Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with Parade of Lights 2023!
The theme this year is Hula Holiday! We are looking forward to a very tropical, colorful, Hawaiian inspired boat parade and Village festivities! Soak up some holiday cheer with shimmering lights, whirling carnival rides, boutique gift shopping, delicious dining, and more. We’ll SEA you there!
Friday, December 15 & Saturday, December 16
4:00pm & beyond – Kids rides & carnival games on the Harbor Village lawn
5:30pm - Faux snowfall, LED performers twinkle and shine along the Harbor Village Promenade (Plus, a special Hula Holiday performance by Ka Hale Hula 'o Pilialohaokalani o Hilo near the Season's Greeting sign at 5:45pm on Saturday only)
6:30pm – Boat parade begins (two laps throughout Ventura Harbor)
8:00pm – Fireworks display is weather pending (look Northwest for best viewing)
Have a boat?
Join our parade! Entering as a boater is FREE and comes with a handful of perks including cash prizes, Village gift certificates, and a special award reception following the parade!
Arrive early in the day on Saturday, December 16th from Noon- 4 pm to join in the wonder of the holidays for Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace (Click here for details)
Parking & Event are FREE!
Parking locations:
Ventura Harbor Village lots
Designated spots along Spinnaker Dr.
Surfer’s Knoll Beach lot
Harbor Cove Beach lot
Safe Harbor Ventura Isle (Dolphin section only)
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
Catch a ride with Uber or Lift
1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001
Ventura Harbor Parade Route
Helpful Parade Tips
Visit Ventura Harbor Village for pre & post festivities, including dining, shopping, and rides on the lawn.
Don’t wait! Make your reservations now for a your favorite restaurant or Parade of Lights harbor cruise.
Parking lots will fill up quick - don't forget there are additional lots around the harbor.
Following the fireworks, stick around for 30 minutes to enjoy food, dessert, or cocktails and allow for less car traffic while exiting Ventura Harbor.
View by Land or Water!
Viewing by Land is Free!
Find a good viewing spot on land along the parade route to enjoy the lights! Ventura Harbor has a large walking promenade in which the parade can be viewed. Entertainment, dining, treats, carnival rides and parade announcers will be located specifically in Ventura Harbor Village. Fireworks display is to the Northwest of the Village each night.
Ventura Boat Rentals
Private Parade of Lights Boat Tour
1.5 hour private tour for up to 24 passengers
Friday Departures: Dec. 15th at 5:30pm or 7:30pm (Sold Out)
Saturday Departures: Dec. 16th at 5:30pm or 7:30pm (Sold Out)
Cost: $1190 credit/debit or $1080 Cash
Book: visit venturaboatrentals.com or call (805) 642-7753 to reserve
Public Lit Pedal Boat Rentals
Variety of beautiful lit up swans, flamingos, ducks, & dragons can comfortably accommodate up to 4 passengers. Fun for families and friends with great front row seats of the boats in the parade as they round Ventura Harbor Village.
Friday Departures: Dec. 15th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Saturday Departures: Dec. 16th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Cost: $140 debit/credit or $120 Cash
Book: visit venturaboatrentals.com or call (805) 642-7753 to reserve
Island Packers
Island Packers catamarans stage to watch the parade, cruise to view holiday lights in the marina, and ends with fireworks (weather permitting). Cruises are approximately 2.5 hours.
Friday Departures: Dec. 15th at 5:45pm & 6:00pm. (The 6:15pm cruise is (Sold Out))
Saturday Departures: Dec. 16th at 5:45pm. (The 6:00pm cruise is (Sold Out) and 6:15pm cruise is (Sold Out))
Cost: $38 for adults, $35 for seniors and $28 for children under 12.
Book: visit islandpackers.com or call (805) 642-1393
Ventura Sportfishing
Ventura Harbor Sportfishing is offering special holiday harbor cruises to view the Parade of Lights from their fishing boats! Cruises are about 2 hours. Snacks and hot drinks available for purchase in the galley. Boat will return to the dock following the end of the fireworks, just after 8:00pm.
Friday Departure: 6:00pm
Saturday Departures: 6:00pm
Cost: $40 for adults and $35 for children 12 & under
Book: Visit VenturaSportfishing.com or (805) 676-3474
Parade of Lights Dining
Open Dining Seating:
805 Bar & Grilled Cheese 805.642.9463
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market 805.654.0546 *
Baja Bay Surf & Taco 805.535.4160 *
Boatyard Pub 805.850.0202
Copa Cubana 805.642.9463
Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room 805.321.9463
Brophy Bros Restaurant & Clam Bar 805.639.0865
Harbor Cove Café 805.658.1639 (near National Park Visitor Center) *
Harbor Market & Liquor 805 644-2970 *
The Harbor Mart 805 676-0054 *
Le Petit Café & Bakery 805.642.1191
Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant 805.654.7906
On The Alley 805.413.4367 *
The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood 805.650.5350
The Parlor 805.658.2837 *
* = Walk Up & Take Out
Accepting Seating Reservations:
The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood 805.650.5350
Water’s Edge Restaurant 805.642.1200
Sweet Treats:
Coastal Cone Ice Cream 805.658.2837
Crave Gelato 805-918-0553
Le Petit Bakery 805.642.1191
Sugar Lab Bake Shop 805.765.4292
Top This Chocolate 805.535.4167
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