If you’re looking a fun holiday date night or a group outing with friends or family, SoCal holiday boat parades are a great bet. The region has plenty of them — the Orange County Register recently published a full roundup — but two of my favorites are the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. Both feature brightly decorated boats, gorgeous harbor views and plenty of holiday cheer on an off the water.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights runs Sunday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 21. The parade launches from Shelter Island at about 5:30 p.m. and follows a route that moves past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Cesar Chavez Park pier. It finishes at Coronado Ferry Landing around 7:40 p.m. Expect roughly 70–80 vessels — everything from small yachts to larger boats — decked in lights and decorations that match this year’s theme, “An Out of This World Christmas.”
Best viewing spots include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero Marina Parks (north and south), Cesar Chavez Park Pier and Coronado Ferry Landing. If you want to be close to the action, consider a paid viewing option such as a dinner-and-parade package. For anyone shooting photos, find a spot with an open bay view so you can capture the reflections and the city skyline.
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Dana Point’s 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights runs Dec. 12–14, with nightly shows starting at 6:30 p.m. Themed “Carol of the Boats,” the event turns the harbor into a neighborhood-sized holiday display — hundreds of thousands of LED lights, festive sculptures and arches and boats of all sizes lit up for the season.
You can watch for free from the shoreline or book a cruise for an up-close experience with holiday music and treats. Popular vantage points include the Island Way Bridge, Baby Beach, the wharf area, and the small-boat harbor walkways. Dana Point’s smaller harbor area makes it easy to move between viewing spots and explore nearby holiday installations before or after the parade.
Why these events are worth the trip
- Classic waterfront holiday scenes. Lights reflecting on the water, decorated vessels, and a lively harbor atmosphere. If you search for SoCal holiday boat parades, these two consistently rank among the season’s best.
- Flexible viewing options. Both parades offer free shoreline viewing and paid experiences (cruises, dinner packages, or special-event seating) for people who want an upgraded night out.
- Family- and group-friendly. Wide walkways, accessible viewing areas, and holiday activities make both events good choices for families, friends, or date nights.
- Great photo opportunities. City skylines, water reflections, and themed decorations offer plenty of shareable moments.
What to know before you go
- Arrive early. Popular viewing spots fill up quickly.
- For San Diego, consider public transit or ride-share; parking near Shelter Island and the Embarcadero can be limited on parade nights.
- Book cruises or dinner packages in advance — they often sell out.
- Dress in layers. Coastal evenings are chillier than daytime.
- Choose photo spots where boats slow down or pass close to shore — bridges, piers, and harbor walkways are often the best bets.
