The seaside city of Oxnard, Calif. welcomes locals and visitors alike to celebrate the holiday season in the California sunshine with an array of family-friendly festive events. From the renowned Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard’s Historic District to the spectacular Parade of Lights in the Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard’s annual holiday festivities are sure to get people in the spirit of the season.
Below are some of the city’s best holiday events and activities taking place this November and December:
History and Tradition in Downtown Oxnard and Heritage Square
See the tallest Christmas tree in Ventura County (at 110 feet high!) and Plaza Park’s historic pagoda light up for the holiday season at the annual Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting Celebration, taking place Dec. 5 from 5:00 - 9:00pm in Plaza Park. Enjoy entertainment, food trucks, a holiday marketplace and a visit from Santa.
The famed Christmas Tree Lane continues its spectacular, decades-long tradition of festively lit and decorated houses in Oxnard’s National Historic District. Decorations will be on display along Oxnard’s F & G Streets between 5th Street and Palm, transforming the two historic streets into a holiday wonderland from Dec. 8-26 every night. Take a stroll or drive down the street, or hop aboard the Oxnard Holly Trolley from Dec. 10 to 12 (more details below) to view the lights in style. Be sure to keep an eye out for appearances from Santa and the holiday carolers for some added holiday cheer!
A beloved part of the Christmas Tree Lane experience, the F Street Railroad is a festive front-yard exhibit that has taken place annually since 2001. This 28 by 20 foot table features a display of locomotives that grows in size each year.
The double decker Oxnard Holly Trolley provides a 50-minute guided tour of Christmas Tree Lane and Heritage Square’s Gingerbread Exhibit. The tours run from Dec. 10 to 12 at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, and include complimentary refreshments. Prepaid reservations are required.
Admire the beautifully decorated Victorian Homes in Oxnard’s historic Heritage Square, with Heritage Square Holiday Tours running from Dec. 8 to Jan. 11 from 11:00am – 2:00pm, and check out the 15th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit, on display at Heritage Square Hall.
Indulge at the 17th annual Oxnard Tamale Festival on Dec. 7 from 9:00am – 6:00pm in Downtown Oxnard’s Plaza Park. Enjoy delicious tamales from a variety of regions in Mexico, shop arts & crafts vendors, enjoy live entertainment and a kid’s zone.
Enjoy festive marching bands, local school groups, themed floats, a visit from Santa and more at the annual Oxnard Christmas Parade on Dec. 7, from 10:00am – noon.
Bright Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor
The Channel Islands Harbor’s 58th annual Parade of Lights, themed “Sleigh Bells & Spurs: A Rockin’ Rodeo Boat Parade,” will take place this year on Dec. 14 from 7:00-9:00pm. Brightly lit and decked out boats will parade through the Channel Islands Harbor. More details to come!
Join the Santa to the Sea half marathon on Dec. 8, which starts at the Santa Claus statue along the 101 freeway and ends at the Channel Islands Harbor. Participants can also run a quarter marathon, 5k or 1k Kids Fun Run.
Celebrate the holidays aboard Scarlett Belle's Riverboat Holiday Lights Cruise on Dec. 23 from 6:00 – 8:00pm with a magical night full of holiday music, dancing and caroling. View the harbor holiday lights while enjoying dinner and dessert.
Seasonal Events and Experiences at The Collection
The Collection at RiverPark will kick off the season with its annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Nov. 20, which includes holiday entertainment, an extravagant tree lighting and a spectacular fireworks show.
On Nov. 23, the Peppermint Kids Club offers the opportunity to enjoy a morning with your favorite holiday characters for arts and crafts, face paintings and fun surprises from 10:30am - noon.
From handmade treasures to locally crafted goods, the Merry Vibes Holiday Market promises a warm, festive atmosphere and a chance to celebrate the season in style while shopping local, taking place on Nov. 23 from noon – 4:00pm.
Additional experiences at The Collection include Photos with Santa from Nov. 22 – Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving); Letters to Santa from Nov. 20 – Dec. 16; a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt from Nov. 22 – Dec. 24; Santa Paws Pet Photo Nights on Tuesday nights from Nov. 26 – Dec. 17 and more.
Celebrate the Holidays & Ring in the New Year at Zachari Dunes
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach is offering an array of festive holiday experiences, including a ticketed Holiday Wine Tasting on Dec. 7 from 4:00-6:00pm at Ox & Ocean, Santa Experiences on Dec. 14, Dec. 21 and 24 from 4:00-6:00pm, and a fixed menu Christmas Eve Dinner on Dec. 24.
Ring in the New Year with style at an exclusive NYE celebration at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. Enjoy an evening of sophistication by the sea, with this ticketed event featuring drinks, live music and DJ sets, a midnight balloon drop and celebratory toast. Couples can also enjoy a NYE Dinner for two, for a more intimate experience.
For more information about 2024 holiday events and attractions in Oxnard, visit https://visitoxnard.com/blog/holiday-events-oxnard.