If you’re looking for the best Christmas Events in Ventura County for 2025, this isn’t a generic list.
I’ve lived and worked in Ventura County long enough to know that the holidays here aren’t about one big attraction. They’re about dozens of small, meaningful moments spread across our communities. A parade where you recognize half the crowd. A harbor where the boats feel like old friends dressed up for the season. A neighborhood street that turns into a shared tradition year after year.
Below, you’ll find every event arranged by date so you can actually plan your season instead of scrolling endlessly. Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve been here for years, there’s something special waiting for you.
Table of Contents
Santa Paula Holiday Parade
Friday, November 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Location: Main Street, Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula kicks off the holiday season early, and honestly, it feels right. The Santa Paula Holiday Parade is one of those events that reminds you what small-town holidays are all about.
Main Street fills with families lining the sidewalks, kids bundled up and waving before the first float even appears. Local organizations, marching groups, and festive vehicles roll through the heart of downtown, all under the glow of streetlights and Christmas décor.
This parade happens in the evening, which adds to the charm. By 7:30 PM, the lights feel brighter, the music feels louder, and the holiday spirit is in full swing. It’s a great way to start the season without the rush or chaos you might find elsewhere.
Downtown Oxnard Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Oxnard, CA
Downtown Oxnard knows how to throw a parade that feels both festive and deeply local. The Downtown Oxnard Christmas Parade takes place in the morning, making it perfect for families who want to kick off their Saturday with something cheerful and easygoing.
Expect decorated floats, community groups, classic holiday music, and plenty of opportunities to wave at neighbors you didn’t know you had. The parade route runs through the heart of downtown, so it’s easy to grab coffee, breakfast, or an early lunch before or after the event.
This parade pairs especially well with the event happening right after it, which brings us to the next stop.
Oxnard Tamale Festival
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Oxnard Plaza Park, 500 S. C Street, Oxnard, CA
If there’s one event that blends culture, food, and holiday vibes seamlessly, it’s the Oxnard Tamale Festival. Running all day at Oxnard Plaza Park, this festival is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and community pride.
You’ll find tamales in every style imaginable, along with food vendors, live entertainment, and a crowd that knows exactly why they showed up. This is the kind of event where you come hungry and leave happy.
Because it overlaps with the Downtown Oxnard Christmas Parade, it’s easy to turn December 6 into a full day downtown. Parade in the morning, tamales by midday, and maybe a little shopping or strolling before heading home.
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks
Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13, 2025
Boat Parade: 6:30 PM | Fireworks: 8:00 PM
Location: Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura, CA
This is one of the signature holiday events in Ventura County, and for good reason. The 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks turns the harbor into a glowing spectacle that feels straight out of a movie.
Illuminated boats glide through the water, each one more creative than the last. The reflections alone are worth the trip. After the parade, fireworks light up the sky at 8:00 PM, drawing crowds from all over the county.
Ventura Harbor Village offers shopping, dining, and entertainment throughout the evening, so you can make a full night of it. Whether you’re watching from the promenade or grabbing dinner nearby, this event captures the coastal holiday spirit perfectly.
When people ask me about the best Christmas Events in Ventura County, this one always comes up.
Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, CA
The Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights is a must-see evening event where festively decorated boats cruise through the harbor with glowing lights and synchronized music. This year’s theme, Rudolph’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Regatta, brings a fun, high-energy twist to the classic parade, making it a great nighttime outing for families, friends, and anyone who loves holiday traditions with a coastal vibe.
Camarillo Christmas Parade and Santa’s Village
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Community Center Park, 1605 E. Burnley Street, Camarillo, CA
Camarillo goes all out with a holiday event that combines a classic parade with a full Santa’s Village experience. After the parade, families can explore the holiday market, enjoy food vendors, browse crafts, and take photos with Santa.
The extended hours make this more than just a quick stop. You can settle in, let kids enjoy the activities, and actually relax while soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
This event consistently ranks among the best Christmas Events for families in Ventura County because it offers so much in one place.
Channel Islands Harbor Reindeer Paddle
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Location: East Bay Day Dock at Fisherman’s Wharf, Channel Islands Harbor, CA
The Reindeer Paddle brings holiday cheer to Channel Islands Harbor with a playful twist. Participants are encouraged to dress up, paddle out, and compete for prizes while spectators enjoy the show from shore.
It’s festive without being overwhelming, and it adds a unique coastal flair to the holiday calendar. This event is especially fun if you’re looking for something different than the usual parade or market.
Peppermint Kids Club at The Collection Park
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: The Collection Park, Oxnard
Peppermint Kids Club is designed with families in mind. From crafts and face painting to character meet-and-greets, this event creates a joyful space where kids can fully embrace the holiday season.
The morning timing makes it easy to attend before heading to another event later in the day, especially if you’re planning a packed December 13 schedule.
Santa to the Sea Holiday Run
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Location: 2801 Ventura Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036 (starting at the Giant Santa off the 101 Freeway)
Hosted by the City of Port Hueneme, the Santa to the Sea Holiday Run is a festive, family-friendly race event that brings the holiday spirit to the streets of Oxnard. Participants can choose from several race options, including a half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K, and even a Diaper Dash, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. The course begins near the iconic Giant Santa, winds through historic downtown Oxnard, and finishes at Marine Emporium Landing, where the celebration continues with food, costumes, live music, a Santa Village, and activities the whole family can enjoy.
Holly Trolley Tours in Downtown Oxnard
December 16–18, 2025 | Start Times at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, or 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Oxnard, CA (Registration Required)**
The Holly Trolley Tours offer something a little different. These guided tours take you through downtown Oxnard while highlighting the gingerbread exhibit, complete with hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of holiday storytelling along the way.
Each tour runs just under an hour, making it easy to fit into your evening plans. Because registration is required, it feels more intimate and relaxed than many larger events.
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests or want a festive night that feels curated and cozy, this is a great option.
Santa Paddle at Ventura Harbor Village
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Ventura Boat Rentals, C Dock, Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura, CA
The Santa Paddle is exactly what it sounds like, and somehow even better in person. Paddleboarders dressed as Santa take to the water for a festive, lighthearted event that’s fun to watch and even more fun to participate in.
It’s family-friendly, relaxed, and full of laughter. If you’ve never seen Santa cruising across the harbor on a paddleboard, this is your chance.
Christmas Tree Lane in Historic Oxnard
Throughout the Holiday Season | Evening Hours Recommended
Location: F Street and G Street between 5th Street and 7th Street, Oxnard, CA
Some holiday traditions don’t need a specific date, and Christmas Tree Lane in historic Oxnard is one of them. All season long, this stretch of neighborhood transforms into a glowing tunnel of lights, decorations, and old-fashioned holiday charm.
You can walk it at your own pace, take photos, and soak it all in, or drive through if you’re short on time. Either way, it’s one of those experiences that feels personal and nostalgic, especially if you grew up in or around Oxnard.
This is a perfect low-key evening activity, especially if you want something festive without committing to a large crowd or scheduled event.
Christmas Tree Lane in Camarillo
Throughout the Holiday Season | Evening Hours Recommended
Location: Gemini Street, Waverly Avenue, and Dunnigan Street, Camarillo, CA
Camarillo’s Christmas Tree Lane is another beloved seasonal tradition. These residential streets come alive with coordinated lights, decorations, and occasional festive treats along the way.
You can walk or drive through, depending on your preference. It’s calm, charming, and ideal for an evening when you just want to slow down and enjoy the season.
Enjoy More Holiday Fun
If you’re ready to keep the holiday fun going and want to experience even more of the best Christmas events around the county, including community traditions and neighborhood celebrations, be sure to check out Best Tree Lightings in Ventura County for a complete guide to where the season shines brightest.
