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Boater Application 2026

Fireworks over Ventura Harbor during the Parade of Lights 2026 event.

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights – Boater Info

Calling all captains! Help us light up our harbor for the 50th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks. Decorate your vessel and be part of this cherished seaside tradition that brings the community for two magical nights of twinkling lights, holiday music, and waterfront cheer in Ventura. Every participating vessel helps create a memorable experience for thousands of spectators each year.

Key Details

2026 Theme: The Golden Era: Float Through the Decades
Cost: Free to enter your boat!
Dates: Friday, December 18 AND Saturday, December 19, 2026 (two nights of fun!)
Times: Boats begin the route at 6:30pm (two laps around the harbor each night) & end with fireworks display at 8:00pm *All festivities are weather pending*

Why Participate

Be part of a beloved community tradition, show off your decorated boat & crew, plus enjoy major perks just for joining us! All registered captains who participate in the parade will receive: Two tickets to the exclusive Boater’s Awards Celebration held after the parade (on Tuesday, December 22), a gift certificate toward a delicious meal at one of the Village restuarants, and a professional digital photo of your decorated boat!

Awards & Prizes

Let's see your creativity and craftsmanship for a chance to win top honors and bragging rights. Grand Prizes: $550 for Sweepstakes, $350 for Showstoppers, and $250 for People’s Choice (open to Friday boats only). Plus additional prizes for top boats!

Parade of Lights - Boater Application 2026

50th Anniversary - This Year's Theme: Golden Era

    You are strongly encouraged to participate BOTH nights! Participate both nights and be entered to win $100 in Ventura Harbor Village Restaurant Gift Certificates
    ** Participation on Friday = 20 additional participation points toward Saturday’s judging.
    ** 5 additional points for attending the mandatory Skippers Meeting Friday, December 18th at 4PM
    • Judging is Saturday night, December 19th. Extra points for participating Friday, December 18th.
    • Required Skippers Meeting for all participating boaters on Friday, December 18th at 4PM at the Holiday Inn Express Ventura in the Wind Jammer Meeting Room

  • Boater Information

  • Boat Information / Category

    * required
    * required
    I approve photos, video, & online promotions from the 2026 Parade of Lights can be used by Ventura Port District's Ventura Harbor Marketing Department.

  • Important Parade Info

    • The parade will start with power boats followed by sail boats, dinghies, human powered, etc.
    • No commercialization, advertising, or political statements as part of boat decoration will be allowed.
    • To preserve the safety of sea life, releasing of balloons will not be allowed nor any other substance that could be harmful.
    • Post your Parade of Lights images on social media and be sure to tag us @VenturaHarbor.
    • Friday boaters have the opportunity to win People’s Choice Award. Encourage friends and family to vote on Facebook on Saturday, Dec. 19.

  • Waiver, Release and Indemnity

    In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Parade of Lights, related events and activities, Entrant agrees to follow the instructions of the Parade Committee and hereby waives and releases as well as indemnifies and holds harmless Ventura Port District dba Ventura Harbor Village and Ventura Harbor, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and the Parade of Lights Committee and its members (hereinafter “Indemnities”) from and against any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, losses, or liabilities in law or in equity, including, but not limited to, injury to or death of any person, and damages to or destruction of property of any person, arising out of any of the following:

    1. The willful misconduct or negligent acts, errors or omissions of Entrant, its officers, agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and agents, so long as such claims, demands, costs, expenses, losses or liabilities do not result from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnities, or any of them, provided that if such claims, demands, costs, expenses, losses, or liabilities arise from the negligence of the Indemnities, or any of them (other than its or their sole negligence), then Entrant’s obligation hereunder shall be allocated in accordance with comparative negligence principles under California law;

    2. The violation of governmental laws or regulations, compliance with which is the responsibility of Entrant and its agents.

    I agree to conform to and comply with all rules and regulations governing this event as well as the directions, safety requirements, instructions and regulations of the United States Coast Guard, the Harbor Patrol, and the Parade committed vessels.

 

Mandatory Skippers Meeting

All boaters must attend the Skippers Meeting before the parade. Here you will receive final route details, safety information from Harbor Patrol, parade number assignment from event organizers, and other key info for participating boaters. Attendance is mandatory and earns 5 bonus points toward your final score.

Date: Friday, December 18 at 4:00 PM
Location: Holiday Inn Express Ventura, Windjammer Meeting Room

Judging & Awards

Judging takes place Saturday, December 19 near the Ventura Port District and Harbor Patrol offices during the first round of the parade. Each judge scores boats individually based on a point system. Winners are determined by total points, and judges do not confer before finalizing results. Winners announced at the Awards Celebration: Now on TUESDAY following the parade, December 22. Location and time will be confirmed directly with all registered captains.

Event Mission

Whether you take home a big prize or not, the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights celebrates creativity, community, and the joy of the season. This long-standing event highlights the harbor’s boating community and brings thousands of families together for a sparkling coastal celebration. Whether this is your first parade or your 20th, your participation helps keep this treasured tradition glowing. Thank you for helping us create this magic.

Admiral Sponsors

Logo of Four Points by Sheraton with black text and a colorful four-pointed symbol.
Holiday Inn Logo

Sweepstakes Sponsor

portside

Ship’s Captain Sponsor

andreas

Starboard Sponsors

ventura isle
Black and white logo of Ventura West Marina featuring a stylized boat with a circle in the background.

Parade Route

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