If you’ve never discovered the magic of the holidays at Ventura Harbor, this year is the perfect time to dive in. Celebrating its 40th Year of the Annual Parade of Lights, the Ventura waterfront is gleaming with holiday lighting and decorations. In addition to a full slate of events and activities all month long, the Boat Parade will be held on Friday and Saturday, December 16 – 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and concluding with fireworks at 8 p.m. The Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks will feature the theme “Parks on Parade” this year, which is a nod to the 100-year anniversary of the National Parks system.
Visitors can bring the whole family to Ventura on Saturday for daytime festivities at the Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace from 1-5 p.m. The festive village will offer shopping, carnival rides, faux snowfall, live reindeer and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
A visit to Ventura Harbor Village is a feast for all of your senses. The artwork in its galleries and shops with old world charm are just a backdrop for the entire experience. During the month of December, you can climb aboard “The Dreamer” for nightly “Sleigh Rides” offered by Ventura Boat Rentals. Riders on the one-hour excursion can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, plus holiday music and scenery. Advance reservations are suggested for Island Packers’ “Caroling Cruises” on select weekday evenings. This offers visitors a large-scale view of holiday lights in the harbor with optional on-board caroling.
Known for its restaurants, the harbor has a new addition to its dining options. Copa Cubana is a Cuban restaurant serving authentic dishes with live music and dancing in the evenings. And another unique featured attraction just opened at Ventura Harbor Village. The
Ultimate Escape Rooms are the latest challenge for adventurous visitors
to Ventura. These are themed interactive experiences where you can bring in a group and follow clues
to try to unlock the door within an hour time limit.
Later this month, a Chanukah celebration will draw crowds to the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. The free event will feature live music, Judaica boutiques, hot latkes, and more, on December 26 from 2 – 4:30 p.m.
This seaside destination is active year round with opportunities from boat tours and kayak rentals to whale watching and onshore night life. It is home to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center and host to special events and concerts. The doors are open daily to shops like Mermaid Gallery, Treasure Cove, Ventura Dive & Sport, Island Creations, and Ventura County Potter’s Guild, plus many more.
Ventura Harbor has attractions for those who want to bask in its enviable climate, eat well, and do some shopping in boutiques with a reputation for fresh, on trend merchandise.
Ventura Harbor is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, just a 30-minute drive from Santa Clarita.
For more information, call 805-477-0470 or visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com.
