Holiday Lights Boat Parades in Sausalito and San Rafael

Catch the holiday light fantastic at two festive boat parades of lights—one in San Rafael and one in Sausalito—this weekend.

SAN RAFAEL LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

San Rafael hosts one of the largest on the water boat parades in the country, and it is happening this weekend. The Lighted Boat Parade takes place Saturday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The parade is supported by a plethora of local yacht clubs, including the San Rafael Yacht Club, the Loch Lomond Yacht Club, The Marin Yacht Club and the Classic Yacht association, and is sponsored by several local businesses. The parade is presented by Community Action Marin, a local organization addressing poverty issues in Marin. 

The boat parade is free of charge, and intended for the whole family. All ages are welcome to enjoy this unique, water-based holiday celebration. 

BEST VIEWING LOCATIONS IN SAN RAFAEL

Montecito Mall – 200 to 400 3rd Street – Come around to the back of the mall.

San Rafael Yacht Club – 200 Yacht Club Drive

Pickleweed Park – 50 Canal Street

SAUSALITO BOAT PARADE

The Sausalito Boat Parade has become a holiday tradition for residents of Sausalito and beyond. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, with fireworks following at 7:30 p.m. Typically, the parade involves about 50 decorated boats competing for a variety of prizes. But we all win getting to witness this beautiful display of holiday lights on the water, celebrating its 27th year.

The parade commences at the end of Harbor Drive, north of the Bay Model and travels south past Caledonia and back again. The parade ends off of the boardwalk in Old Town.

The best viewing spots include Gabrielson Park and all along the main waterfront area. You can also catch a great view of the parade from downtown area and along the Bridgeway Promenade. Last year, we made a night of it by dining at one of the waterfront restaurants.  It is a great way to stay warm and watch the parade.

Be sure to arrive early to avoid traffic jams at this popular holiday event. You will want bundle up as it can get cold along the waterfront.

There will also be a Winterfest tent located in front of The Spinnaker, with food trucks and no-host bar and music opening at 5:00 p.m. The tented area will require a $20 entry fee. It is a nice place to seek some warmth as well. The awards ceremony will take place in the tented area at 9:30 p.m. and the band will be Soul Groove Collective.

If You Go:

SAN RAFAEL

Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 5:30

Free

SAUSALITO

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Boat Parade 6:00 p.m. (Free)

Fireworks 7:30 p.m. (Free)

Tent with Food and Music opens at 5:00 PM ($20 for Entry)