San Diego Lights Up For The Holidays

San Diegans and their visitors are looking forward to 36th Parade of Lights annual holiday celebration, one of the most anticipated in the country.

More than 80,000 people are expected to cluster at San Diego’s downtown waterfront on Sunday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 16, for the 36th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.

Kicking-off with a fireworks extravaganza at 5:30 p.m., this free, California celebration features boats decorated for the holiday season that will sail from the east end of Shelter Island into the downtown waterfront and Coronado areas.

This year’s parade celebrates “Yo Ho Ho… A Pirate’s Christmas” with boats of all kinds judged for creative lighting, decorations, and crowd-engaging fun. A highly anticipated event in the San Diego community, more than 100 vessels take to the water for the parade.

Parking fills quickly, so spectators are urged to use public transit to reach downtown. Trolley stations with parking lots that provide convenient service to the northern Embarcadero area include Fashion Valley, Old Town and American Plaza. Visit www.sdcommute.com for more information.

Less crowded viewing areas include the north and south ends of the Embarcadero, the bayside pathway along Coronado, and the waterfront park behind Seaport Village. Those planning to view the Parade of Lights from Harbor Island should arrive early as parking in the area is at a premium.

For more information or to view the parade route, visit www.sdparadeoflights.org. or contact Megan Richards at (619) 549-0860.