Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — It’s beginning to look a lot like a true SEAside holiday, and Ventura Harbor Village, located off scenic California Highway 101, is making waves. The waterfront destination has an unforgettable lineup of holiday celebrations this November and December.
It’s time to exchange snow for sand and winter boots for flip flops and hula your way Ventura Harbor Village. On tap are the destination’s dazzling Small Business Saturday Celebration, Ventura Harbor’s 46th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks,, the “Must SEA” Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, Santa Paddle, and festive Holiday Boat Cruises.
Festive folks from near and far engage in all things merry and bright amid the sun and sparkle of ocean-inspired decorations in a color palette of twinkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues.
Decked to the halls for all to witness, now though the New Year, are spiraling sea pearls, a scenic “SEAsons Greetings” photo op, whimsical holiday trees, vibrant wreaths, and other festive décor that reflects off the glistening marina waters.
Saunter your way seaside to enjoy the spectacular lights, and stop in for delicious cuisine on a cozy covered patio – a perfect way to entertain and spend time with loved ones.
Following a relaxing meal, explore Ventura Harbor Village’s shops with unique gifts. Ventura’s locally-owned boutiques and art galleries have everything for those on your holiday gift list, from handmade treasures to fun stocking stuffers.
Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com
Here’s a stellar line-up of activities that are certain to spread a little holiday cheer all season long:
Santa Paddle 2023:
HO! HO! HO! On Saturday, December 9, 2023, head to Ventura Harbor for the Santa Paddle. Santa himself will ditch his reindeer and hop on a paddleboard, and visitors can partake in the adventure by renting a kayak, SUP, or character pedal boat from Ventura Boat Rentals. Participants are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit by dressing up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, or any other holiday character! Bright reds and green colors are encouraged.
Santa is scheduled to make his appearance around 11:30 AM, so arrive early to secure your rentals from Ventura Boat Rentals, which you can find on C Dock in Ventura Harbor Village, down on the dock below Brophy Bros. and On the Alley restaurants. After a group photo on the water, Santa will lead a festive procession from Ventura Boat Rentals through the marina to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center and back.
venturaharborvillage.com/events/
After the Santa Paddle, visitors can continue your holiday festivities by enjoying music, waterfront dining, and holiday shopping at Ventura Harbor Village. It’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2023:
Seas the day at Ventura Harbor Village’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2023 on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from Noon to 4 PM. Say hello and take a photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus and get up close to two of their reindeer! Witness the magic of the season with roaming carolers and holiday characters. Catch a live band, play in the faux snowfall, and make a complimentary holiday craftventuraharborvillage.com/event/winter-wonderland-2023/
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks 2023:
It’s a magical moment when spectators get their first glimpse of the magnificent boats amid festive décor at the 46th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Vivid and bright, the procession of colorfully decorated boats is a spectacle to behold. This year’s theme of “Hula Holiday” will showcase a Hawaiian Tropical vibe. Here’s peek at what’s planned:
4:00pm & beyond – Kids carnival rides on the Harbor Village main lawn
5:30pm – Faux Snowfall, LED Performers twinkle and shine along the Harbor Village Promenade
6:30pm – “Hula Holiday” Boat Parade Begins (two laps throughout Ventura Harbor)
8:00pm – Fireworks (weather pending) – look northwest for best viewing
The celebration spotlights more than two dozen power & sail boats per night as they cruise around the entire Harbor – plus rides, sweet treats, warm drinks, and waterfront dining throughout Ventura Harbor Village. To cap off the evening, a fireworks display lights up the night sky and sea on both Friday & Saturday at approximately 8:00pm (weather permitting). Event admission and parking are complimentary. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/ventura-harbor-parade-of-lights-2023/2023-12-15/
Jump Aboard A Boat With Ventura Boat Rentals:
A menagerie of charter boats (ducks, dragons, flamingos and swans) offered by Ventura Boat Rentals get visitors in the holiday spirit with both public daytime and nighttime rentals when the boats are lit with colorful lights. In addition, Ventura Boat Rentals is also offering private holiday boat charters to experience California Sleigh Rides and to view the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks. For advance reservations call 805-642-7753 or visit venturaboatrentals.com
Island Packers Public Cruises:
Island Packers Holiday Harbor Cruises:
Cruise in style to view holiday lights with friends/family during a one-hour Island Packers Holiday Lights Cruise on select dates fromDecember 7- 23, 2023. Cost: $20 per adult, $18 per senior (55+), and $14 per child. For advance reservations call 805-642-1393.
Island Packers Parade of Lights Cruises:
For those who wish to see the colorfully-lit boats up close, look no further than Island Packers Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Cruises onDecember 15 or 16, 2023. Cruises depart at 5:45 PM, 6:00 PM, & 6:15 PM. Fare is $38 for adults, $35 for seniors and $28 for children under 12. Group rates are available. .
Island Packers Winter Whale Watching:
Take to the seas from December 26, 2023 through mid April 2024 for this annual event to witness gray whales up close and personal aboard a comfortable catamaran.
For advance reservations call 805-642-1393 or visit islandpackers.com to book.
Shop Local On Small Business Saturday:
Get a jump start on holiday shopping without the big box bustle, and partake in Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. There is no shortage of one-of-a-kind gifts and original finds for family and friends! Ventura Harbor Village has a holiday shopping trail that makes shopping a breeze with a pedestrian-friendly promenade adjacent to the glistening water,and complimentary parking. Ventura Harbor Village boasts 15 “shop small” businesses! Head head over to support these boutiques, art galleries, and retailers. venturaharborvillage.com/event/shop-small-saturday-2023/
Live entertainment by Vanise Terry can also be enjoyed throughout the day on November 25, 2023 from noon to 3 PM on the Promenade Stage. venturaharborvillage.com/event/small-business-saturday-live-music/
Holiday shoppers can give the gift of year-round experiences by purchasing gift cards too! Give the gift of inspirational experiences and one-of-a-kind finds with the below ideas for everyone on your holiday list!
The Adventurer
Ventura Dive & Sport, The Ultimate Escape Rooms, Island Packers & Gift Shop have numerous options to please adventurous tweens and adults, whether they prefer exploring the sea or solving riddles to escape a themed room on land.
The Art Enthusiast
Discover beautiful hand-crafted pottery, original art, and sea themed décor for for the art lover or new home owner in your life at Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, Mermaid Gallery, and Ventura Pottery Gallery.
The Wine & Chocolate Lover
For holiday entertaining and gifting, visit the new Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room (each bottle produced in small batch) and Top This Chocolate for customized chocolate bars, table chocolates, and chocolate stocking treats.
The Fashionista
Browse Anja’s Boutique has European linen garments and jewelry, Barefoot Boutique for California casual apparel and accessories, Casa De Regalos for sporty wear, Hats Unlimited for hats of all sizes and shapes, Harbor Market & Liquor for Ventura Harbor wear, Lost In Socks for an array of themed socks, Treasure Cove for sea themed jewelry, and Ventura Swimwear which boasts an extensive collection of swimwear and cozy accessories.
The Self Care Lover
Look no further than Frenchies Modern Nail Care, Silhouettes By The Beach full-service salon to complete a fantastic holiday look, and the perfect stocking stuffers are handmade holiday soaps, salves, and bath bombs from Lemon & Lei.
The Foodie Friend
Take a gastronomic stroll and give the gift of a savory meal to the foodie lovers. The Harbor has cuisine from around the world all in one place – American, Cuban, French, Greek, Mexican, and fresh seafood. Grab a dining gift certificate at Ventura Harbor Village restaurant for every palate.
Admission & Parking Information:
Admission for Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, Parade of Lights, and Santa Paddle are complimentary. Complimentary event parking is available in Ventura Harbor Village Parking Lots, designated spots along Spinnaker Drive, Surfer’s Knoll Beach, Harbor Cove Beach, and Safe Harbor Ventura Isle (Dolphin Parking Section only).
Arrive early for best parking and shopping throughout the Ventura Harbor Village. Consider taking Uber and Lyft to the events this year. Dinner reservations are recommended or arrive early to dine in venues throughout Ventura Harbor. Parade and fireworks are weather pending. For best views of the parade, reserve a Parade of Lights cruise.
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Situated along the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura Harbor Village is the waterfront seaside attraction in the Ventura Harbor, bordered by the City of Ventura on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the West. Ventura Harbor is 20 miles from Santa Barbara and is 60 miles from Los Angeles and just minutes off scenic US Highway 1 and 101. The Ventura Harbor offers several sandy beaches for beach-goers, and wide open spaces for boating & recreation. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center makes it home in Ventura Harbor.
For a complete schedule of holiday events and entertainment and additional visitor information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470, or visit VenturaHarborVillage.com. Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, CA 93001. Post, share, and like @VenturaHarbor