By Patricia Schallert –
Santa traded his sleigh for a paddleboard at Ventura Harbor’s festive parade, where dazzling Santas spread cheer and supported the Spark of Love Toy Drive! Image by Patricia Schallert
On December 21st, the winter solstice—also known as that magical day when Ventura got to see the sun take an extended coffee break, leaving us to sparkle through the longest night of the year—over a hundred festive characters flocked to Ventura Harbor, strutting their stuff in the most outrageous designer Santa outfits you can imagine. Seriously, these looks could make even the most experienced elves feel a little jelly! Meanwhile, Santa, fed up with the usual sleigh ride, decided to switch his reindeer for a paddleboard. Who wouldn’t want to splash around in Ventura Harbor, right? Just let’s hope he packed the sunscreen—after all, his complexion screams “North Pole” rather than “beach vacation”!
After a group photo that surely left the Sea Lions in awe, the jolly old fella himself led a merry parade, paddling through the marina and making a stop at the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center for a quick photo op before heading back. Paddlers were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy donation to sprinkle a little extra holiday cheer and support the Spark of Love Toy Drive. This is one festive celebration that even Santa would want to RSVP for each year at Ventura Harbor!
