Lights. Boats. Action. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns to our downtown waterfront for two magical nights this month, featuring 80+ boats decked out in dazzling holiday lights + decorations. Here’s how to navigate the big, free event, including prime viewing spots.

When is it?

🚤 Sun., Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
🚤 Sun., Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Can I take the Trolley?

Yes. All three lines of the San Diego MTS Trolley drop you off within a short walk of Harbor Drive. Take the Green Line to the Santa Fe Depot station or the Orange or Blue lines to the America Plaza station. Pro tip: on Sundays, up to two kids ages 12 and under can ride the Trolley for free with a fare-paying adult.

Remember, this holiday tradition draws big crowds — which means parking is tough (especially on Harbor Island).

This waterfront holiday tradition is just so San Diego. | Photo via Marv Sloben

Where are some great viewing spots?

The parade takes about an hour to pass any given point along the route, so the whole thing lasts about 2-3 hours. Here are the best spots to catch optimum views + the approximate times the boats will pass.

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

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in 2014.| Photo via Marv Sloben

The route goes from the south to north ends of Shelter Island, then Harbor Island, west to east, then west of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Berkeley ferry + the Star of India. Pro tip: you can buy a front-row ticket to view the parade from the Maritime Museum — which includes dinner.

After that, the route parallels the Embarcadero, goes past Seaport Village + the San Diego Marriott Hotel, and past Marina Park. The boats sail to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park, south across San Diego Bay to the Marriott Coronado Hotel. The final stretch heads west to the Coronado Ferry Landing and wraps up at Buoy 22A.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has been going on for 50 years. | Photo via Marv Sloben