2026 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Liberty Lights the Bay | Cheers to 250 Years!
Sunday, December 13 & Sunday, December 20, 2026
4:30–8:00 p.m. | Maritime Museum of San Diego
Two Historic Ships. Two Extraordinary Holiday Experiences.
Celebrate the magic of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights with the Maritime Museum of San Diego! This year, we’re elevating the holiday tradition with two unforgettable waterfront experiences aboard the historic Berkeley and Star of India.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant evening of gourmet dining and live entertainment or a festive night of music, cocktails, and spectacular parade viewing, there’s a holiday experience waiting for you.
The Berkeley Dinner Experience
Holiday Lights Dinner, Live Entertainment & Parade Viewing
A festive evening of waterfront dining, live music, and holiday tradition.
Celebrate the holidays aboard the historic 1898 steam ferry Berkeley with a premium evening of gourmet holiday dining, live musical entertainment, and spectacular waterfront parade viewing overlooking San Diego Bay.
Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast for guests ages 21 and older while supplies last, followed by dinner and live music before stepping outside to watch the illuminated holiday boats sail past.
Continue the celebration with festive music, cocktails available for purchase, and beautiful waterfront surroundings until 8:00 p.m.
Berkeley Live Entertainment & Gourmet Holiday Dining
Live Entertainment Featuring The MoonRays!
Enjoy the classic American doo-wop harmonies and nostalgic sounds of The MoonRays as they bring a festive soundtrack to your holiday celebration.
Gourmet Holiday Dining by Buckboard
Our gourmet holiday dinner is proudly catered by Buckboard Catering & Events, a valued partner whose generosity and continued support have helped make many Maritime Museum events special.
Your Berkeley Dinner Experience Includes
- Gourmet holiday dinner buffet
- Live entertainment featuring The MoonRays
- Complimentary champagne toast for guests ages 21 and older, while supplies last
- Premium waterfront parade-viewing decks
- Festive holiday decorations and atmosphere
- Cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty beverages available for purchase
- Reserved banquet and café table packages available
Complimentary champagne is limited to one toast per eligible guest, while supplies last.
Berkeley General Admission
- General Admission: $119
- Maritime Museum Members: $99
- Youth (3–10): $60
- Children 2 and under: Free (meal not included)
Paid admission includes the gourmet holiday dinner, live entertainment, and access to the designated parade-viewing areas aboard Berkeley.
Dining seating is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis unless a reserved-table package is purchased.
Dinner reservations must be purchased in advance. No walk-up dinner sales will be available.
Reserve Dec 13 Berkeley Dinner Tickets
Make Your Berkeley Experience Even More Exclusive!
Premium Reserved Waterfront Banquet Table
$1,415 per table | Up to 10 guests
Limited to 10 tables per evening
Gather your family, friends, or colleagues around your own reserved waterfront banquet table aboard the historic Berkeley.
Your exclusive table package includes Berkeley VIP admission and gourmet holiday dinner for up to 10 guests, live entertainment, a complimentary champagne toast for eligible guests ages 21 and older while supplies last, and access to premium parade-viewing decks.
Enjoy the comfort of your own reserved waterfront dining area throughout the evening, with the freedom to step outside and enjoy the festivities on the outdoor decks of Berkeley.
Table packages are sold at a fixed price for up to 10 guests, regardless of age. Tables are assigned by the museum; specific locations cannot be guaranteed.
Reserved Café Table for Four
$570 per table | Up to 4 guests
Limited to 8 tables per evening
Enjoy an intimate holiday celebration with family and friends at your own reserved café table aboard the historic Berkeley.
Your table package includes Berkeley VIP admission and gourmet holiday dinner for up to four guests, live musical entertainment, a complimentary champagne toast for eligible guests ages 21 and older while supplies last, and access to the ship’s waterfront parade-viewing decks.
Relax at your reserved table in the central dining area before stepping outside to experience the illuminated boats sailing across San Diego Bay.
Table packages are sold at a fixed price for up to four guests, regardless of age. Tables are assigned by the museum; specific locations cannot be guaranteed.
Choose your preferred table package when making your reservation. All dinner reservations must be purchased in advance.
Reserve Dec 13 Berkeley Exclusive Table Reserve Dec 20 Berkeley Exclusive TableThe Star of India Holiday Viewing Experience
Parade Viewing, Live Entertainment & Waterfront Cocktails
A historic holiday celebration under the stars!
Experience the magic of the Parade of Lights aboard the legendary Star of India, with an evening of festive entertainment, breathtaking waterfront views, and holiday cheer.
Enjoy live music featuring Seth Diaz, explore the ship’s designated parade-viewing areas, and purchase your favorite cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages from the onboard bar.
With beautiful holiday decorations and an unforgettable setting overlooking San Diego Bay, Star of India offers an exciting way to enjoy one of San Diego’s favorite holiday traditions.
Your Star of India Experience Includes
- Admission aboard the historic Star of India
- Live musical entertainment featuring Seth Diaz
- Festive holiday decorations and atmosphere
- Guest-paid bar featuring cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages
- Family-friendly holiday festivities
- Optional reserved upper-deck seating upgrade
Live Entertainment Featuring Seth Diaz, Singer/Songwriter.
Star of India Ticket Pricing
- General Admission: $55
- Maritime Museum Members: $45
- Youth (3–10): $35
- Ages 2 and under: Free
Food is not included with Star of India admission.
Dec 13 Star of India Parade Viewing
Dec 20 Star of India Parade Viewing
Select your preferred admission or reserved seating option.
Upgrade Your View!
Exclusive Upper-Deck Reserved Seating
Additional $20 per person | Only 40 seats available per evening
Enjoy the convenience of your own reserved seat in a designated VIP viewing area on Star of India‘s upper deck as the illuminated holiday boats sail across San Diego Bay.
- General Admission with Reserved Seat: $75
- Museum Member Admission with Reserved Seat: $65
Advance reservations are recommended. Reserved seating is subject to availability.
Evening Event Schedule
Sunday, December 13 & Sunday, December 20, 2026
- 4:30 p.m. – Guest check-in opens and festivities begin
- 5:00–6:15 p.m. – Berkeley gourmet dinner and entertainment
- Approximately 6:20 p.m. – Parade-viewing festivities as illuminated boats approach the museum waterfront
- 7:00–8:00 p.m. – Continue enjoying the festive waterfront atmosphere, music, and beverages available for purchase
- 8:00 p.m. – Event concludes
Parade arrival times are estimates and may vary.
Important Event Information
- All Berkeley dinner reservations must be purchased in advance. No walk-up dinner sales are available.
- Reserved upper-deck seating aboard Star of India requires a separate ticket upgrade.
- Reserved banquet and café tables aboard Berkeley are assigned by the museum.
- Guests may not bring personal chairs or other seating aboard the ships.
- No outside alcohol is permitted.
The Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Celebrate the Holidays While Supporting Maritime History
Your participation helps support the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic ship preservation, educational programs, and community outreach.
Join us for two special evenings celebrating the season, our historic waterfront, and the spectacular San Diego Bay Parade of Lights!
December 13 & 20, 2026