41st Holiday Parade of Lights set for tomorrow

The 41st edition of the Canyon Lake Holiday Parade of Lights, a cherished tradition and the oldest lighted boat parade in the Inland Empire, takes to the lake tomorrow evening. The Canyon Lake Yacht Club-sponsored boat parade promises to be a spectacular event, drawing residents and guests to the lakefront to witness boats with their festive lights and vibrant displays.

The Parade of Lights, a hallmark of Canyon Lake‘s holiday season, features boats transformed into floating spectacles of light, color, and creativity. These watercraft, adorned with lights, inflatables, and unique structures, offer a different twist compared to traditional land parades.

Adding to the excitement, this year‘s parade on East Bay will be live-streamed with live commentary, bringing an experience akin to watching the Rose Parade on television.

The parade will commence with the boats lining up at the East Port launch ramp at 5:00 p.m., led by the Yacht Club‘s iconic fire-breathing dragon. Departing from East Port at 5:30 p.m., the boats will navigate through the East Bay to the boat tunnel. Boats small enough to pass through the tunnel will head to the Holiday Harbor Park docks for a 30-minute intermission, while larger boats will exit the lake and relaunch at Holiday Harbor.

From 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., the Yacht Club will host festivities at Holiday Harbor Park, offering free hotdogs, chili, coffee, and hot chocolate to the community. Santa Claus will make a special appearance from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for visits and photos.

During the parade intermission, around 7:30 p.m., attendees will have the chance to view some of the boats up close at the docks.

The parade will resume around 7:30 to 8:00 p.m., traveling around the Main Lake, visiting Big Bass Cove, Catfish Cove, and Happy Camp, before returning to the festivities at Holiday Harbor Park. Awards will be presented for the best-decorated boats, with judges stationed at a waterfront home on Red Lure.

The parade will be live-streamed on the Parade of Lights Facebook page, where viewers can vote for their favorite boat for the People’s Choice Award. The Yacht Club‘s event is a highlight of the holiday season in Canyon Lake, showcasing the community‘s spirit and creativity.

The route and intermission are new this year. The times can be rather approximate based on the actual time it takes to transport the boats.