Join us for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, an annual time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community.The parade takes place on San Diego Bay with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated to a new theme each year. Held on two consecutive Sundays in December, the parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Whether you’re a participant or spectator, the Parade of Lights is a festive and delightful experience for all!
2014 Theme – Children’s Stories!
Parade Dates and Times
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is held two consecutive Sundays:
- Sunday, December 14, 2014
- Sunday, December 21, 2014
Approximate Times at Locations Around the Bay
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 PM
- Harbor Island: 6:00 PM
- The Embarcadero: 6:30 PM
- Seaport Village: 7:00 PM
- Ferry Landing on Coronado: 7:30 PM
Best Viewing Locations For those viewing the parade from the water, the best vantage point for viewing is where the parade turns west to Coronado, near the 10th Street Terminal. For those on land, try the north and south ends of the Embarcadero, as well as the pathway along Coronado, as these areas tend to be less crowded. Other excellent viewing points are the park behind Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Shelter Island. If you plan on viewing the parade from Harbor Island, get there early as available parking spaces fill up quickly.
Another place to view the parade is at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You can purchase a Parade of Lights Dinner ticket. Our annual fund-raising event is held aboard the Berkeley steam ferry. Complete with a holiday themed dinner and is a spectacular platform for viewing the Parade of Lights on the bay. Cash bar will also be available. Or you can purchase a general admission ticket. Enjoy watching the parade from any available ship & the floating pier. Our floating pier will also host a cash bar for your enjoyment, a fantastic place to watch the Parade! After 6pm Parade of Lights special pricing, entry tickets for parade viewing are $10.00, children age 12-3 are $8.00, at the museum ticket booths only. Click here for more information.
Since the Berkeley is the judging platform for the Parade of Lights awards, this event is typically a sell-out and its popularity has grown over the years. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, while supporting the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Your Parade of Lights Dinner ticket includes:
• Paid admission to the Maritime Museum, explore our historic collection of ships while you’re at the party or before.
• One of the best views of the Parade on San Diego Bay.
• Seasonal Music.
• Catered Holiday dinner.
Just a few details. Dinner served from 5pm-7pm only. The parade hours are approximately 6:30pm to 8:30pm, based on the number of boats. You are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the museum before dinner, just go to the white Information Booth in front of the Berkeley ferryboat for an admission hand stamp. The Parade of Lights check-in starts at 4pm, doors open 5pm. The Parade of Lights check-in table is located inside the Berkeley. After dinner, you are welcome to view the boat parade from the upper deck of the Berkeley or any other available ship.
Glassware, alcohol or your own chairs are not permitted.
