All events subject to cancellation doe to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
HOLIDAYS AT VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE
Through Jan. 3 | Ventura
The Ventura Harbor Village will light up the holiday season with a slew of activities and events through the end of December. Participate in SEAson’s Greetings throughout the harbor through Jan. 3 and enjoy stunning holiday decor, lights on the water, seasonal sweets, a shopping passport, and more harbor holiday traditions. On Dec. 12 (or Dec. 19, weather permitting), take a scenic one-hour paddle to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center dressed in holiday colors and, of course, your elf or Santa hat. Private holiday light boat tours will also be available. Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. For more information, visit www.venturaharborvillage.com.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Dec. 11-13 | Thousand Oaks
Get ready for a festive celebration including seasonal favorites performed by an all-star cast of some of the best talent in Ventura County. This socially distant musical adventure will warm you down to your stockings with cheer and good tidings, all from the safety of your car via the magic of FM radio. Expect all of the holiday classics from this live show featuring dozens of cast members and festive holiday decorations, but also expect the unexpected with surprises along the way. Showtimes vary. Tickets: $20-60. Conejo Players, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.conejoplayers.org.
HOLIDAYS WITH HILLCREST: STAND-UP COMEDY, FILMS AND MORE
Dec. 11-13 | Thousand Oaks
Get ready for a holiday blow-out with a weekend chock full of season’s greetings beginning on Friday, Dec. 11 with a screening of Disney’s Frozen with a special appearance by the princess herself and the chance for a photo-op from the safety of your car. On Saturday, Dec. 12, Hillcrest continues its live stand-up comedy tradition with a special event for in-person drive-in or online via streaming. Producer Jason Love will choose a lineup of hilarious comedians which are guaranteed to not disappoint. To wrap up the festive weekend, four friends are putting on a Christmas show for their local theater and you’re invited to take part in this singalong holiday spectacular. Tickets and show times vary. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.hillcrestarts.com.
HOLIDAYS AT THE COLLECTION
Through Dec. 25 | Oxnard
This holiday season, The Collection at RiverPark has reimagined several of its annual holiday experiences to offer safe, festive fun for the whole family. From visits with Santa and virtual story time with Mrs. Claus and friends to live music, giveaways and more, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in the holiday cheer. Through Dec. 24, RSVP-required photos with Santa will be available (including for four-legged friends on special nights). New this year is a Virtual Santa Experience, a not-to-be-missed opportunity for kids to deliver their holiday wish list to Santa from the safety of their home. The entire month of December is filled with activities from scavenger hunts to story time, and to top it off, the Spark of Love Toy Drive will collect toys for children in need. The Collection at RiverPark, Santa’s Workshop, 540 Town Center Drive, Oxnard. For a full schedule of events, visit www.thecollectionrp.com.
VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS: BEETHOVEN’S SONATAS
Dec. 17 | ONLINE
The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating 250 years of Beethoven with six passionate performances of the maestro’s sonatas available to stream online. Beginning on Dec. 17 and continuing weekly, six programs dubbed “Music Connects-Beethoven” will be released alongside short video commentaries by pianist Adam Golka produced for each sonata, featuring a leading physicist, poet, artist and the like on their unique relationship to the music. There is no better way to celebrate Beethoven’s birthday than with one of his compositions. For more information, visit www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.
SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS!
Dec. 19-20 | Ventura
Gather the family together and help Santa, Mrs. Claus and their magical team of characters spread cheer this holiday season at this drive-in live performance. Just as Santa and his elves pull their sleigh into the fairgrounds, they run out of gas! Santa and his team need to fill the tank with “holiday cheer” or Christmas will be ruined. Expect snowy surprises, singalongs and much more including dazzling lights and decorations inside of a visual light show with 360 degree viewing. Tickets: $49-219. Showtimes 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. For more information, visit www.holidaysinyourcar.com.
THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 19 | Ventura
For the first time in its storied 22-year history, Ventura County Ballet will be taking the acclaimed holiday classic The Nutcracker where it has never been before: outdoors! Starring Elizaveta “Leeza” Domrachev of Ballet Academy Ventura, who has danced with Russia’s prestigious Perm State Ballet, and Jack Stewart, who has danced globally with State Street Ballet, the duo will be joined by a number of other professional dancers and 50 highly talented local dance students. The show will include a visual light show, multimedia entertainment and live audio broadcast directly into your car. Tickets: $99-249. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. For more information, visit www.venturacountyballet.com.
ONLINE HOLIDAY MARKET
Through Dec. 23 | ONLINE
Can’t get to the mall this year? Why not shop local from the comfort of your study via Vita Art Center’s online marketplace? The online and onsite Artisans Market is a place where local artisans offer carefully curated handmade and unique local products. Simply browse, click to purchase and pick up at the art center at your leisure. Items ranging from previously exhibited art to Martha Picciotti ceramics, jewelry by Carol Koch and wall art and textiles will be available to make someone’s holiday cheery and bright. For more information, visit www.vitaartcenter.com.
ON THE HORIZON 34TH ANNUAL VENTURA COUNTY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
DAY CELEBRATION Jan. 21 | Oxnard
The day begins with a Freedom March from Plaza Park to the Oxnard PAL Gymnasium where, beginning at 9 a.m., the observance program will feature youth speakers, scripture readings, and activities in honor of the civil rights leader. March begins at 8 a.m. at Plaza Park, 5th Street and C Street, Oxnard. For more information and route, visit www.mlkventuracounty.com.
