2025 Annual Holiday Boat Parade, Winter Wonderland, Santa Paddle
And More Await Holiday Goers
Embrace in joyous seaside tide-ings at the waterfront at Ventura Harbor Village, a sun-kissed destination on California’s Central Coast. Mark your calendar to join in a myriad of “Must -SEA” events in December 2025 that are certain to make your holiday SEAson merry and bright. With a brilliant line-up of happenings, paired with sparkling seasonal decor, enjoy the sensational 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks: “Let It Glow” on December 12 & 13, 2025, followed by the family-friendly Santa Paddle on December 20, 2025 and Ventura Harbor Village Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2025, December 20, 2025, and Light Up the Harbor Chanukah Celebration at Ventura Harbor Village on December 21, 2025.
Here’s what planned seaside for the holidays ahead:
49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks: “Let It Glow”
Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13, 2025: 6:30- 8PM (with festivities starting at 4 PM)
Witness magnificent twinkling boats amid festive décor at the 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks. The vibrant procession from a distance will light up Ventura Harbor waters with more than two dozen decorated boats per night is a spectacle to behold. Visitors from near and far are invited to kick off this year’s “Let It Glow” themed boat parade that pays homage to all things bright.
4:00PM & beyond: Family fun is on tap with carnival and kids rides, live roaming entertainers, professional bubble show, waterfront dining, and boutique shopping at Ventura Harbor Village.
5:30PM & beyond: Faux snowfall & pop-up entertainment along the Ventura Harbor Village Promenade
6:30PM: “Let it Glow” on the water with a myriad of decorative boats cruising twice through the harbor, competing for top prized while showcasing a luminous array of lights as part of the 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks.
8:00PM: Immerse in breathtaking fireworks finale that illuminates the sky following the parade each evening near Harbor Cove Beach in the Ventura Harbor. (weather permitting).
Complimentary Shuttle pick up at Harbor & Schooner Drive parking lot, Portside Ventura, the free Dolphin Parking area, and more. Free parking is available on Spinnaker Drive, the Dolphin Parking lot at Safe Harbors Marina (a 5 min walk back to Andria’s and the Village), along Spinnaker Drive and at the dirt lot at the end of Spinnaker Drive for Parade of Lights.
Santa Paddle
Saturday, December 20, 2025: 11AM – Noon
HO! HO! HO! Santa is trading reindeer for a paddle board for this popular annual event. Visitors can join him on his holiday journey and ring in the good holiday vibes. Santa leads a scenic one-hour procession from Ventura Harbor Village Bay in front of Ventura Boat Rentals through the marina to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center and back. Paddlers (kayak, SUP and peddle) can carry on their equipment or launch at the “C” doc in Ventura Harbor Village, or rent a kayak, stand up paddle board or character pedal boats from Ventura Boat Rentals. Everyone is invited to dress in the spirit of the season as elves, reindeer, holiday trees, and of course Santa Hats!
Ventura Harbor Village Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025: Noon – 4PM
Revel in the magic of the season and add a little glee to your holidays with this popular family-friendly Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace. Enjoy a complimentary photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus, get up and close to two of Santa’s live reindeer, play in faux snow while costumed carolers stroll the Village; take photos with snowman, reindeer and penguin characters; enjoy a live performance by the toy soldier band and costumed carolers singing holiday favorites. Plus, Ventura Harbor Village’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace welcomes back the Holly Jolly Market showcasing local makers and interactive activities and can enjoy a Make A Wish Booth & Tree, where they can write a wish on Ventura Harbor Village’s wish tree and visit the Wish Booth for Harbor freebies. Kids can enjoy a complimentary holiday craft from Lakeshore Learning Center and professional bubble shows with SB Bubble Guy. This event is the perfect time to finalize your holiday shopping at more than a dozen Village shops and support shop small business. Participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or household item to donate in support of Totally Local VC’s Local Love Project and Spark of Love. Your donation helps brighten the holidays for local families in need across Ventura County. Plus stop by the Make a Wish booth to learn more and make a wish this holiday season.
Light Up the Harbor Chanukah Festival at Ventura Harbor Village
Sunday, December 21, 2025: 2PM
All are welcome on Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 PM for a joyful Chanukah celebration by the sea. Experience the grand Menorah lighting at Ventura Harbor Village, along with live entertainment, arts and crafts, dreidel games, and delicious donuts. Pick up a Menorah kit to continue the light at home. Free admission, family-friendly, and open to all. Presented by Chabad of Ventura in partnership with Ventura Harbor Village.
Ventura Harbor’s paid parking program is in effect for holiday events with free parking available at the Dolphin Lot, Spinnaker Drive and noted for Parade of Lights. Visit venturaharborvillage.com/events for details.