On Saturday, December 12, Mission Bay will be treated to a sea-faring show with the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. You’ll be enchanted as these brightly decorated boats sail around the bay, beginning at Quivira Basin. The festivities begin at 6pm, and we recommend you watch it from Crown Point and the east side of Vacation Island, or the west side of Fiesta Island.
Another recommendation would be that you grab dinner before hand at Dan Diegos Euro Cafe and Pub, for cosy comfort food from the British Isles. Dig into hearty beef Shepard’s Pie or Dan Diegos Burger (which includes corned beef, caramelized onions, and bacon). Just be sure you leave room for their famous bread pudding. No matter your previous opinions of Bread Pudding, this sweet thick, gooey dessert will make a fan out of anyone. 
For a heart warming and hilarious holiday activity, head over to Gaslamp Quarter downtown for the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. This offbeat parade is open to all furry, feathered and scaled pets, and is always good for a laugh as well as cooing over some of these adorable participants. Try and guess who will win the prize for Best Costume, Best Costume Duo, and Best Ugly Sweater! The parade begins at 3:00 pm at 410 K Street and photos ops will be plenty as the critters and their owners pass under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter archway towards MLK Promenade Park.
If you’re feeling a bit peckish and in the Gaslamp Quarter, head over to Meze, a modern, Greek fusion restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating, in case you have a dog accompanying you. Flavor abound with their take on french fries (tossed in garlic, fresh parsley, and topped with feta cheese), Fiery Feta Dip, as well as their version of a Greek Taco (try the gyro or falafel option). For those who are more adventurous, order the octopus, either as a salad or as a small hot plate, which is always grilled to perfection.
The 44th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a grand affair that takes place this Sunday, the 13th, and next Sunday, the 20th. 100 vessels will be neatly decked out in their holiday finest as they sail around Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the ferry landing in Coronado. The theme this year is "Christmas Around the World" and these boats will receive a festive makeover complete with sparkling lights, garland, and maybe even full-sized Santa Sleigh. The boats start their sail at 5:30 and will be gliding past spectators until around 7:30. Catch the procession from the north or south ends of the Embarcadero, the park behind Seaport Village, or along the pathway of the Coronado. Visit their WEBSITE for more details about where the route will follow and the best times to see everything.
If you want to have a tasty, casual seafood dinner, head over to Islander for incredibly fresh fish. Locals come here for their raw oysters and seafood chowder, which can be addictive. For those wanting a thick cut of delicious fish, the menu gives you plenty of options. You chose the type of fish (like halibut, swordfish, or even shrimp) and tell them how you would like it ordered (as a burrito, grilled, fried or in a salad).
Part of the enjoyment of this hectic season is spending time with family and friends and having fun. What better way to keep this season merry and bright, than to watch a cavalcade of lights on the water and an uproarious procession of pets and owners strutting their stuff? Book a vacation with Us (Mission Bay Vacation Rentals), at one of our Bay Side Homes, and create memories together this Holiday Season.
