Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights December 11, 2005

This annual parade is a sparkling present from San Diego's boating community. Wrap up and watch the lights sail by.

The 32nd annual Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is one of the highlights of Christmas in San Diego. More than 100 boats, colorfully decorated and brightly illuminated, will sail the 7-1/2 mile route, from Shelter Island to the Navy's carrier turning basin, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on both Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. Prizes are awarded for the most spectacular boats, and this year's theme is "Aloha Holiday."

For the best viewing from a boat, event organizers suggest hovering near the 10th Street terminal, where the parade route turns for Coronado. If you're on land, the north and south ends of the Embarcadero and the pathway along Coronado are usually less crowded. The park behind Seaport Village is another good spot to view the boats. And if you're planning to watch from Harbor Island, arrive early and carpool if possible. Pictures of boats from previous years and more information can be found at the Parade of Lights Web site, www.sdparadeoflights.org For more information, call (619) 224-2240. Submitted by Eventful on behalf of dano