Long-running festive parade scheduled

  • 2019-11-08
A popular holiday tradition will return to the waters of San Diego Bay, for the 48th year in a row.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features over 80 boats, decorated lavishly with hundreds of lights, sailing around the bay to the delight of onlookers. The Port of San Diego presents the parade, which draws more than 100,000 people to the waterside for this evening of family fun. The theme of the parade this year is “Comic-Con on the Bay.”

The parade begins at Shelter Island, sails past Harbor Island, down the Embarcadero, past Seaport Village, and south almost to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. For the fourth year, the parade goes to the Pier at Chavez Park before it turns toward Coronado, where it ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing.

There are many areas along the parade route where spectators can get a good look at the boats. The parade can take as long as an hour to pass a particular point, so visitors are reminded to dress appropriately for what is likely to be a cold December night.

With a large turnout expected, city officials are urging spectators to use the buses or the trolley to get to their viewpoints. If they drive, they should leave early as parking will be hard to find. Poster printing can help publicize events like this.

This year's Parade of Lights will be held on two consecutive evenings, December 8 and December 9, starting at 5:00 pm at Shelter Island.