The holiday season in Canyon Lake will shine bright on the water as the 43rd Annual Parade of Lights holiday boat parade sets sail on Saturday, December 13.
Hosted by the Yacht Club, the Parade of Lights is a beloved community tradition that draws thousands of spectators to lakefront homes and parks to watch a dazzling procession of festively decorated boats light up the lake.
Parade participants begin lining up at 5 p.m. at the East Port Park launch ramp. The procession will kick off at 5:30 p.m., with the Yacht Club’s iconic fire-breathing dragon leading the way, which will zig-zag through the East Bay toward the boat tunnel.
Boats that can fit through the tunnel will proceed to the Holiday Harbor Park docks for a 30-minute intermission, while those that cannot will exit the lake and re-launch at Holiday Harbor Park to rejoin the boats.
After regrouping, the parade will circle the main lake, dipping into Big Bass Cove, Catfish Cove, and around Happy Camp, before returning to Holiday Harbor Park for the awards presentation for the best-decorated boats.
The boats will be judged by volunteers, who will be stationed at a waterfront home along the parade route.
During the parade, residents can vote for their favorite boats via the Yacht Club’s Parade of Lights Facebook page.
From 6 to 10 p.m., the Yacht Club will host festivities at Holiday Harbor Park. During this time, the community can enjoy free chili, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea, and get an up-close look at the boats during intermission from about 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Santa will make a special appearance for photos from 6 to 8 p.m.
All boaters are encouraged to enter the parade. Entry is free; however, registration is required to be eligible for awards. The registration form will be available on the Yacht Club’s website at www.canyonlakeyachtclub.org.
The Parade of Lights schedule is as follows:
- 5 p.m.: Boats line up at the East Port Park launch ramp.
- 5:30 p.m.: Parade travels through the East Bay.
- 6 to 10 p.m.: Festivities at Holiday Harbor Park.
- 6:45 – 7:15 p.m.: Intermission at Holiday Harbor Park.
- 7:15 p.m.: Parade resumes, traveling around the main lake.
- 9 p.m.: Boats return to the Holiday Harbor Park for continued festivities and presentation of awards.
- 10 p.m.: Event ends
Some of the best viewing spots for the parade are Holiday Harbor Park, Indian Beach, Roadrunner Park, Diamond Point Park, and Sunset Beach.
The POA recommends the e-pass option for residents calling in guests. Service providers will not have access to amenities or facilities on the day of this event. Should members need a service provider to have access, they can add them as a temporary guest for the day. Service providers include contractors, delivery drivers (DoorDash, pizza, etc.), furniture deliveries, house cleaning services, HVAC services, landscapers/pool services, plumbing services, and rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft). Healthcare providers will be permitted access.
The Yacht Club is seeking volunteers and sponsors for this event. For more information, call or text Yacht Club Commodore Rob Mora at 951-970-8089.
