December 18 - December 19, 2026

Mark your calendars for Ventura Harbor Village’s 50th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks, a dazzling holiday tradition that lights up the coast on Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 19, 2026! This year invites you to immerse yourself in a spectacular display of illuminated boats, glowing holiday décor, and festive cheer all in honor of the parade’s 50th anniversary.

Event Highlights:

• Boat Parade: Watch as creatively decorated boats cruise through the harbor, competing for top prizes while showcasing a luminous array of lights and holiday spirit.
• Carnival on the Main Lawn: Enjoy festive carnival rides and classic games for all ages—perfect for families and friends looking to extend the fun before and after the parade.
• Fireworks Show: Don’t miss the breathtaking fireworks finale that lights up the night sky after the parade each evening.
• Family Fun: Stroll through the Village to enjoy live entertainment, seaside dining, boutique shopping, and special seasonal activities. Don’t miss seaside DJ spinning the holiday tunes and faux snowfall for all to enjoy a CA wintery experience.

When:

• Friday, December 18 & Saturday, December 19, 2026
• Festivities begin at 4 PM, and the parade starts at 6:30 PM each evening.

Boaters: Sign Up Early for 50th Anniversary Perks

Help make the 50th anniversary our brightest parade yet! Boater applications open Wednesday, October 14, and the first 25 boats to sign up receive extra, exclusive incentives for this milestone year. Gather your crew, start planning your decorations and mark your calendar to apply early!

Boat Awards: A Golden Year to Shine

From glowing kayaks to decked-out sailboats, participating boaters will compete for awards—and this year’s 50th anniversary brings bigger grand prizes and the return of classic favorites!

• Grand Prizes: Sweepstakes awards of $550 each for qualifying sail and power boats, plus Showstopper awards of $350 each for qualifying smaller boats.
• First & Second Place: Winners in the catagories Human Powered, Dinghy/Duffy, Non-Profit, Commercial, Power 25 Feet & Under, Power 26 Feet & Over, Sail 29 Feet & Under, and Sail 30 Feet & Over.
• People’s Choice—Friday Only: Vote online through the Ventura Harbor Facebook page for your favorite Friday-night boat! The winner receives $250, a golden cleat, a harbor plaque and plenty of bragging rights.
• Classic Favorite Awards Return: Best Creative Use of Lights and Best Animation each earn $250, while the NEW Golden Nugget Award honors the brightest boat in the parade.

Admission & Parking:

• Admission is free.
• Paid parking is available or take a complimentary shuttle service to the Village.
• Complimentary Shuttle pick up at Harbor & Schooner Drive parking lot and Portside Ventura. Free parking is available on Spinnaker Drive, the Dolphin Parking lot at Safe Harbors Marina (a 5 min walk back to Andria’s and the Village), along Spinnaker Drive and at the dirt lot at the end of Spinnaker Drive for Parade of Lights.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss this unforgettable coastal celebration that blends holiday magic with oceanfront beauty. Whether you’re enjoying the parade from a waterfront restaurant or joining in the fun along the promenade, the 2026 Parade of Lights & Fireworks is sure to shine bright in your holiday memories! Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com for updates, tips, and more event details.

Start your holiday season aglow with the Parade of Lights at Ventura Harbor!