Have you heard of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights? Are you and the kids getting cabin fever during the chilly weather? Do you want to get outside and get in the holiday spirit? This super cute, easy evening has California written all over it! The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is free family fun for the holidays.
Photos and Video Provided Courtesy of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
50th Annual San Diego Boat Parade 2021 (Dec 12th & 19th)
www.sdparadeoflights.org
This year (2021) the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is on December 12th and 19th. It’s back after a hiatus last year and we couldn’t be more thrilled! At 5:30 pm both nights, the parade starts at Shelter Island then on to Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, ending at the Ferry Landing in Coronado.
Make sure to bundle up and depending on where you decide to check it out, you may want to bring along the hot cocoa and a blanket to avoid wet bottoms. Being on the coast means the evenings tend to make everything wet and perhaps breezy.
Themes for the Boat Parade
This year the theme is the twelve days of Christmas. In the past there was a tropical theme, pictured here. Another year the San Diego Zoo was front and center. This year for the anniversary it looks like we are going to see classic holiday decorations as part of their 50th celebration.
The Route and Schedule for the 2021 San Diego Boat Parade
This event is free and draws over 100,000 every year. With so many spots along the Big Bay, there should be a variety of parking options. Click here for a full list of parking options from the organizers. Below is the approximate time those festive boats cruise by particular locations along the bay.
Each year there is a theme so make a game of it and have the kids guess as the festive boats cruise on by. The 2018 theme was wrapped up in palm trees and this year will be super as well. Kids will marvel as they take in the music and lights.
Boat Parade Schedule in 2021
5:30 pm Shelter Island (start of parade)
6:00 pm Harbor Island
6:30 pm The Embarcadero
7:00 pm Seaport Village
7:15 pm The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park
7:30 pm The Ferry Landing on Coronado
Balboa Park During The Holidays
Typically, Balboa Park has a wonderful experience with music, crafts, food vendors and the atmosphere is definitely festive. Expect a post during the holiday season hopefully this unless health restrictions cancel the events.
You’ll find several posts on Balboa Park including one on the kids’ museums and another if you just want experience the architecture and gardens.
