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50th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks

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  • Date December 18 - December 19, 2026
  • Time Start Time: 6:30 PM End Time: 8:00 PM
Fireworks over Ventura Harbor during 50th Anniversary Parade of Lights and Fireworks.
December 18 - December 19, 2026

Mark your calendars for Ventura Harbor Village’s 50th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks, a dazzling holiday tradition that lights up the coast on Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 19, 2026! This year invites you to immerse yourself in a spectacular display of illuminated boats, glowing holiday décor, and festive cheer all in honor of the parade’s 50th anniversary.

Event Highlights:

  • Boat Parade: Watch as creatively decorated boats cruise through the harbor, competing for top prizes while showcasing a luminous array of lights and holiday spirit.
  • Carnival on the Main Lawn: Enjoy festive carnival rides and classic games for all ages—perfect for families and friends looking to extend the fun before and after the parade.
  • Fireworks Show: Don’t miss the breathtaking fireworks finale that lights up the night sky after the parade each evening.
  • Family Fun: Stroll through the Village to enjoy live entertainment, seaside dining, boutique shopping, and special seasonal activities. Don’t miss seaside DJ spinning the holiday tunes and faux snowfall for all to enjoy a CA wintery experience.

When:

  • Friday, December 18 & Saturday, December 19, 2026
  • Festivities begin at 4 PM, and the parade starts at 6:30 PM each evening.

Boaters: Sign Up Early for 50th Anniversary Perks

Help make the 50th anniversary our brightest parade yet! Boater applications starting Wednesday, October 14, and the first 25 boats to sign up receive extra, exclusive incentives for this milestone year. Gather your crew, start planning your decorations and mark your calendar to apply early! Fill out the form below to sign up:

Parade of Lights - Boater Application 2026

50th Anniversary - This Year's Theme: Golden Era

    You are strongly encouraged to participate BOTH nights! Participate both nights and be entered to win $100 in Ventura Harbor Village Restaurant Gift Certificates
    ** Participation on Friday = 20 additional participation points toward Saturday’s judging.
    ** 5 additional points for attending the mandatory Skippers Meeting Friday, December 18th at 4PM
    • Judging is Saturday night, December 19th. Extra points for participating Friday, December 18th.
    • Required Skippers Meeting for all participating boaters on Friday, December 18th at 4PM at the Holiday Inn Express Ventura in the Wind Jammer Meeting Room

  • Boater Information

  • Boat Information / Category

    * required
    * required
    I approve photos, video, & online promotions from the 2026 Parade of Lights can be used by Ventura Port District's Ventura Harbor Marketing Department.

  • Important Parade Info

    • The parade will start with power boats followed by sail boats, dinghies, human powered, etc.
    • No commercialization, advertising, or political statements as part of boat decoration will be allowed.
    • To preserve the safety of sea life, releasing of balloons will not be allowed nor any other substance that could be harmful.
    • Post your Parade of Lights images on social media and be sure to tag us @VenturaHarbor.
    • Friday boaters have the opportunity to win People’s Choice Award. Encourage friends and family to vote on Facebook on Saturday, Dec. 19.

  • Waiver, Release and Indemnity

    In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Parade of Lights, related events and activities, Entrant agrees to follow the instructions of the Parade Committee and hereby waives and releases as well as indemnifies and holds harmless Ventura Port District dba Ventura Harbor Village and Ventura Harbor, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and the Parade of Lights Committee and its members (hereinafter “Indemnities”) from and against any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, losses, or liabilities in law or in equity, including, but not limited to, injury to or death of any person, and damages to or destruction of property of any person, arising out of any of the following:

    1. The willful misconduct or negligent acts, errors or omissions of Entrant, its officers, agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and agents, so long as such claims, demands, costs, expenses, losses or liabilities do not result from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnities, or any of them, provided that if such claims, demands, costs, expenses, losses, or liabilities arise from the negligence of the Indemnities, or any of them (other than its or their sole negligence), then Entrant’s obligation hereunder shall be allocated in accordance with comparative negligence principles under California law;

    2. The violation of governmental laws or regulations, compliance with which is the responsibility of Entrant and its agents.

    I agree to conform to and comply with all rules and regulations governing this event as well as the directions, safety requirements, instructions and regulations of the United States Coast Guard, the Harbor Patrol, and the Parade committed vessels.

Boat Awards: A Golden Year to Shine

From glowing kayaks to decked-out sailboats, participating boaters will compete for awards—and this year’s 50th anniversary brings bigger grand prizes and the return of classic favorites!

  • Grand Prizes: Sweepstakes awards of $550 each for qualifying sail and power boats, plus Showstopper awards of $350 each for qualifying smaller boats.
  • First & Second Place: Winners in the catagories Human Powered, Dinghy/Duffy, Non-Profit, Commercial, Power 25 Feet & Under, Power 26 Feet & Over, Sail 29 Feet & Under, and Sail 30 Feet & Over.
  • People’s Choice—Friday Only: Vote online through the Ventura Harbor Facebook page for your favorite Friday-night boat! The winner receives $250, a golden cleat, a harbor plaque and plenty of bragging rights.
  • Classic Favorite Awards Return: Best Creative Use of Lights and Best Animation each earn $250, while the NEW Golden Nugget Award honors the brightest boat in the parade.

Admission & Parking:

  • Admission is free.
  • Paid parking is available or take a complimentary shuttle service to the Village.
  • Complimentary Shuttle pick up at Harbor & Schooner Drive parking lot and Portside Ventura. Free parking is available on Spinnaker Drive, the Dolphin Parking lot at Safe Harbors Marina (a 5 min walk back to Andria’s and the Village), along Spinnaker Drive and at the dirt lot at the end of Spinnaker Drive for Parade of Lights.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss this unforgettable coastal celebration that blends holiday magic with oceanfront beauty. Whether you’re enjoying the parade from a waterfront restaurant or joining in the fun along the promenade, the 2026 Parade of Lights & Fireworks is sure to shine bright in your holiday memories! Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com for updates, tips, and more event details.

Start your holiday season aglow with the Parade of Lights at Ventura Harbor!

  • Date December 18 - December 19, 2026
  • Time Start Time: 6:30 PM End Time: 8:00 PM