The waterfront sparkled Sunday night, December 14, as the 39th Annual Parade of Lights lit up the harbor with a festive flotilla and fireworks, capping an afternoon and evening of holiday activities for families.
The celebration began early with the Human-Powered category at 2 p.m., when dozens of stand-up paddlers and kayakers in festive attire looped the Harbor and Stearns Wharf, drawing cheers from onlookers. From 3 to 5 p.m., families flocked to a Winter Wonderland on the City Pier featuring holiday elves, 10 tons of snow, goodie bags, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
After sunset, around 30 illuminated watercraft took center stage at 5:30 p.m., parading from Leadbetter Beach down the coast to the Cabrillo Pavilion and back to Stearns Wharf.
Stargazer Ron stated the marine layer lifted, revealing a beautiful sunset in time for about 30 illuminated boats to gather offshore from the Breakwater and Santa Barbara Yacht Club.
After assembling for about half an hour, they lit up the night as they paraded from Leadbetter Beach down the coast to the Cabrillo Pavilion, then back toward Stearns Wharf, where judges and crowds of spectators admired the creatively decorated watercraft.
Prime viewing spots included Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach, where crowds watched the procession glow against the night sky. A brief fireworks show at approximately 7 p.m. closed out the evening.
Participants competed in five free-entry categories: human-powered, power, sail, commercial fishing, and commercial other.
This year’s Parade of Lights was organized by the 2025 Parade of Lights Committee and sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, the Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants Association, the Stearns Wharf Business Association, and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.
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Looks like a lot of effort was put into those decorations.
Amazing event!
Enjoyed the parade from the water on a boat for the first time and it was certainly worth it.
Everyone was in the Christmas spirit, enjoyed the parade, as did the hundreds (maybe thousands) lining the wharf as well as the fireworks display!
Well done Parade of Lights Committee, you did a fantastic job!
Will be there again next year for sure!
Beautiful photos Ron, thanks for sharing!
Thanks, SBsurferlife, for your kind remarks1