OXNARD — Oxnard transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with festive events ranging from massive light displays to strolling trolley tours and tempting tamales.
The fun kicks off with the 68th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Friday, November 30 at 5:30 p.m. taking place at Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard. Visitors can watch in awe as Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree is illuminated while enjoying complimentary refreshments and a visit from Santa!
A fun tradition for the whole family, the 57th Annual Oxnard Christmas Parade embraces the holiday season with colorful marching bands, spirited floats, equestrian units and more! The parade themed, “Making Spirits Bright” takes place on Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon along A, 5th and C Streets in Downtown Oxnard. Held in conjunction with the parade is the 11th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival taking place from 9 am to 6:30 p.m. Festival-goers can inspire their taste buds with a variety of flavorful, authentic tamales from sweet to savory to traditional. The event also includes an eating contest, holiday crafts fair, kid’s activities and live music.
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without sweet smelling gingerbread. Follow the scent to Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard for the Heritage Square Holiday Tours and 10th Annual Gingerbread Fest. Costumed docents lead tours of the historic houses exteriors and select interiors with tours offered on the weekends from December 8-30. The elaborate gingerbread houses will be displayed inside the onsite chapel from December 1-16. A donation of $5 is suggested.
Superheroes take center stage at the 53rd Annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 8 in Channel Islands Harbor. Themed, “Heroes on Holiday” the annual parade begins with pre-festival activities including snowplay for kids, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a local parade, holiday artists’ market, exhibitors, live music, children’s activities and more. The lighted, colorful boat parade follows at 7 pm and can be viewed from all points along the Harbor’s edge and at surrounding restaurants.
Stay in shape this holiday season while also giving back to the community with the 12th Annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon on Sunday, December 9. Participants can choose from a half-marathon race to a 5k run/walk, or a 1k kids run and event a “Diaper Dash” for the younger sect. Registration fees vary, and all proceeds benefit local charities.
Get a top side view of Oxnard’s holiday lights in Downtown Oxnard by hopping aboard a grand double-decker during the 12th Annual Holly Trolley Tours. The tours are offered December 11, 12 and 13 departing between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Centennial Plaza. The tour includes a drive through Oxnard’s National Historic District filled with spectacular displays of holiday lights and décor. Guests are also treated to a stop at historic Heritage Square for hot cocoa and cookies. The cost is $12.50 per person.
Fresh produce and holiday fun are in store at the weekly Farmers’ Market on Sunday, December 12 in Channel Islands Harbor. The special holiday themed market will feature local art & craft vendors as well as the usual weekly fresh offerings. Kids can enjoy a special snowplay area and meet with Santa!
During the season, visitors can also take a leisurely stroll or drive along Oxnard’s Christmas Tree Lane, Ventura County’s largest holiday light display. The lights can be viewed nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. along F & G Streets and between 5th and Palm Streets in the Oxnard National Historic District. Christmas Tree Lane Runs from December 9-26.
For more information on Oxnard’s holiday season, call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 805-385-7545 or visit the website at www.visitoxnard.com.
About Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures through transient occupancy tax, and tourism revenue opportunities through the promotion of Oxnard as a premier travel destination. Oxnard is an easy drive up the coast from Los Angeles or from the northern portions of California. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Oxnard’s uncrowded beaches, and explore the many diverse attractions and outdoor adventures that are unique to the area. A wide variety of hotel accommodations are available ranging from mid-priced rooms to oceanfront and seaside settings. For more information, call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 805-385-7545 or visit the website at www.visitoxnard.com.