The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: A Guide to Watching by Private Charter

Each December, decorated boats parade across San Diego Bay for the annual Parade of Lights, typically held on consecutive Sunday evenings. Exact dates and the parade route are set year to year by the organizing yacht clubs, so check for the current year's schedule before planning a specific evening.

Shoreline viewing spots along the Embarcadero and Shelter Island get crowded fast on parade nights. A private charter lets you position on the water itself, near the parade route, with your own group rather than a packed sidewalk.

Because the parade only runs on a handful of specific evenings each December, those dates are some of the first to book out on the calendar — alongside company holiday parties and New Year's Eve charters filling the same weeks. See our Holiday Charters page or request availability as soon as that year's parade dates are announced.