SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A holiday tradition in San Diego, decked out boats pass crowds along San Diego Bay and compete for the best festive displays.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, and is free to watch from a boat or the shore. This year’s theme — Liberty Lights The Bay – Cheers To 250 Years.
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The parade route starts at Shelter Island, then heads past Harbor Island, Seaport Village, The Embarcadero, The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, ending at the Ferry Landing on Coronado.
This year, for the 8th time, the parade will continue to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, offering another viewing area.
The event typically brings more than 100,000 people to the shores of San Diego Bay. It is recommended to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
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Recommended viewing spots — the north and south ends of the Embarcadero, the pathway along Coronado, Seaport Village and the new pier at Cesar Chavez Park. You can also watch the parade from near the announcers’ areas at the Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero and at Coronado Landing…