The Christmas Boat Parade of Lights in San Diego Bay

Christmas Boat Parade in San Diego, California/USA

Christmas in San Diego has so many surprises for me as it is so different to what I know in Europe. The difference of course is also that here I am going much more to places and events I maybe would not do at home. Still there is the excitement to show me all and for me to see as much as I can.

Last Sunday I was watching the Christmas Boat Parade in the port of San Diego.

A lot of people were lining along the pier, many of them had camping chairs and even something to drink or eat. It seems to me that people oftentimes make it an outdoor pick-nick event when going to watch something like fireworks and similar.

We had no blankets, nothing to eat but some tea. Also we were lucky to find a place to sit on the dock as it seemed to be a ‘longer’ event.

The first boats arrived half an hour later. And then they came in and came in like a never ending boat and light line.

All sizes, all kinds of boats from a two-master to a ‘nutshell’, from a motorboat to a canoe, luxury boat to simple. They were decorated mainly of course with a whole bunch of lights, all colors. Some were a little more European style with just a few white lights. Many had inflatable animals as the theme of the parade seemed to be the 100-years-celebration of the San Diego Zoo.

I loved the two or three masters, the ones with less lights and less colors. Funny that many had even fancy music on their boats. All had in common to really celebrate the parade and the upcoming Christmas time. “Merry Christmas” was shouted from both sides, the water and the land. A great interacting crowd enjoying the event.

Honestly I am always impressed how much everyone is enjoying everything, how much they are all interacting together in these events. I think sometimes Europeans are much more ‘private’, shy, reserved maybe?

I am looking forward to the Christmas days with more events in family and with friends. All new for me. But I am very curious and excited.