Roughly 80 decorated boats will glide across San Diego Bay on two nights this December as the 56th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns, starting at 5:30 p.m. from Shelter Island and finishing at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The free spectacle is set for Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 2026, and this year's boats will carry the theme “Liberty Lights the Bay – Cheers to 250 Years.”
According to sdparadeoflights.org, the parade of roughly 80 lavishly decorated boats is free to watch, whether from a boat of your own or from the shore. The parade is a holiday tradition built around decked-out boats passing crowds along the bay. Once underway, the procession moves from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park before wrapping up in Coronado.
Timing Along the Route
The Embarcadero is listed at 6:45 p.m. Later in the evening, the fleet is projected to reach the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park between 7:20 and 7:30 p.m., with the final stretch arriving at the Ferry Landing on Coronado around 7:40 p.m. This marks the eighth year the parade has routed through the Cesar Chavez pier before making its turn toward Coronado.
For boaters hoping to place in the competition, the event's own rules require passing all three judges' towers to qualify for prizes. Registration remains open for boaters who want to join the procession, according to the organization.
Where to Watch From Shore
Organizers point to bayfront crowds and shore viewing for those without a boat of their own. Announcers will be stationed at the Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero and at Coronado Landing to narrate the passing fleet. The event draws a serious crowd — organizers say the parade typically brings more than 100,000 people to the shores of San Diego Bay each year.
For those hoping for a closer look from the water, Flagship Cruises is running its own on-bay options both nights. Its two-hour front-row viewing cruise boards at 4:30 p.m., departs at 5 p.m. and returns around 7:30 p.m., while a two-and-a-half-hour dinner cruise adds a gourmet plated meal, boarding champagne and live music alongside the parade views, according to Flagship Cruises.
Getting There and Parking
Organizers are encouraging visitors to arrive early because top locations become crowded. Visitors are also encouraged to consider public transit or rideshare.
