2025 lighted yacht parade
All aboard the parade boat!
On Saturday, December 6th, we will continue the popular tradition of participating in the annual Lighted Yacht Parade, held in the Oakland Estuary. The most exciting part- you’re invited to ride along with us!
This year, our holiday themed Merry Ferry will depart from the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon ferry terminal and head towards the parade procession & start line. Riders will board the ferry at the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Terminal and will enjoy a 2 hour cruise as part of the parade procession in the Oakland Estuary.
- Event Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Departure Time: 5:00 PM
- Boarding at: Alameda Seaplane Ferry Terminal
THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT
Ride Details
The Merry Ferry bound for the Lighted Yacht Parade will depart from the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Terminal at 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 6.
- DEPARTURE FROM SEAPLANE LAGOON
We encourage all ticketed passengers to arrive at the ferry terminal 15 minutes prior to departure. Please have your ticket QR code via email OR in the SF Bay Ferry app visible and ready to show the crew during boarding.– FERRY DEPARTURE AT: 5:00 PM
– DEPARTURE LOCATION: Alameda Seaplane Terminal - THE FERRY RIDE
The ferry will depart from the Alameda Seaplane Ferry Terminal and head to the parade start in the Oakland Estuary. The ride duration will be 2 hours and will return back to the Alameda Seaplane Ferry Terminal around 7:00 PM. During the parade portion in the Oakland Estuary, riders will enjoy unobstructed views of other holiday-themed vessels, their decorations and will be cheered by onlookers lining the shore. - RIDE AMENITIES
Onboard the Merry Ferry, riders will enjoy a full concessions service complete with hot cocoa and all of your favorite drinks and snacks. Seating is available indoors and outdoors in addition to standing room to view the parade precession. Onboard restroom will also be available onboard for the duration of the ride.
Holiday Toy Drive
SF Bay Ferry is proud to continue our annual Toy Drive tradition. All riders are encouraged to bring a toy onboard to donate to this cause. While donating is voluntary, everyone who brings a toy will receive a free ferry voucher for a future ferry trip.
There will be bins onboard to drop off your toy donation. Ferry staff will be onboard to answer any questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
Yes, all riders must have a pre-purchased tickets are required for boarding.
How early should I arrive before departure?
We suggest arriving 10-15 minutes before the scheduled ferry departure.
What should I bring for boarding?
To board, you’ll need a valid pre-purchased ticket. Each ticket will include a QR code. Please show the QR code to the crew upon boarding. If you’re participating in the holiday toy drive, please bring an unwrapped toy.
Is there food or drink available onboard?
Yes. The snack bar will be open and serving snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Are ferries wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The vessel and terminal facilities are fully ADA accessible.
Will the boat be making any stops?
No. This trip will pick up and drop off at the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Terminal. The trip time will be approximately, 2 hours.
Can I stay on board after docking?
No. All passengers must disembark upon arrival back at the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon.