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Port-Sponsored Events

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is returning this holiday season, and the community has two special opportunities to see San Diego Bay transformed by dozens of holiday themed vessels. The Port of San Diego proudly sponsors this free, family-friendly event. No RSVP required.

When: 
Sunday, December 8, 2024 & Sunday, December 15, 2024
5:30 p.m. until end of procession (usually lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours)

Where:
The parade will begin at Shelter Island, then proceeds past Harbor Island, the North and South Embarcadero areas, Cesar Chavez Park Pier, and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Below are the approximate arrival times at each location:

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

What:

  • Approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats representing this year’s theme, “Peace on Earth.”
  • New this year at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, the San Diego Makers Arcade, sponsored by the Port of San Diego, will remain open on Sunday evening, December 8. Guests are invited to visit local makers’ booths and shop for unique handmade items, before the waterside boat parade starts.  Parade of Lights viewers can visit the Makers Arcade free after 3 p.m. on December 8. 
  • The Port of San Diego will provide complimentary cookies and warm drinks to the first 500 guests on both evenings at the Cesar Chavez Park Pier.
  • Other locations may have refreshments available for purchase and many Port tenant restaurants are accepting reservations for dinner specials and reserved seating during the parade.