The 50th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks sets sail in Ventura Harbor for two special nights - Friday, December 18th and Saturday, December 19th - celebrating The Golden Era: A Float Through the Decades!
Get ready for a dazzling trip down memory lane as decked-out boats bring decades of nostalgia, golden shimmer, and holiday cheer to the waterfront. On shore, the festivities continue in Ventura Harbor Village with twinkling lights, carnival rides, festive shopping, waterfront dining, and more.
A special thank you to our Golden Legacy Sponsor, Boatyard Pub, and all our 2026 sponsors for helping make this milestone shine! For 50 years, local boaters, Harbor businesses and community have kept this beloved tradition glowing. Whether it's your first parade or your fiftieth, you're part of what makes it special!
Friday, Dec. 18 & Saturday, Dec. 19
4:00pm & beyond – Kids rides, carnival games, and snacks on the Ventura Harbor Village lawn.
5:30pm - Holiday tunes, faux snowfall, the mean green 805 Grouch, a Bubble Show, and sparkling LED performers twinkle and shine along the Ventura Harbor Village Promenade.
6:30pm – Boat parade begins (two laps throughout Ventura Harbor)
8:00pm – Fireworks display is weather pending (look Northwest for best viewing)
A little planning goes a long way! Parade of Lights is one of Ventura Harbor's most popular events, and parking fills up fast. Arrive early, carpool with friends, or consider rideshare for a smoother start to your evening.
Paid Parking – Just $1/hour!
Ventura Harbor Village
Surfer's Knoll Beach
Harbor Cove Beach
Parking is $1/hour for up to 4 hours, or $10 for stays longer than 4 hours. Have your license plate number handy to pay at a kiosk or via QR code.
Free Parking Options
Designated spaces along Spinnaker Drive
Dirt Lot at the end of Spinnaker Drive
Dolphin Lot at Safe Harbor Ventura Isle
Shuttle Lot at Harbor Boulevard & Schooner Drive
Shuttle Information Coming Soon!
We're working on additional transportation options to make getting to the festivities even easier. Stay tuned for shuttle details!
Our tip: Come early, explore the Village, grab a bite, and enjoy the festivities before the boats light up the harbor!
Catch a Ride with Uber or Lyft:
Drop off address: 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 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.
