Celebrate the Holidays with the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Contact: Kelley Lieberman, 619.643.0154, klieberman@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego is a proud sponsor of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights taking place on Sunday, December 14, 2025 and Sunday, December 21, 2025.
As one of San Diego’s favorite holiday traditions for 55 years, the dazzling boat parade welcomes more than 100,000 spectators to San Diego's bayfront to witness around 80 boats, yachts and other vessels decorated in the spirit of this year’s theme, “An Out of this World Christmas.”
“The Port is proud to support this iconic event every year and welcome all to experience the magic of the holidays along our waterfront,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a favorite tradition that helps bring people together to highlight our amazing boating community and celebrate the joys of the season.”
On both dates, the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Shelter Island. The route then 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 one hour to one-and-a-half hours to pass through any given point along the route.
Below are the approximate arrival times at each location:
- 5:30 p.m.: Shelter Island (start of parade)
- 5:45 - 6:15 p.m.: Harbor Island
- 6:20 - 6:45 p.m.: Seaport Village
- 6:50 - 7:15 p.m.: The Embarcadero
- 7:20 - 7:30 p.m.: The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park
- 7:40 p.m.: Coronado Ferry Landing
Viewers are encouraged to arrive early. The best locations to take in this incredible event are Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Broadway Pier, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park and Pier, finally heading west and ending at the Coronado Ferry Landing. There is no cost to view the parade.
The parade is sponsored through the Port’s Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP). The program supports special events that activate Port parks and other public spaces along the waterfront with new experiences and opportunities for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay. The Port has provided event sponsorships in some capacity since the 1990s. TAP was formalized in 2014 through Board of Port Commissioners Policy 771.
For more details on the parade and to view a map of the parade route, please 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 23 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.