Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade 2025
December 6 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Free
Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade 2025
Saturday, December 2, 5:30 – 7pm
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor.
The parade takes place in the South Harbor between Murray Street bridge and the gas dock. Boats do not exit the harbor and generally do not travel as far as the light house.
The Parade in an annual event at the Santa Cruz Harbor where decorated boats circle the harbor shortly after sunset (5:30pm).
Plan ahead and leave yourself extra time to find parking and good viewing location.
Viewing is available from the East Harbor launch ramp, and from a variety of harbor paths on either side of the harbor and the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor launch ramp. Due to construction, limited viewing is not available from the Murray Street Bridge in 2025. Walking paths follow Arana Gulch South to both the East and West side of the harbor may have limited access during Murray Street bridge construction.
Parking – Limited pay parking is available on both the East and West sides of the harbor. Please plan to arrive early to park at the harbor. Note that Murray Street bridge construction may require alternate routes to your desired viewing location. Limited accessible parking is available on both the East and West sides of the harbor. Please plan on arriving early if you anticipate requiring parking with accessibility.
