This year Ventura Harbor Village has a dazzling array of holiday events, shopping and dining by the sea. Ventura Harbor is a one-stop destination for all things sparkling on the water:
Kids eyes are guaranteed to light up when they spot Santa cruising by on a paddle board! Old Saint Nick is temporarily trading in his sleigh for a paddle on Saturday, December 8 from 11 am-Noon in Ventura Harbor Village . The Santa Paddle is a family fun event that’s free to join in. If you are in need of rental equipment, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure your rental needs. The starting point is Ventura Harbor Village bay, then on to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center and back (approximately 1 hour). A $40 Gift Card prize will be awarded to the most festive outfit. If paddling isn’t your thing, electric boats can be rented at Ventura Boat Rental to go alongside the paddle.
A burst of yuletide song captures the essence of the holidays aboard Island Packers Holiday Caroling Cruises. With a breeze in your hair and song on your lips (or not, feel free to just listen and enjoy), you’re sure to feel festive as the holidays are on their way! Invite friends and family for an evening on the water to view all the decorated homes along the water with a one hour Island Packers Caroling Cruise aboard a 64’ catamaran.
The 42nd Annual Parade of Lights and Fireworks on Friday and Saturday, December 14-15, sets the perfect mood for the holidays with brilliant displays of boat decorations and colorful lights sparkling at the seaside. This year’s 2018 theme is “Rocking on the DOCK Side of the Moon,” is a nautical play on words to the timeless Pink Floyd album, “Dark Side of the Moon.” The event will take your breath away with its spirit, beauty, and groovy vibes that pays homage to the 70’s. Anticipated schedule: 5pm – Kids Carnival Rides & Ferris Wheel, 6:30pm – Boat Parade of Lights, 8pm – Fireworks both Friday & Saturday evenings. Plus, Saturday only there will be a 70’s dance party in the Ventura Harbor Village at 5:15pm. Get your bellbottoms ready and get down to disco favorites before the closing night of the boat parade! Come early Saturday, December 15 for best parking and the Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace event from 1- 5 pm. Make your dinner reservations in the Harbor early.
This festive seaside event harks back to traditional celebrations with complimentary Santa and Mrs. Claus photos, Santa’s live reindeer, and faux snow fall, oh my! Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace at Ventura Harbor Village from 1-5pm on Saturday, December 15, 2018 offers all ages the perfect setting for shopping local this holiday season. Rediscover the joy of gift giving as you wander through the Harbor’s festive Village and visit more than a dozen boutiques. Every 15 minutes take a wintery selfie under the faux snowfall, visit with holiday characters, listen to Dickensian Carolers, participate in kid’s holiday crafts, reminisce with a Toy Soldier Band, and much more. The Annual 42nd Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks follows at 6:30 pm. Free entrance and parking. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com/events.
