Miles away from snow and cold weather, Ventura may not be the typical place to celebrate the winter holiday season. However, this beach town is filled with the holiday spirit, offering activities and events to help get you in the mood:
Annual Dudley House Victorian Holiday Boutique
The Dudley House, an 1892 Victorian farm house on the corner of Ashwood and Loma Lista, is holding its annual Victorian Holiday Boutique. See the best Christmas crafts in the area on display while enjoying the renovated Dudley house, decked out with decorations for the holidays. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. The event takes place from 11/24-11/26, 12/1-12/3, and 12/8-12/10. For more information please visit Dudley House or call 805-654-8381.
California-style Sleigh Rides
Hop aboard the Bay Queen II for a sleigh ride – California style! Departing nightly throughout December from the Ventura Harbor, enjoy Ventura’s coastline with lights adorning shoreline homes, casting picturesque reflections in the nighttime waters. Cruise every night from 6pm to 7:30pm or 8pm to 9:30pm. You ‘ll also enjoy favorite seasonal cocktails such as “reindeer milk” or warm up with a mug of hot cocoa. Cruises cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. For more information please visit Ventura Boat Rentals or call 805-642-7753. The company also offers private charters for holiday parties.
Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Festival
The Parade of Lights is held December 1st and 2nd at Ventura Harbor Village. Starting at 1pm, you’ll enjoy what the Ventura Port District does best – great food, unique shopping, choirs, strolling carolers, a magnificent boat parade, spectacular fireworks, and of course Santa! The parade starts at 7pm with a Fireworks Grand Finale immediately after. Admission is free. For more information please visit Ventura Harbor Village or call 1-877-89HARBOR or 805-642-8618.
Holiday Traditions Ventura Style!
The Pacific View Mall in Ventura is kicking off the holiday season on December 2nd from 2pm to 6pm. They will have a Snow Play Area for the kids, live entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. The celebration will end with a fireworks display and tree lighting ceremony. For more information please visit Pacific View Mall or call 805-642-0605.
Holiday Street Festival
The Holiday Street Festival is held on December 3rd from 10am to 4pm and is amongst the largest of its kind in Southern California. This event raises money and other material goods for US Marines Toys for Tots. An estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people attend the festival each year. This years theme is “Festival of Delights.” You’ll enjoy live entertainment, quality arts and crafts from local artists, and a variety of food samplings. Kid’s attractions include Buckaroo Pony Rides, Train Rides, Mobile Rock USA and jolly jumps at Mission Park. The Ventura County Museum of History and Art is open free to the public during the Holiday Street Festival. Holy Cross School will be holding its fundraiser on the campus grounds. The event is located in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. Admission is free. Free shuttle service is offered to and from the Ventura County Government Center. For more information please visit Ventura Street Fair Website or call 805-654-7830.
Harvest Festival
Come celebrate the season at the Harvest Festival at Seaside Park in Ventura from December 8th to the 10th. Here you will find over 300 artisans selling their unique handmade crafts, perfect gifts for the holiday season! One of the new features at the Harvest Festival this year is the Charity Parcel Check. FOOD Share, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger with compassion and commitment, is providing a Parcel Check for the duration of the festival. Carrying all those bags, ornaments, paintings, and other gifts can be extremely tiring, so now you can drop your bags off at the Charity Parcel Check. All money and food donations raised goes directly to FOOD Share. The hours are 10am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday (Dec. 8 & 9) and 10am to 5pm on Sunday (Dec. 10). Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for youth (ages 13-17), and 12 and under is free. For more information please visit Harvest Festival or call Allie at 415-447-3215.
Christmas by Candlelight
Tour the historic 1847 Olivas Adobe by candlelight and discover how Christmas was celebrated during the California Mexican Rancho era. Every 12 minutes, costumed docents will lead groups on a 30-minute tour through the beautifully restored Adobe grounds, performing skits to illustrate holiday traditions. Enjoy refreshments and caroling admist the tour. Admission is free. The tours are held on December 10th from 5pm to 7:30pm at the Olivas Adobe. For more information lease visit Olivas Adobe or call 805-658-4728.
As you can see, the variety of events to celebrate this holiday season is endless here on the South Coast. Come celebrate the holiday season, Ventura style!
