VENTURA HARBOR PARADE OF LIGHTS
Dec. 13-14 | Ventura
It’s a seaside celebration full of holiday merriment! Boats beautifully decorated will light up the night, sailing through the harbor to delight viewers of all ages with a cheerful display that truly captures the spirit of the season in Ventura County. This year’s theme is Candy Land, so it should be a sweet and festive surprise! Family-friendly activities will be taking place before the sun goes down. At 4 p.m., enjoy rides, carnival games and food vendors on the Harbor Village Lawn. Faux snow falls at 5:30 p.m, with LED performers bringing the entertainment at twilight. And don’t forget all the shopping and dining opportunities available! The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m. (weather permitting). The parade will take place on two nights, Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura For schedule of events and more information, visit www.venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights-2024/.
FOOTWORKS YOUTH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 13-15 | Ventura
A traditional holiday party and a very typical sibling rivalry set the stage for an entertaining fantasy journey to the Land of Sweets. With a cast of more than 60 children and teens, plus two professional guest artists, Footworks Youth Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” will dazzle audiences with its colorful costumes, professional sets and familiar musical score. In keeping with the mission of Footworks, student dancers perform in principal roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Dew Drop Fairy, giving young artists opportunities to perform at professional levels. The classical two-act ballet set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will be presented at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, with multiple performances to choose from. Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. $28.52. Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, www.oakleyballet.com.
CAMARILLO CHRISTMAS PARADE AND SANTA’S VILLAGE
Dec. 14 | Camarillo
The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is delighted to once again welcome one and all to its festive celebration. Bring out your chairs or blankets to the curb and line up along the streets of Camarillo to watch the Annual Christmas Parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Temple Avenue and Las Posas Road, travels down Las Posas, turns onto Carmen Drive and then ends at the Community Center. That’s where you’ll find Santa’s Village, where attendees can do some holiday shopping at a variety of vendors. Enjoy some tasty snacks from food trucks while you walk through booths, participate in activities, and wait in line to visit Santa for a photo. Event ends at 2 p.m. More information at www.pvrpd.org/2024-12-14-camarillo-christmas-parade-santa-s-village.
CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR PARADE OF LIGHTS
Dec. 14 | Oxnard
Kick off the holiday season with the 58th Annual Parade of Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor! There’s no better way to celebrate this time of year, and our beautiful seaside location, than with this beloved tradition. The theme for this year’s boat parade is “Sleigh Bells & Spurs: A Rockin’ Rodeo Boat Parade.” Festively decorated vessels with cowboy spirit will cruise through Channel Islands Harbor, starting at the top of the peninsula, and do the whole route twice. To really get into the spirit, start off at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, which will host a special Nautical Night of Lights Gala and Viewing Party starting at 6 p.m. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider watching the parade aboard the schooner Mystic Whaler — a limited number of seats will be available. The boat parade starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, parade route and more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org/events-festivals.
PACIFIC FESTIVAL BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 21-22 | Thousand Oaks
You don’t want to miss this holiday season as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary on the Kavli Stage! With guest artists from New York City Ballet, Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, this spectacular production will dazzle with its memorable score, mesmerizing cast and sumptuous costumes. Take a magical journey that begins during a festive Christmas Eve party and continues through a land of enchantment, populated by fairy queens and sweet confections that come to life. It’s not Christmas without “The Nutcracker,” and Pacific Festival Ballet has created a production that will delight the entire family. Showtimes at 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22. $41-$68. Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of the America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS
Through Dec. 22 | Simi Valley
The timeless movie “White Christmas” comes to life onstage with a live orchestra for the 2024 holiday season. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” tells the story of a military veteran song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling head-over-heels for a stunning sister act in the process. This merry and bright holiday musical is full of dancing, laughter and features a dazzling score of well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, “White Christmas.” Don’t miss this uplifting, wholesome holiday musical guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are $33 for adults, $28 for seniors 60 and above and students, and $22 for children 12 and under. Please note there is an additional $2 per ticket surcharge on all ticket sales both online or in person. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, www.svvac.org.
HOLIDAY CAROLING CRUISES WITH ISLAND PACKERS
Through Dec. 23 | Ventura
Waterside residences near Ventura Harbor go all out for the holidays, and the best way to see their splendid displays is aboard an Island Packers vessel. During select nights in December, the boat concessionaire will offer special cruises just to view the lovely lights and decorations. These Holiday Caroling Cruises are one of the area’s most popular attractions. The yuletide spirit is alive on board as passengers slowly cruise the waterways of Ventura Harbor. The views are spectacular — a kaleidoscope of brilliant, ever-changing lights of decorated boats and homes. Passengers can sing along, or just relax and experience the joy of the holidays. Fares are $22 per adult, $20 per senior (55+) and $16 per child. For more info and booking, contact Island Packers directly at 805.642.1393 or islandpackers.com/holiday-cruises/ventura-harbor-caroling-cruise.
WILD NIGHTS AT THE TEACHING ZOO
Through Dec. 23 | Moorpark
Get ready for a magical holiday adventure at Wild Lights! Join us on select nights in November and December as the zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland, filled with stunning light displays, festive cheer and unforgettable family fun! Please note this is not an animal-centered event. Some of our animals enjoy the lights and some sleep through the night. Santa will be visiting on Dec. 20, 6-7:30 p.m. Visit with him and snap a memory that will last forever. No photos offered for purchase. $10 members; $12-15 for others; children 2 and under are free. Zoo will be open 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 20-23. 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/holiday-lights/.
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM
Through Dec. 24 | Moorpark
A lovely and local way to celebrate the season, with decorations galore and farm-fresh spirit! There’s so much fun to be had at Underwood Family Farms this time of year. Holiday photo ops, holiday store, pick your own fields (get the freshest ingredients for your celebratory feasts!), letters to Santa, the Holiday Train and other rides, the animal center, games and so much more! For an extra-special experience, bring the family out to see the reindeer! Santa’s four-footed friends will be on the farm Dec. 14-15 and 21-22. Ol’ Kris Kringle himself will be visiting every weekend through Dec. 22. Big Wave Dave’s will be selling Christmas trees through Dec. 20. Weekdays: $10 at the gate; weekends $14 (online tickets only). Children under 2 and parking are free. Seniors (65+), military, veterans and emergency first responders receive a $2 admission discount every day (with valid ID). 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, underwoodfamilyfarms.com.
CHANUKAH FESTIVAL
Dec. 26 | Ventura
The Chabad of Ventura community invites the public to join in the celebration of the festive season with the Chanukah Festival on Thursday, Dec. 26, 3-4 p.m. at the Ventura Harbor Village Channel Islands Courtyard. Join for Menorah lighting, arts and crafts and entertainment. Menorah kits will be available to purchase, and there will also be hot latkes and Chanukah donuts. A delightful way to celebrate the “Festival of Lights” with the whole family, in a beautiful waterside location. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, www.chabadventura.com.
CHRISTMAS TREE LANE
Through Dec. 26 | Oxnard
Downtown Oxnard is home to wonderful dining, shopping and entertainment. But in December, it boasts another claim to fame: One of the largest displays of Christmas lights in Ventura County! Residents throughout Henry T. Oxnard Historic District go all out with lights, decorations, tableaux and more. Stroll the streets, one block at a time, to take it all in. Or hop aboard the Holly Trolly ($20), a double-decker bus that will take passengers through the district, starting with cocoa and cookies at Heritage Square. Christmas Tree Lane is one of the area’s most famous…and beloved!…holiday traditions — put it on your must-do list this year! South F & G, Fifth to First, Oxnard, www.facebook.com/p/Oxnard-Christmas-Tree-Lane-100068737863915/. Book the Holly Trolly at www.oxnarddowntowners.org.
LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN
Dec 29 | Ventura
Chabad of Ventura presents a spectacular afternoon of music and more in honor of Chanukah. New spirit folk band Cedars of Lebanon will perform live, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet Judah the Maccabee. There will also be menorah kits, fresh donuts and face painting. Don’t miss the lighting of the Grand Menorah. Free admission, and fun for the whole family! California and Main Street in Downtown Ventura. More information at lightupdowntown.info or www.chabadventura.com.
(Courtesy Visit Oxnard)
GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXHIBIT AND TOURS
Through Jan. 1, 2025 | Oxnard
From December to January, head over to Heritage Square Hall at 731 South A Street, where you can admire the Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit. These inventive creations made from the spicy cookie concoction never cease to impress and inspire with their artistry and charm. The display will be available for viewing on select dates or by appointment. Evening and weekday group tours are also available upon request. While you’re here, take advantage of our guided tour experience, which includes exploring the exteriors of the former houses with select interiors. Tours are priced at $5 per person, and the gingerbread exhibit viewing is free for all. heritagesquareoxnard.com/christmas/.
ON THE HORIZON
GRAND KYIV BALLET: THE SNOW QUEEN
Jan. 5 | Thousand Oaks
Our new winter ballet “The Snow Queen” is based on the world-famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This fascinating romantic story set to the music of Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart and Vivaldi, will give captivating emotions of happiness for adults and children. Featuring characters like the handsome Kai, robbers, forest fairies, a funny Snowman, fabulous trolls and, of course, brave, beautiful Gerda, who will pass all difficulties on her way. Kai and Gerda are sitting in their garden among roses when a shard of a witch’s mirror gets into Kai’s eye. His heart becomes hard and cold. One winter day a whirlwind of snow rises around him and he disappears. He is taken by the Snow Queen, who lives in a world of ice and snow. Gerda goes in search of Kai. There are many challenges ahead but love helps her get through them and free Kai from the spell of the Snow Queen. $51-$150. Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of the America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
