October 10, 2019
Oxnard Holiday Events 2019
Celebrate the 2019 holiday season in the California sunshine with family-friendly events in Oxnard. We won’t see snow, and temperatures won’t drop to freezing, but Oxnard’s annual holiday festivities will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. Our list of the city’s best events and things to do this season will help make Oxnard a winter wonderland all month long.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Fillmore, CA – Nov 14th thru Dec 29th
Well, are you coming? Rail Events Productions is proud to announce THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to TWO locations in Southern California this holiday season! This magical experience opens November 14th and runs on select dates through December 29th in Fillmore, CA (Ventura Co.) and Perris, CA (Inland Empire). Exact dates, times, and prices are available by visiting the Schedule & Tickets page of each location. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, a scrumptious cookie, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Collection – November 16th
The Collection at RiverPark
Immerse yourself in holiday cheer at The Collection’s kick off to the holiday season! After the ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree (7pm), enjoy an awe-inspiring laser light and firework show accompanied by live entertainment by local favorites. To top it all off, the event is free!
More Holiday Events at The Collection
Santa photos begin November 16th. Hours: Mon-Thurs 3pm to 8pm; Fri & Sat 12pm to 8pm; Sun 12pm to 7pm; Christmas Eve 9am to 5pm.
Santa Paws – Pet photos with Santa every Wednesday night from November 16th through December 24th.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus – Monday evenings in December from 6pm to 7pm.
Silent Santa for children of all ages with Autism, hearing impairment, or other special needs to experience a private visit with Santa – December 1st, 8th and 15th from 8am to 10am.
Thanksgiving Dinner at La Dolce Vita Ristorante – November 28th
Dine with La Dolce Vita for Thanksgiving Dinner at La Dolce Vita 1901. Chef Michelle has curated a holiday menu that will exceed your expectations, offering a perfectly prepared fine dining feast. Reservations available from 1pm until 5:30pm for last seating. Served Family Style for parties of 5 or more. Vegetarian option available upon request. Take Thanksgiving To Go: Host your own Thanksgiving without the cooking.
Channel Islands Farmers Market Holiday Arts & Crafts – December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
Marine Emporium Landing
Open every Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm, year round at Channel Islands Harbor, the Farmers Market features farmers, fishermen and vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, freshly caught fish, baked goods, hand-made crafts and freshly prepared foods. The market also celebrates the holidays by hosting seasonal events.
Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 6th
Plaza Park, Downtown
You won’t want to miss the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Oxnard. Come celebrate with Oxnard’s community leaders, merchants, friends and family for a fun-filled evening of festive music, complimentary refreshments and a visit from Santa!
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beloved community kick-off to the holiday season. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with songs and performances from local groups, all leading up to the lighting of the 110 feet tall Christmas tree in the center of town! The event is located in Plaza Park, at 500 South C Street on December 6th. The best part? It’s free!
Oxnard Christmas Parade – December 7th
A, 5th and C Streets, Downtown
With a theme like “The Sounds of Christmas,” the Oxnard Christmas parade is the perfect way to kick off the holidays and get into a festive mood. Enjoy a fanfare starring animated characters, marching bands, equestrian units, school groups, themed floats, and of course- Santa! Find a spot on the route running through A, 5th and C Streets in Downtown Oxnard.
Oxnard Tamale Festival – December 7th
Plaza Park, Downtown
Fuel up after the Oxnard Christmas Parade by celebrating one of the most delicious holiday treats – tamales! The event features authentic home-style tamales served by local restaurants and vendors who will compete for the title of “best tamale”. The festival will also include tamale making demonstrations, eating contest, kids activities and live music.
21st Anniversary of The Nutcracker – December 7th & 8th (VC Ballet) and 14th & 15th (Footworks)
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Ventura County Ballet, Ventura County’s premiere regional ballet return for its 21st year, and Footworks Youth Ballet returns the following week to perform Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
To celebrate their 21st anniversary, there will be new scenic backdrops hand painted by internationally recognized Russian artist Yuri Samodorov. This classic holiday production is a must see for all ballet lovers. Each performance will be accompanied by the 52-piece Ventura College Symphony Orchestra lead by Maestro Robert Lawson.
This can’t-miss holiday event will capture the imagination of the audience with its delightful real Nutcracker story, graceful choreography and elegant costumes and sets.
Santa to the Sea Marathon and Relay – December 8th
Start/Finish Line at Marine Emporium Landing
Whether you are a first-timer or a veteran runner, the holiday marathon, two-person relay or 5K fun run will quickly become one of your favorite events! Ring in the holiday spirit by running for a cause. This event works to collect toys for underprivileged kids in the community while providing scholarships to high school seniors to attend college.
Family Gingerbread House Building Workshop – December 7th
Heritage Square, Downtown
All supplies will be included in this fun workshop dedicated to building your own Gingerbread house. The event is from 2:30pm-4pm, and Gingerbread House Contest submissions are due December 7th, 2019, between 1 and 4 PM. Gingerbread houses will be on display thru December 29th, 2019. The price to participate is $10 per kit/$5 per person.
11th Annual Gingerbread Fest – December 8th thru 29th
Heritage Square, Downtown
Experience guided docent tours of historic Victorian homes while viewing these elaborate gingerbread houses put on display by the Friends of Heritage Square. Tours and the display will be at 731 S A Street in Heritage Square.
Christmas Tree Lane – December 9th – 26th
Henry T. Oxnard Historic District
Pour yourself some hot chocolate and walk or drive through this holiday wonderland of decorated houses on “F” & “G” Streets between 5th & Palm in the Oxnard National Historic District. For a guided experience, take a ride on a local favorite, the Holly Trolley! Be sure to keep an eye out for appearances from Santa and the holiday carolers for some added holiday cheer!
Holly Trolley Holiday Light Tours – December 10th, 11th, 12th
Henry T. Oxnard Historic District
Hop on board a double-decker bus for complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and a tour of Oxnard’s holiday attractions including: Christmas Tree Lane, the Gingerbread House Display at Heritage Square and the Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show at Plaza Park.
Holiday Harbor Cruise – December 11th & 18th
The Scarlett Belle
Celebrate the holidays aboard Scarlett Belle‘s Riverboat Dinner Cruise. Cruise the tranquil waters of the Channel Islands Harbor, and enjoy the harbor holiday lights. Included with your harbor cruise ticket: buffet dinner with gluten free option and assortment of dessert and boarding glass of champagne. Live musical performance with local guitarist Teresa Russell and Stephen Geyer playing dancing tunes.
54th Annual Parade of Lights – December 14th
Channel Islands Harbor
The Channel Islands Harbor will kick off the holidays with its 54th annual holiday Parade of Lights, themed “Musical Notes & Holiday Floats.” Entrants are asked to decorate their vessels based on their favorite holiday tunes. The event is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m.. The parade starts at 7 p.m.
Everyone is invited to enjoy a full day of holiday activities. Watch festively decorated boats in the parade while listening to carolers sing holiday songs.
Beginning at 10 a.m., families can play in tons of snow falling at the north end of Harbor View Park, off Harbor Blvd. near Marine Emporium Landing. Santa will be there from noon – 4 p.m. and will take pictures with families free of charge. There will also be holiday arts and crafts vendors starting at 10 a.m.
The parade starts at 7 p.m. in front of Peninsula Park and heads to the Main Channel, turns at Kiddie Beach, loops in front of the launch ramp then heads back to Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club and repeats the route for a second run. The parade can be viewed from parks and walkways that line the route as well as from most Harbor restaurants. Boat charters are available for those who want to watch the parade from the water.
Murphy Cars & Christmas w/ Special Guest St. Nick! – December 15th
Come visit the Murphy Auto Museum during its Holiday CARS & CHRISTMAS Event on Dec 15th!! Featuring Santa’s cookies, drinks and free hot wheels! Bring an unwrapped gift for the Ventura County Toy Drive. Entry is $5/person.
