Celebrate the winter months in Oxnard, CA.

Weather & average temperatures

When preparing for a winter vacation in Oxnard, remember that the weather is relatively mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit.

Packing List

Packing for a winter vacation in Oxnard is a bit different from packing for traditional winter destinations due to the beautiful mild climate. Layering is key, as temperatures can be cooler in the evenings and mornings. Pack sweaters, long-sleeve shirts and lightweight jackets. Pack a swimsuit because while it's winter, Oxnard's beaches are still enjoyable, and you might want to take a dip. Oxnard can experience occasional rain in the winter, so having a compact umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea. If you plan to enjoy outdoor activities or visit nearby attractions like Channel Islands National Park, pack the appropriate gear such as hiking boots, binoculars and a backpack.

Click here to read more about Oxnard Packing Essentials

An exclusive holiday ale is available at Bottle & Pint in collaboration with Burgeon Brewing. Try their in-house “Home for the Holihaze”, a murky DIPA. If you’re looking to try something on the sweeter side, take a taste of their “Sky Splash”, a Smoothie Style Ale with notes of blueberry & raspberry.

Sespe Creek Distillery mixes the flavor of BBQ and whiskey together to create an international award-winning spirit, Warbringer Mesquite Smoked Southwest Bourbon. Take your holiday eggnog to the next level with this exclusive spirit produced and bottled in Oxnard.

If craft beer is more your specialty, head over to Casa Agria. They specialize in mixed fermentation farmhouse style ales, barrel-aged wild ales and Northeast style India pale ales. Check out their social media for up-to-date info on food trucks and special events.

Annual Oxnard Christmas Parade | December 7, 2024 | Downtown Oxnard

A fun tradition for the whole family, the Annual Oxnard Christmas Parade embraces the holiday season with colorful marching bands, spirited floats, equestrian units and more!

17th Annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon | December 8, 2024 | Downtown Oxnard

Stay in shape this holiday season while also giving back to the community with the Annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon. Participants can choose from a half-marathon race to a 5k run/walk, or a 1k kids run and event a “Diaper Dash” for the younger sect. Registration fees vary, and all proceeds benefit local charities.

Annual Parade of Lights | December 14, 2024 | Channel Islands Harbor

Sail boats and electric vessels take center stage at the Annual Parade of Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor. The floating parade begins with pre-festival activities including snow play for kids, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a local parade, holiday artists’ market, exhibitors, live music, children’s activities and more. At night, the lighted, colorful boat parade can be viewed from all points along the Harbor’s edge and at surrounding restaurants.

Ventura County Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker | December 7 + 8, 2024 | The Canyon at Oxnard PACC

Experience the holiday magic of Ventura County Ballet's 26th annual The Nutcracker with live accompaniment by Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra conducted by maestro Brian Asher Alhadeff. Featuring Mushegh Avetisyan as the Nutcracker Prince and Elizaveta Domracheva as the exquisite Dream Clara along with a cast of nearly 100 dancers in this year's Ventura County Ballet’s 26th annual production of The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday classic is perfect for audiences of all ages.

Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival | December 7, 2024 | Plaza Park

Held in conjunction with the Christmas parade is the Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival. Festival-goers can inspire their taste buds with a variety of flavorful, authentic tamales from sweet to savory to traditional. The event also includes an eating contest, holiday crafts fair, kid’s activities and live music.

Annual Gingerbread Exhibit | December - January | Heritage Square

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without sweet smelling gingerbread. Follow the scent to Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard for the Heritage Square Holiday Tours and the Annual Gingerbread Fest. Costumed docents lead tours of the historic houses exteriors and select interiors with tours offered on the weekends. The elaborate gingerbread houses will be displayed inside the onsite chapel.

Sunset Season

The best sunsets of the year occur in the late fall to winter months, with the sun setting over the Channel Islands.

Oxnard serves as the perfect gateway to Channel Islands National Park, providing easy access to this stunning archipelago off the California coast. From Oxnard's harbor, adventurers can embark on unforgettable boat tours to the islands. Find out more of what’s on offer during the winter season

islands bloom

The Channel Islands transform into beautiful green wonderlands of wildflowers and unique fauna. There are over 2,000 plant and animal species that are unique only to the Islands. If the islands receive their normal rainfall, they will reach peak bloom around late winter, Some of the best flowers to view are the brilliant yellow coreopsis flowers on Santa Barbara, Anacapa and San Miguel.

Animal Spotting

Winter Whale Watching

In the winter, Oxnard transforms into a prime location for whale watching enthusiasts. Venture out into the Pacific Ocean on specialized excursions and witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of migrating whales. Catch glimpses of majestic humpback whales, gray whales, and even playful dolphins as they traverse these bountiful waters. Winter whale watching season typically starts at the end of December and runs through the end of April.

We have many vendors to choose from for starting your whale watching excursion, including:

• Island Packers
• Channel Islands Expeditions
• Channel Islands Whale Watching

Northern Elephant Seals

Northern elephant seals are the second largest seals in the world. The male of the species is easily identified due to its large proboscis, which resembles an elephant’s trunk. A member of the pinniped family, these majestic animals start pupping in the early winter, while harbor seals pup in the late winter.

Brown Pelicans

The only breeding colonies of Californian brown pelicans are within West Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands. These birds migrate from the islands to central Mexico. They can dive from 60 feet in the air and can live up to 40 years old. Keep your eyes peeled for brown pelicans as they nest in the winter months.

Bike Paths

Bring your bikes and hop on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route, a 1,800-mile path starting in Vancouver, British Columbia, and ending in Imperial Beach, California. No bikes? No problem! Rent beach cruisers, surreys, tandem bikes, and more at Wheel Fun Rentals.

Surfing

With year-round perfect weather, uncrowded beaches and a robust culture surrounding the sport, Oxnard is an experience any avid surfer should add to their bucket list. There are several beaches for different levels of experience. For professionals chasing the big surf, the winter swells at Silver Strand Beach are a world-class surfer’s paradise. Winter swells produce breaks like the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii that are perfect for tube riding. So, grab your board, lather on some sunscreen and experience the surfer’s paradise hidden in the Oxnard shores.

Take A Hike

Take time to disconnect from civilization. Hit the breathtakingly scenic trails on Anacapa Island or Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park. The islands boast dozens of trails - from moderate, like the 1.7 mile (47 min.) Cavern Point Loop, to hard, like the 8.9 mile (4 hr. 35 min.) El Montañon Trail. Note: You'll need to board an excursion via Island Packers to get there.

Explore the Harbor

The Channel Island Harbor is a must-see during your winter vacation in Oxnard. Restaurants with spectacular ocean views get even better with the epic winter sunsets. Check out the Maritime Museum during your visit to the Harbor, as well as our list of local events.

Cherish the holidays in a new way at the Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton. Take winter to the land of sand and surf with some exciting and festive winter activities. Exclusive to the holiday season, be sure to check out their seasonally decorated holiday suites.

Don’t miss out on exclusive winter programming at Zachari Dunes. There’s something for everyone in the family!

• Weave a holiday wreath
• Craft a dreamcatcher
• Hear a story from Santa
• Enjoy a movie screening
• Embark on a scavenger hunt
• Sip hot cocoa under a beautiful sunset
• Relax with beachside yoga

Pet Friendly Travel

Oxnard's beautiful parks, scenic beaches, and pet-friendly attractions make it the perfect destination for a travel adventure with your dog by your side.

Oxnard has a vibrant pet-friendly community, with locals who appreciate and welcome visitors with pets, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Get into the holiday spirit and treat yourself and your furry pal to a photo with Santa! Make your reservation at the Collection at Riverpark.

Parks & Trails

Unleash the energy of your pup at Oxnard's pet-friendly parks, providing ample space for play, exercise, and socialization with other furry friends.

• College Park Dog Park is an off-leash dog park with two areas for small and big canines.
• Campus Park, the former site of Oxnard High School, is another off-leash dog park. It's located on the corner of 5th and H streets.
• Jax's Windrow Dog Park is an off-leash dog park located at 3052 North Ventura Road.
• Hollywood Beach - Dogs can roam free before 9 am and after 5 pm.

If you are in need of Doggie Day Care or boarding, please find these services available at the following locations: Inglis Pet Hotel and Flying High Pet Resort.