SAVE-THE-DATE: MISSION BAY TO HOST “PARADE OF LIGHTS” ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
The beloved holiday boat parade returns to the bay for its annual run, expecting more than 100 decorated boats to participate
Mission Bay, the iconic destination within San Diego situated on 27 miles of sandy shoreline, announces the return of its beloved holiday boat parade, the “Mission Bay Parade of Lights,” on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the parade will start at SeaWorld with a firework kickoff, travel west, then north, and then east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club, with the full route taking about approximately two hours (full map can be viewed below). Spectators of this year’s parade can expect elaborate, decorated boats from local organizations like Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Loyal, and SeaWorld.
“The holiday boat parade has been a Mission Bay tradition since 1970, and we are thrilled to join in and amplify the holiday festivities,” shares George Allen, representative of Discover Mission Bay. “This year’s boat parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to welcoming families to Mission Bay and bringing holiday cheer to the San Diego community.”
“As the tradition of this annual holiday boat parade continues, it’s been a pleasure working with Discover Mission Bay to bring this year’s festivities to life,” adds Jason Proctor, General Manager of Mission Bay Yacht Club. “With this partnership, we’re able to create numerous designated viewing areas for locals and visitors to enjoy the parade unlike ever before.”
Free for all spectators to enjoy—including locals, visitors, and hotel guests—designated spectating areas will be set up around Mission Bay’s six hotels and resorts: Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, The Dana on Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, Paradise Point Resort, and San Diego Mission Bay Resort. Each viewing area will offer special festive food & beverage menus and family-friendly activities to get into the holiday spirit, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games, an appearance from Santa Claus himself, and more.
Awards will be presented to the best decorated boats across three categories: Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat, and People’s Choice, with local celebrity judges and all parade spectators participating in the voting and selection of winners. Prizes for first place and runners-up include accommodation and gift cards at select Mission Bay hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
