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
Last checked November 2, 2026. Organizers post holiday details through November, and this page gets updated as they do.
In date order
Three 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 Paula
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.
The city also runs Santa Tours through neighborhoods December 15 to 18 from 5:30 PM, with stops posted on its social media.
Oxnard
Downtown Oxnard's Christmas parade, put on by the Oxnard Downtowners. Last year's route went from A and 9th Streets west on 5th Street, then north on C Street to 2nd Street.
The Downtowners post the staging packet after November 27, so the route may change until then. Questions: (805) 247-0197.
Camarillo
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.
Oxnard
Lit and decorated boats cruise Channel Islands Harbor for the 60th year, with music along the waterfront. This year's theme is Aloha Afloat, so expect island-inspired displays 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.
Ventura
Ventura Harbor's boat parade runs two nights for its 50th year, themed The Golden Era: A Float Through the Decades. Carnival rides and games open on the main lawn at 4 PM, holiday music, faux snow and LED performers fill the promenade from 5:30, the boats make two laps of the harbor starting at 6:30, and fireworks follow at 8 PM, weather permitting. Look northwest for the best view.
Parking fills up fast. Village lots are $1 an hour, or $10 for more than 4 hours. Free options: marked spaces on Spinnaker Drive, the Dolphin lot at Safe Harbor Ventura Isle, the dirt lot at the end of Spinnaker, or the free shuttle from the Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive lot and from Portside Ventura.
In date order
The lightings and holiday nights with a 2026 date so far. Downtown Ventura, Downtown Oxnard, Simi Valley and most of the malls haven't posted theirs yet; they're under Still to come.
Oxnard
The first big lighting of the season, with live music from the band Music Freqs, a performance by American Idol contestant Lynzee Fraye and a visit from Santa. It ends with the tree lighting and a fireworks show around 8 PM.
Fireworks are weather permitting. Natural Green's booth hands out free light-up wands from 5 PM, one per person while they last.
Ojai
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.
Moorpark
The zoo at Moorpark College fills with holiday light displays on select nights. Santa is there from 6 to 7:30 PM on November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, so bring your own camera. Family cookie decorating is an add-on on December 12 and 20.
The zoo says this is a lights event, not an animal event: some of the animals enjoy the lights and some sleep through them.
Fillmore
Fillmore lights its town tree in Central Park on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with a night market alongside it.
Port Hueneme
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.
Camarillo
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
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.
Neighborhood displays
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.
Oxnard
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.
Camarillo
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.
Moorpark
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.
Simi Valley
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.
Nutcrackers, theater & concerts
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Thousand Oaks
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
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Simi Valley
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.
Ventura
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Thousand Oaks
Cal Lutheran's choral ensembles and String Symphony come together for the university's annual Christmas concerts in Samuelson Chapel.
Ojai
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.
Doors open 45 minutes before. The theater is collecting canned food for Help of Ojai, so bring a can. Reservations: (805) 640-8797.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Oxnard
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.
Ventura
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
No shows December 21 to 25.
Simi Valley
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Santa, markets & winter fun
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.
Camarillo
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.
Oxnard
Santa sets up his workshop in the middle of the shopping center for wish lists and family photos. Pets are welcome any day of the week.
Reservations are on the center's page. The hours aren't posted there yet.
Moorpark
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.
Ventura
The historic house's annual boutique, with quality crafts, home decor, antiques and collectibles, plus hot spiced cider and cookies.
Outside vendors keep hours of 8 AM to 4 PM.
Ventura
More than 100 curated makers, artists, vintage sellers and small businesses, with live music, seasonal food and drinks, and activities for the whole family.
Camarillo
The art center's 20th annual market, with more than 40 artists selling handmade gifts and fine art, plus live music, food and activities for kids. The place for gifts made by local artists.
Santa Paula
A free pancake breakfast and a picture with Santa, put on by the City of Santa Paula.
Pre-registration is required, online at santapaula.recdesk.com or at (805) 933-4226 ext. 358.
Camarillo
Kids decorate cookies, make crafts and write letters to Santa, then take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Holiday outfits and pajamas are encouraged.
Register through the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District.
Ventura
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.
Thousand Oaks
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.
Saturday late afternoon is the busiest time, so come when the gates open or after 6 PM to skip the peak. Proceeds go to local charities. Drinks need a wristband and ID.
Oxnard
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.
Registration details aren't posted yet.
Moorpark
The City of Moorpark's yearly pancake breakfast with a holiday craft and a visit with Santa. Last year registration opened November 12, and the city warned it would sell out.
Only the dates are confirmed for 2026. Everyone attending has to register.
Camarillo
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.
Ventura
The Village turns into a coastal winter village for the afternoon, with Santa and Mrs. Claus by their red sleigh, live reindeer, faux snowfall, roaming holiday characters and live music.
Thousand Oaks
A new open-air rink in its first season, open every day including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sessions run 90 minutes, and the ice is resurfaced between them. Regular-week Wednesdays are Family Night, 4 tickets for $60, and Mondays outside holiday weeks are $16.
Opening night starts at 5 PM with a one-hour skate, free for the first 25 guests and $16.50 online for everyone else.
Thousand Oaks
The Lakes brings back its open-air rink above the two-tiered pond after a long absence. Booking ahead is recommended, and it's cashless.
Simi Valley
The indoor option, and the one that runs after the outdoor rinks close. Public sessions are open to all ages and skill levels.
Not announced yet
These usually happen every year, but the 2026 dates aren't posted yet. We keep checking the organizers and move each one up the page once it's confirmed.
Common questions
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 at 8 PM both nights, weather permitting. It's free. Village parking is $1 an hour, but there's free parking along Spinnaker Drive and a free shuttle from the Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive lot.
Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 7 to 9 PM in Oxnard. It's the 60th year, and the theme is Aloha Afloat. The harbor hasn't posted viewing spots yet.
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.
Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 AM to noon in Downtown Oxnard. It's free to watch, and preferred seating is sold separately. The 2026 route isn't posted yet; last year's went from A and 9th Streets along 5th Street and up C Street to 2nd Street.
The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard goes first, on Wednesday, November 18 at 7 PM, with fireworks around 8. Fillmore follows on Sunday, November 29 at 5 PM in Central Park, then Port Hueneme City Hall on Tuesday, December 1 from 5 to 7:30 PM. Downtown Ventura and Downtown Oxnard haven't posted their 2026 dates yet.
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. Wild Lights at America's Teaching Zoo in Moorpark runs select nights from Wednesday, November 25, and the two harbor Parades of Lights are the other big light shows.
The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard has Santa's Workshop from Friday, November 20 to December 24. Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark has Santa on weekends from Friday, November 27 through December 20, included with admission. Santa Paula's free pancake breakfast with Santa is Saturday, December 5. In Camarillo, Cookies with the Clauses is also 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, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are at Winter Wonderland at Ventura Harbor Village on Sunday, December 13. Mall Santa dates at The Oaks, Pacific View and Simi Valley Town Center aren't posted for 2026 yet.
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.
Yes. Two outdoor rinks open in Thousand Oaks on Friday, November 6: Ice at The Oaks, $22 with skates, through January 10, and The Holiday Ice Rink at The Lakes, $20 or $25 with skate rental, through January 11. Iceoplex in Simi Valley runs indoor public sessions most days year-round, $20 for ages 6 and up with skates included. We found no sign of Ventura on Ice returning this year.
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.
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