With the nickname of America's Finest City, it would be hard to imagine San Diego not delivering an unforgettable vacation experience. The city of over 1.3 million people features a plethora of world famous attractions and events such as Legoland, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Comic Con, The Poinsettia Bowl, Balboa Park, and more.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has been a can't-miss community event for 45 years. Planners expect over 100,000 people to make their way to San Diego Bay during the two-day event. The parade is perfect for all ages, and visitors will see more than 80 decorated boats, ranging from large sailboats to rowboats, make their way along the coast. Visitors looking for a meal or additional activities are in luck as many of the watching locations are in close proximity to attractions and dining options. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Katie Schaa, representative for the event, to talk about this massive holiday celebration.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
KS: This is the 45th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
KS: There are usually over 100,000 spectators and over 80 boats. This year’s theme for the boats is “It Began with a Roar – San Diego Zoo Celebrates 100 Years.”
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
KS: The Parade of Lights is an event everyone can enjoy! Spectators include couples, families, children, young adults, and more!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
KS: The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has a different theme each year. This iconic San Diego holiday parade dazzles bayfront crowds as the procession of boats motor passes each viewing area.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
KS: The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a holiday boat parade on the San Diego Bay that takes place on two consecutive Sundays in December. This year’s parade takes place on December 11 and 18, starting at 5:00 pm. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the boats to proceed past each viewing area, ending at Ferry Landing at Coronado. This year, for the first time, the Parade of Lights is extending its route to the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park. Spectators can view the Parade from many viewing areas along the San Diego Bay:
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Shelter Island
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Harbor Island
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The Embarcadero
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Seaport Village
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The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park
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Ferry Landing at Coronado
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
KS: For added insight into the participating boats, viewers can watch the parade from near the announcers’ areas, at the Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero and Coronado Landing. As each boat passes these viewing points, the announcers offer a brief history and description of the participating vessels.
RAL: What dining options will patrons encounter?
KS: There are many restaurants along the San Diego Bay that have great views of the parade. You can find restaurants here: http://sdparadeoflights.org/thank-you-to-our-sponsors/
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
KS: The parade takes place on the San Diego Bay. There are free viewing spots all along the Bay. Bring your chairs, blankets, hot cocoa and enjoy! You can find the parade route here: http://sdparadeoflights.org/parade-schedule-route/
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
KS: Yes it does. The event brings people from near and far to San Diego Bay. It's a place where spectators can enjoy shops, restaurants, and more.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
KS: The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a non-profit organization that is free for all spectators.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
KS: The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a holiday boat parade that takes place on the picturesque waterfront of San Diego Bay. It is a unique and entertaining event for people of all ages and puts everyone in the holiday spirit!
Parade participants decorate to a new theme every year, with this year’s being “It Began with a Roar – San Diego Zoo Celebrates 100 Years.” Boats of all shapes and sizes participate and spectators get to enjoy the dazzling lights, creative decorations, music, and more.
Families will create lasting memories, and their children will talk about the event for years to come (especially with this year’s Zoo theme). Spectators can enjoy the shops, restaurants and more around the bay and then settle down near the viewing areas to see the creative decorations.
For more information about the San Diego Bay Parade, please visit their website.
Photography Credit: Marv Sloben