Posted: Oct 20, 2026
The Best Holiday Events in Oxnard (2026)
Celebrate the holiday season in the California sunshine with family-friendly events in Oxnard. From holiday markets and festive celebrations to family-friendly activities, find plenty of ways to make the season memorable in Oxnard.

Best Holiday Events In Oxnard
No snow? No problem! The holidays look a little different in Oxnard, where mild winter days meet festive traditions, sparkling light displays and family-friendly celebrations. From seasonal events to local holiday favorites, here’s your guide to making the most of the holiday season in Oxnard.

Tree Lighting Celebration at The Collection
November 18, 2026 from 7 - 8 pm | Collection Park
Get in the holiday spirit at The Collection at RiverPark during its annual Tree Lighting Celebration. Head to Collection Park for an evening of live music, a special appearance by Santa, the lighting of the holiday tree and a festive fireworks show. It’s a holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy!
Photos With Santa
November 20 - December 24, 2026 (Closed Thanksgiving) | The Collection at RiverPark
Santa is making a festive stop at The Collection at RiverPark, ready to meet families, spread holiday cheer and capture keepsake photos that will create memories to last a lifetime. Reservations are required and can be made online at: thecollectionrp.com/events
November 20 – December 13 (Closed Thanksgiving)
- Monday – Thursday 3:00pm -7:45pm
- Friday – Saturday 12:00pm – 7:45pm
- Sunday 12:00pm – 6:45pm
December 14 – December 23
- Monday – Thursday 12:00pm -7:45pm
- Friday – Saturday 10:00am – 7:45pm
- Sunday 12:00pm – 7:45pm
December 24 – No reservations – walk ins only
- 9:00am – 4:45pm
Caring Santa at The Collection at RiverPark
Make holiday memories in a welcoming, sensory-friendly setting at Caring Santa at The Collection at RiverPark. In partnership with the Autism Society of Ventura County, this special photo experience offers children with sensory sensitivities a calmer, more relaxed visit with Santa. With a slower pace and Santa following each child’s lead, families can enjoy a more comfortable, personalized holiday tradition. The event takes place on December 6 and 13, with reservations available online.

Santa Paws Pet Photo Nights
Nov. 24 & Dec. 1, 8, & 15 2026 from 5- 8 pm | The Collection at Riverpark
Our four-legged fur friends are part of the family and are also welcomed to meet Old St. Nick himself. Every Tuesday, your furry friends are invited to meet Santa & partake in the holiday magic. Reservations are required.
Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
December 3, 2026 | Plaza Park in Downtown Oxnard
Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Oxnard at the 76th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree! Enjoy an evening of live music, browse the holiday market and grab a bite from a variety of food trucks at First Thursday Food Trucks Night. With festive fun, local vendors and plenty to eat, it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season in Oxnard.

The Oxnard Tamale Festival
December 5, 2026 from 9 am to 6 pm | Plaza Park, Downtown Oxnard
Spice up your holiday season at the 19th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival at Plaza Park, right along the Oxnard Christmas Parade route! Savor authentic tamales, enjoy lively music and let the kids explore the festive kid’s zone.
17th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit & Tours
December 6, 2026 – January 10, 2026 from 11 am - 2 pm | Heritage Square Hall + Centennial Plaza
From December to January, visit the Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit for a festive holiday tradition in Oxnard. The exhibit will be on display at the Heritage Square Chapel through December 17, then move to Centennial Plaza, where it will be available to view through January 10. The exhibit is open on select dates, or you can schedule an appointment.
While visiting Heritage Square, explore the exteriors of its historic homes and select interiors during weekend tours for just $5 per person. Group tours are also available on weekdays and evenings by request. Admission to the gingerbread house exhibit is free.

Christmas Tree Lane
December 13 - 27, 2026 | Downtown Oxnard Historic District
Oxnard’s annual Christmas Tree Lane along F & G Streets continues its decades-long tradition. 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 (walkers be given guidance to travel in the direction of traffic to improve flow).
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!
F Street Railroad
All aboard for holiday fun! Since 2001, Christmas Tree Lane has hosted a massive 28’ x 20’ model train exhibit, packed with intricate locomotives and festive scenes that expand a little more each year. Perfect for curious adventurers of all ages! Check out the exhibits on Instagram.

60th Annual Parade of Lights
December 12, 2026 from 7- 9 pm | Channel Islands Harbor
The Channel Islands Harbor will kick off the holidays with its 60th Annual Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “Aloha Afloat”. From the shoreline, expect dazzling lights, sparkling decorations and festive fun. Enjoy a full day of holiday activities, including decorated boats in the parade and holiday arts and crafts vendors. Bright lights, big music and holiday energy await the whole family!

Santa to the Sea
December 13, 2026
Join the Santa to the Sea toy drive and community fundraiser. Sign up for the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, a 5K run or the 1K Kids Fun Run. The race starts at the Santa Claus statue and finishes at Channel Islands Harbor. You’ll run along the 101 freeway in Nyeland Acres, near Oxnard. Runners follow a flat and fast course, along strawberry fields, through Downtown Oxnard and the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District decorated for the holidays, before heading to the beach.
Sign up here!

2026 Downtown Oxnard Holly Trolley Tours
December 15, 16 & 17, 2026 at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm
Climb aboard a double-decker trolley for a 50-minute guided tour of Oxnard's Historic District's spectacular display of lights and decor at Christmas Tree Lane. The tour includes refreshments.
Prepaid reservations are required. (Updated link coming soon...)
2026 Sip, Taste & Tour of Christmas Tree Lane
December 19 at 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:30 PM and 8:15 PM. | Henry T. Oxnard Historic District.
Taste Ventura County's best restaurants and check out the famous Christmas Tree Lane. The guided tours showcase the holiday decor inside and out while providing information on the neighborhood's history, filled with historic homes in the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District.
Reservations are required.










