Is there a better place to spend the holidays than Ventura? After all, who doesn’t want to be able to hang out at the beach in shorts and flip-flops in December! The fact that there won’t be a white Christmas if you spend the holidays in Southern California does little to dampen the spirit here. And, if you feel like you need a little snow with your celebration, several of the holiday events in Ventura will accommodate you!
An array of holiday events in Ventura gives families something festive to do almost every day this month!
Live reindeer at the Santa Barbara Zoo, Now through January 1, Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a favorite family-friendly spot year-round, and during this holiday season, you’ll have even more reason to go. Visit the two live reindeer, Holiday and Lightning, on the lawn opposite the Cats of Africa exhibit and participate in various winter-themed and holiday-related activities.
Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show, December 1–January 1, Oxnard’s Plaza Park
For the 12th annual Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show, the Pagoda “transforms into a high-tech interactive experience featuring more than 30,000 flashing lights, holiday music, animated characters and more.
Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair, December 2, Downtown Ventura
Explore world-class wineries, enjoy live entertainment and tasty dishes from food vendors, and stick around for the holiday lighting and faux snow after.
Christmas Parade & Tamale Festival, December 2, Oxnard
The city of Oxnard’s Christmas Parade will feature almost 100 decorative floats, vehicles, marching bands, and dancers, and coincides with the Oxnard Tamale Festival at Plaza Park.
8th annual Run for Holiday Fun 5K/10K Run/Walk, December 2, Camarillo
Head to Camarillo for the 8th annual Run for Holiday Fun 5K/10K Run/Walk. Santa will make a special appearance and there is also a one-mile Kids Fun Run for the little ones.
No Room at the Inn nativity display, December 2–3, No Room at the Inn in Camarillo
For many Ventura County families, a trip to the No Room at the Inn is a holiday highlight. The Nativity display has been going on for 25 years, and features a display of more than 600 nativity sets from private collections.
Winter Festival and Holiday Pet Fun, December 3, Museum of Ventura County
Have a dog? Bring him or her to the Museum of Ventura County to participate in a “Canine Cake Walk,” with biscuits, treats, pet antler crafts, and photos with Santa. Don’t have one yet? “Borrow” a gentle pet from the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center—and then adopt it!
Holidays at the Plaza, December 8 through January 2, Plaza Park
Ventura’s Plaza Park offers a month full of events including free holiday movies “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Polar Express,” a Candy Cane Forest with decorated trees, a Santa’s Workshop holiday boutique, a Silent Night Disco Night, and Breakfast with Santa.
Sleigh Rides by Boat in the Ventura Harbor and Ventura Keys, December 8–14, 17–31, Ventura Harbor and Keys
“Celebrate a seaside holiday tradition with Ventura Boat Rental’s California Sleigh Ride cruise through scenic and decorated Ventura Harbor and the Ventura Keys,” they said. “Guests will ride aboard ‘The Dreamer’ vessel decked out in holiday décor that takes patrons to see decorated boats and homes. Each 75-minute cruise includes holiday music, complimentary hot chocolate and holiday cookies.”
52nd annual Holiday Parade of Lights, December 9, Channel Islands Harbor
Plan a jaunt to Channel Islands Harbor for the 52nd annual Holiday Parade of Lights. There will be 36 tons of snow falling, along with a visit from Santa with free family photos, and holiday arts and crafts.
Holiday on the Hill, December 10, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
This is a great time to come out and explore the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. The event includes photos with Santa, gourmet food, live performances, and tours of the annual holiday tree exhibit.
41st annual Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, Dec. 15 and 16, Ventura Harbor Village
The theme of this year’s event is, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” so expect to see boats decorated accordingly. The festivities also feature fireworks on both nights when the parade is over.
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, December 16, Ventura Harbor Village
Proving that the Harbor is the place to be over the holidays, they will present this festive event that includes “faux” snow every 15 minutes, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, two live reindeer, carolers, a toy soldier band, carnival rides, treats, crafts, costumed characters, and a holiday boutique.
Arctic Lights at the Zoo, December 16–17, Moorpark College
America’s Teaching Zoo is becoming a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, real snow, hot chocolate, crafts, games, and behind-the-scenes tours with animal interactions (extra cost).
For more information about holiday events in Ventura or to learn more about new homes in Ventura, visit The Farm. This new Ventura County masterplan offers two on-site parks and four single-family and attached new-home communities that showcase the best of family living while embracing nature and sustainability and honoring the city’s proud agricultural heritage. The Farm’s new-home offerings include:
Traditional single-family homes with one- and two-story residences, classic architecture, chef’s kitchens, and optional California rooms. Three to four bedrooms and two to three baths. 1,914–2,753 square feet of living space
Luxurious single-family homes with open flow, downstairs bedrooms, great outdoor space, and alley-loaded garages. Four to six bedrooms and three to four and one-half baths. Separate apartment units over the two-car garages in two plans. 2,781–3,343 square feet of living space
Light-filled single-family homes with open floorplans, island kitchens, first-floor en-suite bedrooms, and alley-loaded garages. Four bedrooms and three to three and one-half baths. 2,223–2,702 square feet of living space
Unique townhome designs that live like single-family detached homes, with open plans, upstairs bonus rooms, and private yards. Three to four bedrooms and two and one-half to three baths. 1,744–2,287 square feet of living space.
You can also register your name on the VIP interest list to ensure you are kept up to date on phase releases and community news.
