Celebrate the Holiday Season in Oxnard, California
Make sand angels instead of snow angels this holiday season in Oxnard.
Visit Oxnard's 12 Days Of Giveaways
Each December, Visit Oxnard spreads holiday cheer with its annual "12 Days of Giveaways" contest. This year, the contest runs from November 30 through December 18, 2026.
Each day, Visit Oxnard will feature the giveaway items on Facebook and Instagram. Past prize packages have included an overnight stay at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Channel Islands Expeditions excursions and adventures with Channel Islands Kayak Center. Gift cards were also up for grabs from The Collection at RiverPark including The Mighty Axe as well as other Oxnard restaurants and attractions including Fishermen's catch, Wheel Fun Rentals and Otani's Seafood. We look forward to announcing this year's prizes!
Follow Visit Oxnard's Instagram for announcements!
Gingerbread House Exhibit & Tours
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.
Holiday Events All December Long
When you think of snow, sleigh bells and mistletoe, you're more likely to think of a remote mountainous setting with log cabins and frozen lakes than you are to think of Oxnard, California, with its miles of pristine golden sand beaches and year-round beautiful weather. But, Oxnard is a holiday destination in its own right. It's no wonder (or, no winter wonder) our holiday events are so popular. Oxnard celebrates the holidays in its own way, with unique holiday-themed events throughout December that make the season a beat apart. From tamale and gingerbread festivals to its famed Christmas Tree Lane, Holly Trolley Tours and Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights - Santa sightings are incidental!
click here For a full listing of events (both holiday and non-holiday) in December.
Best Places To See Holiday Lights
Nighttime displays of holiday lights are a staple of the season. Bundle up for 50-degree evenings (brrr, that's cold in Oxnard!), stop by one of Oxnard's local coffee shops for a hot cocoa and hit the streets (and waters) for festive arrangements of dazzling lights. Looking for tips? We've got you covered. Check out these tips for the best places to see holiday lights in Oxnard.
Holiday Shopping Guide
For those who prefer in-store shopping, Oxnard's got a collection of shops and boutiques where you can find the perfect gift. Or, give the gift of an experience with certificates to local attractions and make lasting memories in a destination that’s truly A Beat Apart. No matter your preference, we highlight a variety of options in our holiday shopping guide.
Santa Statue at Nyeland Acres
Who could forget the Nyeland Acres Santa Claus off Rice Avenue near Highway 101? Get your photo taken with the big man himself, or pose with one of his toy soldiers. This is the annual turnaround site for Santa to the Sea Half Marathon, where runners turn around to head back to Marine Emporium Landing.
Santa Float is Coming to Oxnard
Santa Claus is coming to town! Spot Santa on his sleigh as he makes his way through Oxnard playing holiday music starting December 9th through December 18th. Say hi to Mrs. Claus and spot the elves as they prepare for this holiday season! Look out for the snow machine at select locations.
Santa Float Tours: The Central Community, Southeast Community, Northeast Community, Northwest Community, Del Norte Community (The Collection), South Central Community, Southwest Community. With select nights passing through F & G street Christmas Tree Lane.
People can track the float nightly through Instagram and Facebook @OxnardRec or by calling the float hotline (805) 402 - 0403.
And of course, don't miss Oxnard's holiday parade coming to Downtown Oxnard - featuring Father Christmas, himself!
Where to Get Pictures with Santa Claus
Don't miss out on this year's Santa photos in Oxnard, California. Here's where you can see Santa this holiday season, 2026
Photos With Santa
Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 through Dec. 24, 2026
The holiday season isn’t complete without a family picture with old St. Nick! Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop on Town Center Drive (Between Cheesecake Factory and Larsen’s) to create special memories with keepsake photos that will bring holiday joy for years to come. Reservations are required and can be made online at: https://thecollectionrp.com/events/
Letters to Santa
Friday, Nov. 20, to Monday, Dec. 14, 2026
The Collection’s elves are back to help make sure every holiday wish list makes it to the North Pole. Families can bring their own custom cards or write their special message on a complimentary postcard available at Guest Services. Letters to Santa should be dropped off in the special North Pole mailbox located on Collection Boulevard. The Collection will help carefully deliver letters written to Santa to ensure they are mailed and received at the North Pole, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will reply to every letter that has a return address and is placed in the mailbox by Dec. 14. Let the holiday magic begin!
For more details on Santa Sightings and family-friendly events, see our Holiday Events page.
Santa Paws Pet Photo Nights
November 24 & December 1, 8, & 15; From 5- 8 p.m.
Bring your favorite four-legged companion along for the holidays! Santa Paws Pet Nights invites you to bring your pup every Tuesday for a festive photo with Santa, sponsored by Pet Food Express. Reservations required.
Where to Host your Christmas Party
Accommodations
Beach Resorts & Hotels in Oxnard: Oxnard is home to some of California’s best ocean views of the Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary. Here you can find excellent beach accommodations which include Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor and Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. See if your little ones can find Manny Mandalay, the Zachari Dunes Christmas Elf!
Hotels in Downtown Oxnard: Immerse yourself in authentic Oxnard culture for the holidays. Best Western Oxnard Inn is located downtown in the heart of the city. Get into the holiday spirit with everything from the décor at Heritage Square to Christmas tamales at some of our favorite family-owned restaurants.
Hotels Near Oxnard Freeways and Golf Courses: Looking to be close to the holiday shopping? Holiday Inn Oxnard Ventura, Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites are all conveniently located near Highway 101. More interested in taking on Santa on the back 9? River Ridge Golf Club has daily golf specials and is right next door to the Staybridge Suites.
Holiday Suite at Zachari Dunes
Book an unforgettable holiday getaway and step into the coziest home for the holidays at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. Their Holiday Suite is decked out with stockings, silver bells and a towering Christmas tree for a festive home-away-from-home experience. Keep the holiday spirit going with seasonal activities, including S’mores & Photos with Santa on December 19, Gingerbread House Decorating with Santa on December 24, and special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.
Some of our hotel partners request that you leave your pets at home. If you're in need of Doggie Day Care or boarding, please find these services available at the following locations:
(805) 485-71403889 N. Southbank
Oxnard, CA 93036
Getting Here
Drive - Oxnard is on the coast, just 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara.
Fly - Oxnard is an easy 90 minute drive from Los Angeles Airport (LAX), 60 minutes from Burbank Airport (BUR) and 40 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).
Train - You can also sit back and enjoy the scenery aboard the train! Oxnard's Transportation Center has regular service via Amtrak and Metrolink. Once in the station, you can take a taxi or ride app to the tournament, about a 1-mile drive.
Driving Directions
Northbound on the 101 freeway from Los Angeles: Exit Oxnard Boulevard. Turn LEFT (Southbound). Make a RIGHT onto W. 5th Street. Turn RIGHT on S. K Street. Continue 482 ft. and arrive at 350 S. K Street.
Southbound on 101/126 freeway from Santa Barbara/Santa Clarita: Exit Ventura Road. Turn LEFT (Southbound). Make a LEFT onto W. 5th Street. Turn LEFT on S. K Street. Continue 482 ft. and arrive at 350 S. K Street.