The 2022 Parade of Lights & Fireworks, Winter Wonderland, Santa Paddle & Cruising are a Must This SEAson!
Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit seaside at Ventura Harbor Village, located off California Highway 101, where friends and family from near and far, are invited to add sun and sparkle this season. Trade in snow for sand and snow boots for flip flops – it’s time to enjoy another iconic event lineup at this stunning destination situated along the waterfront in Ventura. The Harbor is truly a “must SEA” spot this time of year.
Ventura Harbor is mustering up more holiday magic than ever with ocean-inspired decorations in a color palette of twinkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues. On display for all to see 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. Seasonal décor can be enjoyed from now through the New Year!
Visitors are encouraged to take a seaside stroll to enjoy the lights and stop in for quality food on a cozy covered patio – a perfect way to entertain and spend quality time with loved ones. Following a relaxing meal, explore the Harbor Village for one-of-a-kind gifts. Ventura’s locally-owned shops and art galleries have everything from handmade treasures to fun stocking stuffers.
Ventura Harbor offers an array of community festivities for the holidays including Small Business Saturday, Santa Paddle, Winter Wonderland & Marketplace, and the most anticipated event of the year – Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/events/ to SEA a full stellar line-up of events to make your holidays merry and bright!
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2022
Seas the day and add a little glee with Ventura Harbor Village’s annual Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2022 on Saturday, December 10th from Noon to 3:00pm. Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus for photos and get up close to two of their reindeer! Live Dickenson carolers and holiday characters will be roaming, catch the Toy Soldier band, play in the faux snowfall, and browse a Pop-Up Village Makers Market along the seaside Promenade. Featured Harbor Village artisans and creators include Lemon & Lei, Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, Mermaid Gallery and Ventura Pottery Gallery. In addition, complementary crafts for kids will provided by Lakeshore. venturaharborvillage.com/event/winter-wonderland-holiday-marketplace-2022/
Arrive early on Saturday, December 10th at 11:00am for Ventura Harbor’s 6th Annual Santa Paddle – a sure bet for holiday fun. Santa Trades Reindeer for Paddle Board in a salute to the sea, whereby visitors rent a kayak, SUP, or stand-up YOLO board or character pedal boats from Ventura Boat Rentals to join the fun. Everyone is invited to dress festively in the spirit of the season in red and white Santa’s elves, and of course Santa Hats! Arrive early to secure your rental needs. venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks 2022
It’s an “Out of this World” moment when spectators get their first glimpse of the magnificent boats amid festive décor at the 45th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Vivid and bright, the procession of colorfully decorated boats is a spectacle to behold. This year’s theme of “Out of This World” will be all things outer space. Here’s peek at what’s planned:
4:00pm & beyond – Kids Rides & Carnival Games on the Harbor Village main lawn
5:30pm – Faux Snowfall, LED Performers twinkle and shine along the Harbor Village Promenade
6:30pm – Boat Parade Begins (two laps throughout Ventura Harbor)
8:00pm – Fireworks (weather pending) – look northwest for best viewing
The celebration spotlights more than 25 illuminated power and sail boats per night as they cruise around the entire Harbor – plus carnival 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. venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights/
Plan to vote for the prestigious People’s Choice Award on the Ventura Harbor’s Facebook page! View all parade entries on the “2022 People’s Choice Award” album and “like” your favorites. Boat owners are invited to bring holiday cheer to the Ventura County Community by joining the parade.
Entering as a boater is completely free, plus awards and participation prizes will be given, including cash and gift certificates. To join the parade with your decorated boat, visit venturaharborvillage.com/pol-boaters/ for details.
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights is made possible by the following sponsors: Four Points by Sheraton & Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Portside Ventura Harbor, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Ventura West Marina, Ventura Isle Marina, Channel Watch Marine / Tow Boat US, Island Packers, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar, On the Alley, Ventura Yacht Club, Ventura Marina Community, Ventura Keys Association, Mavcco Market, Ventura Harbor Boatyard, Coastal Cone, Harbor Cove Café, Deep Sea Winery, Sunbelt Rentals, RP Barricade, Cumulus Broadcasting, Ventura Breeze, VC Reporter, & Valley Scene Magazine.
Holiday goers can also revel in the true spirit of the season with these special public on-the-water activities and holiday cruises:
Island Packers Public Holiday Cruises
Island Packers Holiday Lights Cruises:
Cruise in style to view holiday lights with friends/family during a one-hour Island Packers Holiday Lights Cruise on select dates from December 7- 23, 2022. Cost: $18 per adult, $16 per senior (55+), and $12 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 on December 16 and 17, 2022. Cruises depart at 5:45pm, 6:00pm, & 6:15pm. Fare is $38 for adults, $35 for seniors and $28 for children under 12. Group rates are available. For advance reservations call 805-642-1393 or visit islandpackers.com to book.
Get on the Water 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.
Shop Local On Small Business Saturday
Get a jump start on gift shopping without the big box bustle, and partake in Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2022 from 11:00am – 6:00pm. 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, live entertainment, and complimentary parking. Holiday shoppers can give the gift of year-round experiences by purchasing gift cards too! venturaharborvillage.com/event/shop-small-saturday-2022/
See these gift ideas to match the different personas of everyone on your 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.
Cuisine From Around the World:
Holiday Fare On Christmas
Make memories with a casual meal or gather for a special dinner with family and friends at one of the popular dining options at Ventura Harbor on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/dine/ to learn restaurants are open on Christmas Day.
Ring in 2023 on New Year’s Eve
Enjoy the live music seaside with the band “Blown Over” from Noon to 3 PM on December 31, 2022 in beautiful Ventura Harbor Village. Listen from the scenic Village promenade or while dining on a nearby waterfront restaurant patio. SEA you seaside in celebration of the New Year! venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Waterfront Dining On New Year’s Day
Welcome 2023 waterside and toast the New Year with a savory selection of al la carte and pre fixe menus items accompanied by handcrafted and specialty cocktails at an array of restaurants on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/events/ to learn which restaurants are open on New Year’s Day.
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.
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.
Ventura Harbor Village is excited to welcome the community with an outdoor, open-air public space to spend and enjoy the holiday. The Harbor asks that visitors please be mindful during their visit and seaside safely.
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