Boat parades of lights, the Camarillo Christmas Parade, tree lightings, Nutcrackers, Santa and holiday markets for 2026, with every date checked against the organizer.
The two biggest nights of the Ventura County holiday season are on the water. Channel Islands Harbor's Parade of Lights is Saturday, December 12, the same day as the Camarillo Christmas Parade, and Ventura Harbor's Parade of Lights and fireworks follow on Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19.
Every listing below was checked against the organizer's own page. Plenty of tree lightings and Santa visits aren't posted for 2026 yet, so they're listed under "Still to come" and get added as they're announced. For the week before, see Thanksgiving in Ventura County, and for everything else, the events calendar.
Quick facts
Christmas Day
Friday, December 25, 2026.
The big Saturday
Saturday, December 12: the Camarillo Christmas Parade at 10 AM and the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights at 7 PM.
Fireworks
After the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, both nights: Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19.
Busiest weekend
Saturday, December 5: Old Town Glow in Camarillo, Holiday on High Street in Moorpark, the Winter Wine Walk street fair in Ventura and Holidays in the Village at The Oaks.
Santa
Weekends at Underwood's Christmas on the Farm from Friday, November 27. Mall Santa dates aren't posted yet.
Nutcrackers
Six, from Saturday, November 21 to Wednesday, December 30. Five are in Thousand Oaks; Ventura County Ballet's is in Oxnard with a live orchestra.
Skating
No outdoor rink is confirmed for 2026. Iceoplex in Simi Valley is the indoor option.
Last checked September 24, 2026. Organizers post holiday details through November, and this page gets updated as they do.
In date order
Parades & Parades of Lights
Two street parades and the two harbor boat parades. Saturday, December 12 is the big day: Camarillo's parade in the morning and Channel Islands Harbor's boats that night.
Santa comes into town on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The parade starts at 10 AM and is put on by the City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Optimist Club.
Last year's parade ran on a Friday, so check the day again closer to Thanksgiving. The city also runs Santa Tours through neighborhoods December 15 to 18 from 5:30 PM, with stops posted on its social media.
Saturday, December 12: parade at 10 AM, Santa's Village 10 AM to 2 PM
Starts at Temple Ave and Las Posas Rd, ends at the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E Burnley St
Free
The parade steps off from Temple Avenue and Las Posas Road, heads down Las Posas, turns onto Carmen Drive and ends at the Community Center, where Santa's Village runs until 2 PM with vendor booths, food trucks, live music and photos with Santa.
Bring chairs to the curb; the parade takes about an hour and a half to two hours. Santa photos start around 12:30 PM, and the Community Center lot doesn't open to the public until then.
Lit and decorated boats cruise Channel Islands Harbor for the 60th year, with music along the waterfront. This year's theme is Hawaiian or tropical, so expect island-style lights on the boats.
The harbor says more details are coming. Last year it posted a viewing map ahead of the parade, so check back in late November.
Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19: festivities from 4 PM, parade 6:30 PM, fireworks after
Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura
Free
Ventura Harbor's boat parade runs two nights for its 50th year. Carnival rides and games open on the main lawn at 4 PM, the lit boats come through the harbor at 6:30, and fireworks follow the parade both nights. Come early if you want dinner in the Village and a spot by the water.
Village parking is paid. Free options: street parking on Spinnaker Drive, the Dolphin lot at Safe Harbors Marina, the dirt lot at the end of Spinnaker, or the free shuttle from the Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive lot and from Portside Ventura.
Details & organizer
In date order
Tree Lightings & Holiday Nights
The downtown lightings and street nights with a 2026 date so far. Downtown Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Fillmore and the malls haven't posted theirs yet; they're under Still to come.
Fountain Plaza, Libbey Park, 210 S Signal St, Ojai
No cost listed (free last year)
The Ojai Valley Chamber turns on downtown Ojai's holiday lights in Libbey Park, with music and activities at Fountain Plaza. Last year the lighting itself started at 5 PM with Santa's arrival, a countdown and a sing-along.
The 2026 page gives the hours, not the moment the lights come on. Be there by 5 to be safe.
Port Hueneme lights its tree at City Hall on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. In past years the evening has had crafts, a snow area, refreshments, a letters-to-Santa station and photos with Santa.
The city's page still says more information is coming, so the lighting time isn't posted. Questions: Recreation & Community Services, (805) 986-6542.
Kids under 14 free; $20 presale ($30 at the door); 21+ tasting ticket $40 presale ($50 at the door)
An evening walk down Ventura Boulevard in Old Town with holiday drinks and treats from local businesses, a storefront lighting contest you vote on, carolers and Santa on the boulevard. The 21+ ticket adds more than 15 wine, beer and spirits tastings.
Ticketed, and tickets are on sale now on the merchant association's page.
Moorpark's holiday street party on historic High Street. The last full schedule the city posted ran 4 to 8 PM with free rides, food trucks, craft vendors, a Nutcracker performance and a tree lighting at 6 PM.
Only the date is confirmed for 2026; the rest comes from the city's older listing. We'll update it in November.
Details & organizer
Neighborhood displays
Christmas Lights to See
Streets where the neighbors go all out every year. None has an official schedule; they're lit most evenings in December. These are people's homes, so park legally, stay on the sidewalk and keep it down late.
Nightly in December, 6 to 10 PM (2026 dates not posted; last year ran December 7 to 27)
F and G Streets between 5th St and Palm St, Henry T. Oxnard Historic District
Free
Residents of the historic homes on F and G Streets light up their houses and yards, and it's one of the largest residential displays in the county. You can drive it, but parking on a side street and walking the loop lets you see the details. Plaza Park and its big tree are close by.
If you drive through, keep your headlights on. The Downtown Oxnard page posts the dates each year.
Gemini Ave, Waverly Ave and Saturn St, south of Dunnigan St, Camarillo
Free
Several blocks of neighbors fill their yards with painted cartoon cutouts, trains, Santas and snowmen, and they've done it for years. Walking is easier than driving and gives kids time to find their favorites. Take Arneill Road to Dunnigan Street, then turn onto Gemini.
Pinedale, Timberdale, Clearwood and Cedardale Roads, off Countrywood Dr near Moorpark High School
Free
Dozens of homes in this neighborhood put up lights and yard displays every December, a tradition that's more than 20 years old. Park near Countrywood Drive and walk the loop.
The most recent newspaper coverage we found is from 2023; local guides listed it again in 2025.
The Auburn Lane tract on Summerwood Ave, off Cochran St west of Stearns St
Free
Almost every home in this small tract decorates, with strands of lights running across the street from house to house. It's compact, so it's a short walk rather than a drive.
Last year local guides pointed visitors to overflow parking at Phoenix Ranch School, 4974 Cochran St.
Details & organizer
Nutcrackers, theater & concerts
Nutcrackers & Holiday Shows
Six Nutcrackers, two Christmas Carols, a panto and a run of holiday concerts, in date order. Most of the big shows are at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, where parking is $16 a car, card or phone only.
Scherr Forum, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site or at the box office, (805) 449-2787
The first local Nutcracker of the season, in the smaller of the two theaters at the Civic Arts Plaza. One day only, with a matinee and an evening show, which suits families with younger kids.
Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
A holiday comedy show from Becky Robinson, the comedian behind the Entitled Housewife, and her cast of characters. One night only, and best for grown-ups who want to laugh about how much December asks of them.
Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way
$38 to $98, plus fees
Grammy winner José Hernández brings Mariachi Sol de México to Oxnard for a Christmas program played mariachi style. A one-night concert and a good family pick for holiday music in Spanish and English.
The venue says to buy only from its own site or AXS to avoid resale markups.
Saturday, November 21 to Sunday, December 20: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave
$37 adults, $32 seniors and students, $27 kids, plus a $3 fee
A comedy set during a 1949 live radio broadcast of A Christmas Carol, where the real cast doesn't show up and whoever's left in the building has to perform it, sound effects and vintage commercials included. A lighter take for anyone who's seen the straight version too many times.
Extra 2 PM matinees on Saturdays, December 12 and 19. Box office (805) 583-7900.
Saturday, November 28 at 1 and 6 PM; Sunday, November 29 at 2 PM
Scherr Forum, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
Protégé Performing Arts dances its Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend. Three shows in the smaller Scherr Forum make it an easy first ballet for young kids.
Wednesday, December 2 to Thursday, December 24: evenings at 7 PM, with 2 PM matinees (Christmas Eve is matinee only)
Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E Main St, Ventura
$25 to $89.50, plus a $5 fee
Tony winner Jefferson Mays plays more than 50 roles, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim, in a one-man telling of the Dickens story. It runs 80 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and up, so it's more of a date night than a kids' show.
The opening-weekend Saturday evening show is $150. Guest services (805) 667-2900.
Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
The Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show, with 15 musicians on more than 20 instruments in front of video and lighting effects. One night only, and made for anyone who grew up with the albums.
Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 (times not posted yet)
Scherr Forum, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site this fall
A community chorus of more than 60 singers from Westlake Village, singing its yearly holiday concert on the first weekend of December. Low-key and a good outing with grandparents.
Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 20 (times not posted yet)
Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S Montgomery St, Ojai
Not posted yet
A community production of the musical version of the story about the rowdy Herdman kids taking over a church Christmas pageant. Three weekends, and a family show.
The theater's fall show plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2, but this one's schedule isn't posted yet.
Saturday, December 5 at 7 PM in Thousand Oaks; Sunday, December 6 at 3 PM in Camarillo
Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks; and Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Dr, Camarillo
Tickets on the symphony's site; $15 student rush at the box office
Handel's Messiah rearranged with gospel, jazz and R&B, played by New West Symphony with its chorus and soloists Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon under Michael Christie. Pick Saturday night in Thousand Oaks or the Sunday matinee in Camarillo.
Parking is free at Rancho Campana and $16 at the Civic Arts Plaza.
Saturday, December 5 at 3 PM; Sunday, December 6 at 2 PM
Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way
About $29 to $66
Ventura County Ballet's 28th Nutcracker, with local dancers, guest professionals and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky live. Two afternoon shows of about two hours, best for kids old enough to sit through a full ballet.
Tickets are sold online only, through the ballet's site via Eventbrite, not at the box office.
The ska band's yearly holiday tour stops in Ventura for a late Saturday show. Standing room with very little seating, so it's a night out rather than a family outing.
Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 27: weekends at noon and 4 PM, plus evening shows at 7 PM
Scherr Forum, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
A holiday panto that turns the Rapunzel story into a musical comedy with pop songs and dance numbers. With noon and 4 PM weekend shows through the weekend after Christmas, it's the easiest pick for families with young kids on winter break.
Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave
$43 adults, $37 seniors and students, $35 kids 12 and under, plus a $3 fee
Elvis tribute artist Raymond Michael mixes the hits with Christmas songs in his yearly Blue Christmas show. One night only, billed as fun for the whole family.
Friday, December 18 at 7 PM; Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 at 2 and 7 PM
Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
Pacific Festival Ballet's 32nd Nutcracker, with New York City Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia as guest stars and snow that falls on the audience. Five shows over one weekend in the big Kavli theater.
Not recommended for children under 2, and everyone needs a ticket.
Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
The touring show seen on PBS, with Christmas carols and Irish step dancing by dancers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Two nights before Christmas, once school is out.
Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
A touring Nutcracker with 40 professional dancers and a live orchestra, the week after Christmas. Handy if the local productions sell out or the family's busy before the 25th.
The Nutcracker: Symphony of Lights, Grand Kyiv Ballet
Thousand Oaks
Wednesday, December 30 at 7 PM
Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Tickets on the venue site
Grand Kyiv Ballet's Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score with light-up costumes and modern staging. The last Nutcracker of the year in the county, one night between Christmas and New Year's.
Details & organizer
Santa, markets & winter fun
Santa, Markets & More
Where to see Santa, shop the holiday markets and get out on the ice or the water, in date order. Most mall Santa dates aren't posted yet.
Big red mailbox outside the Community Center office, 1605 E Burnley St
Free
Drop a letter in the big red mailbox at the Camarillo Community Center and a reply comes back by mail before Christmas. No stamp needed; include a name and mailing address.
The park district has a printable letter template on its page.
Daily from Friday, November 27 to December 24, 9 AM to 5 PM (noon on December 24). Santa on weekends and November 27, 11 AM to 4 PM, through December 20
Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark
$16 weekends and November 27 (online, on sale November 1); $12 weekdays from November 30 (at the gate); under 2 and parking free
The farm's holiday season has the animal center, wagon rides, farm slides and a letters-to-Santa station, and weekend admission includes a visit with Santa. Bring your own camera for the Santa photo, and plan on half a day.
Some extras (the holiday train, draft-horse rides, gem mining) cost more and run weekends only. No dogs. A Christmas tree lot is on site through December 20.
Saturday, December 5: street fair noon to 8 PM; wine walk check-in 3 to 6 PM
Main Street, Downtown Ventura
Street fair free; wine walk ticketed
Main Street fills with hundreds of vendors selling crafts and gifts, and you don't need a wine walk ticket to shop. Ticket holders taste wine and beer at downtown businesses, and fake snow falls at the main stage from 6:45 to 8 PM.
The wine walk is 21 and over and usually sells out. Rain or shine; proceeds go to Food Share.
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 (2026 hours not posted yet)
The Oaks, 350 W Hillcrest Dr, Thousand Oaks
Free admission
The Westlake Village Rotary clubs' European-style market, with about 60 artisan vendors, mulled wine, bratwurst and pastries. Kids get Kris Kringle's Village with a small train, a Ferris wheel and photos with Kris Kringle or the Grinch. Go late in the afternoon so you're there when the lights come on.
Proceeds go to local charities. Drinks need a wristband and ID.
Kayakers and paddleboarders dress up in holiday gear and paddle the harbor together. Easy to watch from the docks with kids if you're not getting on the water.
Studio Channel Islands Art Center, 2222 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo
Vendor village free; snow village $15 presale ($20 at the door)
A one-night holiday village in Old Town. The front lot has more than 30 vendor booths, food trucks and free face painting. A ticket gets you into the back, with 30-plus tons of real snow, a train ride, photos with Santa from 6 to 9 and live music from 6:30.
Same day as the Camarillo Christmas Parade that morning. Snow village check-in opens at 5 PM.
Public sessions most days, year-round; check the calendar for holiday-week hours
Iceoplex Simi Valley, 131 W Easy St, Simi Valley
$20 ages 6 and up, $15 ages 5 and under, skate rental included
No outdoor holiday rink is confirmed anywhere in the county this year, so this indoor rink is the dependable place to skate. Public sessions are open to all ages and skill levels.
Details & organizer
Not announced yet
Still to come
These usually happen every year, but the 2026 dates aren't posted yet. We check the organizers every week and move each one up the page once it's confirmed.
When is the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights in 2026?
Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19, 2026, its 50th year. Festivities start at 4 PM at Ventura Harbor Village, the boat parade begins at 6:30 PM, and fireworks follow the parade both nights. It's free. Village parking is paid, but there's free parking along Spinnaker Drive and a free shuttle from the Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive lot.
When is the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights in 2026?
Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 7 to 9 PM in Oxnard. It's the 60th year, and the theme is Hawaiian or tropical. The harbor hasn't posted viewing spots yet.
When is the Camarillo Christmas Parade in 2026?
Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 10 AM. The 64th parade, themed A Coastal Christmas, starts at Temple Avenue and Las Posas Road and ends at the Camarillo Community Center, where Santa's Village runs until 2 PM. It's free.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Ventura County?
Christmas Tree Lane on F and G Streets in Oxnard's historic district is the biggest, lit nightly in December from 6 to 10 PM. In Camarillo, walk Gemini and Waverly Avenues south of Dunnigan Street. Moorpark has Candy Cane Lane off Countrywood Drive, and Simi Valley has the Auburn Lane tract off Cochran Street. The two harbor Parades of Lights are the other big light shows.
Where can kids see Santa in Ventura County?
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark has Santa on weekends from Friday, November 27 through December 20, included with admission. In Camarillo, Cookies with the Clauses is Saturday, December 5, and Santa's Village follows the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12. The Old Town Glow Pop-Up Holiday Village has Santa photos that evening too. Mall Santa dates at The Oaks, Pacific View and Simi Valley Town Center aren't posted for 2026 yet.
Where can I see The Nutcracker in Ventura County in 2026?
Six productions. Moorpark Civic Ballet on Saturday, November 21 and Protégé Performing Arts on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29, both in the Scherr Forum in Thousand Oaks. Ventura County Ballet with a live orchestra on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Pacific Festival Ballet with New York City Ballet guest stars, Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 20 at the Kavli Theatre. Then two touring companies at the Kavli: World Ballet Company on Monday, December 28 and Grand Kyiv Ballet on Wednesday, December 30.
Is there holiday ice skating in Ventura County?
Not outdoors, as far as we can find for 2026. Ventura on Ice and The Lakes rink in Thousand Oaks haven't returned. Iceoplex in Simi Valley runs public sessions most days year-round, $20 for ages 6 and up with skates included.
Know something we should add?
Running a tree lighting, a holiday market or a Santa visit, or know a street that goes all out with lights? Send it over and we'll check it and add it.
