Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland 2014
The Ventura Harbor presents the 38th Annual Ventura Harbor Boat Parade of Lights and Fireworks, Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13, at 6:30 pm and Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 13 from 1- 5 pm. Decorated boats and holiday décor kick off this year’s “Holidays Around the World” theme.
The two-day celebration includes Parade of Lights Carnival & Rides on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn, visits by Santa & Mrs. Claus for last minutes gift requests at the Carousel Stage and delicious waterfront dining. Saturday evening, December 13, around 6:45 pm, watch for Santa and his sleigh fly across the sky above the Harbor, kicking off the boat parade, courtesy of Aspen Helicopters. A fireworks display lights up the night each evening at approximately 8 pm.
Join in to vote for the prestigious People’s Choice Award, on Ventura Harbor’s Facebook page. View parade entries on the “2014 People’s Choice Award” album, posted December 13, and vote for your favorite.
Arrive mid-day on Saturday, December 13 for Ventura Harbor’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace from 1- 5 PM at Ventura Harbor Village. Free visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer (bring own camera for photos),Victorian Carolers, Toy Soldier Band, faux snowfall, craft stations with Macaroni Kid Camarillo, holiday characters, and boutique shopping make Winter Wonderland a fun traditional holiday experience for all ages! Enjoy festive fun at this free event and explore the sixteen seaside boutiques and art galleries stores for holiday finds. Harbor restaurants are overflowing with good cheer for lunch and dinner.
At the Parade of Lights stop by the Ventura Harbor Village booth near Coastal Cone Ice Cream to get a pair of 3D glasses to watch the fireworks display. Plus, vote for choices for next year’s 2015 Parade of Lights theme by at booth in front of Coastal Cone. Get up close to the boat parade with public cruises offered by Island Packers (Reservations: 805-642-1393) and Ventura Boat Rentals (Reservations: 805-642-7753) to view the lights from the water.
Admission to the Parade of Lights on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13, along with Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace on December 13, is free. Parking is free in Ventura Harbor Village, along Spinnaker Drive, and in the Ventura Harbor beach lots. Ventura Downtown – Harbor Trolley will be running with complimentary rides from 11 am – 11 pm from downtown, hotels, and Pierpont neighborhood. Arrive early for best parking and shopping throughout the Ventura Harbor Village. Dinner reservations are recommended or arrive early to dine in venues throughout Ventura Harbor.
The 2014 Parade of Lights sponsors include Ventura Port District, Four Points by Sheraton Resort and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Ventura West Marina, Ventura Harbor Marina & Yacht Yard, Rhumb Line Restaurant, Vessel Assist- Channel Watch Marine, Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, Boatyard Café, Ventura Harbor Marine Fuel, Brophy Brothers Restaurant and Clam Bar, Island Packers, Ventura Boat Rentals, Ventura Yacht Club, Ventura Marina Community, Dave’s Fuel Dock, The Greek at the Harbor, Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Cumulus Broadcasting, Ventura County Star, VC Reporter, Ventura Breeze, Aspen Helicopter, Sunbelt Rentals, and RP Barricade.
Boater Applications are available by calling (805) 477-0470 or online at VenturaHarbor.com and VenturaHarborVillage.com. No charge to enter a decorated watercraft and includes an 8 x10 keepsake photo, awards, prizes, and Boaters Brunch courtesy of The Greek at the Harbor Restaurant!
Visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com/Parade or call (805) 477-0470 for more information or get updates on Ventura Harbor Facebook and Twitter. Watch past Parade of Lights videos on YouTube Ventura Harbor Village Parade of Lights 2013.