Mission Bay, the iconic destination within San Diego situated on 27 miles of sandy shoreline, is kicking off their holiday season with the return of its beloved holiday boat parade, the “Mission Bay Parade of Lights,” on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Free for all spectators to enjoy—including locals, visitors, and hotel guests—designated spectating areas will be set up at and near 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. With festive programming planned at each property during the parade and throughout the month of December, Mission Bay is the perfect holiday getaway for families this season.
“The holiday boat parade has been a Mission Bay tradition since 1970, and we are excited to offer spectators a full slate of festive programming at each resort,” shares George Allen, representative of Discover Mission Bay. “We look forward to welcoming guests to Mission Bay this holiday season and helping families create lasting memories filled with holiday cheer.”
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. 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 resorts and restaurants.
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. Offerings at each hotel property for the Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 10 include:
Bahia Resort Hotel
Viewing Location: Bahia Resort Hotel
Join Bahia Resort Hotel for a holiday Airstream party – sounds of holiday music playing as guests indulge in burgers, fries, assorted holiday candy and cookies in addition to a full bar with festive flavored coffee, available for purchase. Beverages will also be available at belly bars by the Airstream.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Viewing Location: North Beach
Beach chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A festive selection of cookies, brownies and popcorn will be available for purchase in addition to a cash bar with spike hot cocoa, hot toddies, mulled wine, and apple cider. After the parade, guests can stay and watch a holiday movie on the beach.
In addition to the viewing locations at the Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, guests can get into the holiday spirit with the festive Christmas Boat Parade of Lights spectator cruise on Mission Bay! This special cruise, departing from the Bahia and Catamaran at 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. respectively, on December 10, offers the perfect vantage point to view the illuminating boat parade displaying dozens of cheery vessels decorated for the holidays. This family-friendly event also features hot cocoa, cookies, a cash bar, and holiday music on board. Tickets for the cruise are available for purchase here.
The Dana on Mission Bay and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Viewing Location: Sunset Park
Guests can experience a winter wonderland with special appearances by Buddy the Elf, Princess Elsa and a Winter Fairy at the Sunset Park viewing area, emceed by Darren Smith, radio host for Sports760 and co-host of San Diego Loyal’s ‘Always Loyal Podcast.’ Festive food and drink will be available for purchase at Firefly Eatery in addition to a snow cone truck, s’mores, and floating bars. Children can take part in holiday activities including a snowball fight, winter crafts and a dance party with DJ. Grass seating is available at no extra cost and spectators are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs. Heated VIP seating including signature parade picnic blankets, hot cocoa, apple cider and excellent views for groups up to four people will be available for purchase ($100 for hotel guests and $150 for non-hotel guests) on a first-come basis.
Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Viewing Location: Paradise Terrace
Paradise Point Resort and Spa will be spreading holiday cheer with festive music, a hot cocoa bar, holiday crafts and a visit from Santa. The viewing location will be emceed by iHeartMedia’s Emanuel Valencia and feature a food truck in addition to s’mores and beverages available for purchase at Paradise Terrace. Spectator seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Viewing Location: De Anza Cove
In partnership with the Mission Bay Beach Club, guests will be transported to a Candy Cane Forest with kettle corn, paninis, s’mores kits, pastries, cookies and more available for purchase in addition to a full coffee/espresso bar and hot cocoa/cider station. Families can browse the Holiday Artisan Market which will feature over twenty vendors and before the parade, children can enjoy a visit from Santa. Snag a coffee shop table or bring blankets or low beach chairs for grass seating.
To stay up to date on Mission Bay Parade of Lights details, and to be alerted when spectator voting opens, visit www.discovermissionbay.org/boat-parade-2022.
Credit: Mission Bay.
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