San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

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 54th annual parade promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during two evenings in 2024: December 8 and December 15. Participants in this year’s holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme: Peace on Earth.

The 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 sixth 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.

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