass any given point along the parade route. The approximate arrival time of the parade at various locations are:

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

Whether a participant or spectator, the Parade of Lights is a festive and delightful experience for all! Bring a hot toddy and get there early to get a good view!

For more information, visit the website here and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

See you there, San Diego!