Celebrate the Holiday Season in Oxnard, California

VISIT OXNARD'S 12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS

Each December, Visit Oxnard spreads holiday cheer with its annual "12 Days of Giveaways" contest. Next year, the contest runs from December 1-16, 2025.

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 next year's prizes!

Follow Visit Oxnard's Instagram for announcements!

2024 Winners - 12 Days of Giveaways

• Day 1 - Rigoberto Soto
• Day 2 - Erica Jimenez
• Day 3 - Arcenia Dulay
• Day 4 - Tino Contreras
• Day 5 - Alyssa Ortiz
• Day 6 - Betty Alfaro
• Day 7 - Hector Garcia
• Day 8 - Jessica Bluestone
• Day 9 - Jesse Carrasco
• Day 10 - William Desenberg
• Day 11 - Sarah Lane
  
• Day 12 - Shelly Morales

Gingerbread House Exhibit & Tours

From December to January, visit Heritage Square Hall to enjoy the Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit. The gingerbread exhibit is open for viewing on select dates, or you can schedule an appointment. Group tours are available on weekdays and evenings by request for a unique guided experience. Explore the exteriors of historic homes, along with select interiors, for just $5 per person. Admission to the gingerbread 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 has unique holiday-themed events all throughout the month of December that set the coastal town 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!

For a full listing of events (both holiday and non-holiday) in December, click here.

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, if you prefer gifting experiences, Oxnard's museums and attractions offer certificates that you can purchase for your loved ones to make lasting memories. 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 12 through December 20th. 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 Twitter @SantaFloat 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, 2024

Photos With Santa
Beginning Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 through Dec. 24, 2024
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. 16, 2024
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. 16. 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
Tuesday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17; 5- 8 p.m.
Four-legged fur friends are part of the family, and part of the fun! Every Tuesday, furry friends are invited to meet Santa for a photo at Santa Paws Pet Nights, sponsored by Pet Food Express. Reservations required.

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? Courtyard by Marriott, Homewood Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge 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 Residence Inn.

Holiday Suite at Zachari Dunes

Book an unforgettable holiday getaway and step into the coziest home for the holidays. Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach has decked the halls of their Holiday Suite with stockings, silver bells and a towering Christmas tree to make sure your holiday getaway is extra merry and bright.⁠