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General Press Releases
Experiences

Brilliantly Bedecked Boats to Light up the Night in San Diego Bay Parade of Lights December 11 and 18

It will seem like a fantasy on San Diego Bay on Sunday, December 11 and Sunday, December 18 when the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights transforms the waterfront into a luminous lineup of sparkling boats. Approximately 80 vessels will take part in the parade, each decked out with lights and festive decorations that spotlight this year’s parade theme, “FantaSEA.”

The action starts at 5:30 p.m. both evenings at Shelter Island. The route proceeds to Harbor Island, the North and South Embarcadero areas, Cesar Chavez Park Pier, and ends at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The entire procession takes about two hours.

“The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is one of the region’s most anticipated holiday events,” said Chairman Dan Malcolm, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We’re proud to sponsor this parade, which brings residents and visitors together to celebrate the season and enjoy the beauty of San Diego Bay.”

This is the 52nd year of the parade, which the Port is sponsoring through its Civic Event Program that supports community-based events and activities around the waterfront in the Port’s five member cities.

On December 11, the Port is providing free bleacher seating on a first-come, first served basis at Broadway Pier. There will also be a shimmering selfie spot, and food and beverages available for purchase. At Cesar Chavez Pier, located in Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan, the Port will be offering free coffee, hot cocoa and cookies on both parade dates.

The parade can be viewed from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, the North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park and Pier and the Coronado Ferry Landing.

Please prepare ahead of time for parking and traffic. Additionally, the Port of San Diego Harbor Police remind attendees to be aware and alert of any suspicious activity and to contact the Harbor Police if any is witnessed. The possession of open alcoholic beverages is prohibited along the parade viewing area. Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems are also prohibited. 

In addition to the Port of San Diego, the parade is sponsored by the San Diego Working Waterfront, USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Bali Hai Restaurant, Marine Group Boat Works, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and more. Royal Caribbean Cruises is sponsoring the grand prize, which will be a cruise on one of its vessels.

For more details on the parade and to view a map of its route, visit sdparadeoflights.org.

 

About THE Port of San Diego

The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.

About Port of San Diego Experiences

Port of San Diego Experiences welcomes businesses, residents and visitors from across the globe to enjoy and prosper from our dynamic waterfront.

As a treasured destination, the Port provides unique opportunities to captivate visitors and ensure everyone is welcomed, connected and inspired by our beautiful waterfront.