Oxnard Celebrates the Holidays

2021 – Jingle Jungle

2019 – Music Notes & Holiday Floats

2018 – Heroes on Holiday

2017 – Fairy Tales Afloat

2016 – Hooray for Hollywood

2015 – Celebrate the 60’s

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down… Channel Islands Harbor?

That’s right! It’s that very magical time of the year where families from all over the 805 come out to celebrate The Annual Parade of Lights, complete with dozens of festive, decorative boats, carolers, and that special visit from St. Nick.

This time-honored event has been going strong since its inception in 1965. Boaters go out of their way to dazzle fans with more and more creative entries each year with the annual themes. From “Holiday in Toyland” to “Celebrate the 1960’s”, these boaters have thrilled the community with their festive floating masterpieces. And this year promises to be the best year yet, with the Parade of Lights celebrating its 51st anniversary. The theme is “Fairy Tales Afloat.”

Sure, there are several boat parades up and down the coast. What make this one special? “Channel Islands Harbor has a large waterfront community living in the Harbor, giving it a more hometown feel,” says Linda Radke, Commodore of Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club,” and this is a community based event. It brings people together in a festive way.”

Neighbors agree.

Four boats Dewayne Weaver of Channel Islands Yacht Club has worked on have been Sweepstakes winners. The unforgettable 36’ Pink Cadillac was a show stopper in 2013, complete with 8 costumed dancing reindeer, and of course Elvis. Dewayne recalls, “the cheers of the crowds and the children laughing and being entertained by what you have done is one of those times you will never forget!”

“I would tell anyone who hasn’t experienced the Parade of Lights that it’s absolutely magical and something everyone should see at least once in their life,” says Joanie Wolf, who’s work on the PCYC’s boat has earned them the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy for 2015 and 2016. “I’ve grown up watching the Parade of Lights and even participated on boats when I was a child. The memories I have are that of pure joy and wonder. To this day, I still get goose bumps every time I see Santa fly overhead during the parade.”

Steve & Pam confess they find a way to incorporate their octopus every year on their winning electric boat, ‘Watt Ever’. “For some reason, I decided the first year to make a giant pink octopus. I didn’t have the heart to destroy it so I stored it. Needless to say, it comes out of the closet every year. It has worn a pirate eye patch, a hippie flowered headband, and has walked down a red carpet wearing a top hat.”

Pam knows just how chilly it can get on the water and reminds us to “dress warm, bring a blanket, hot chocolate, and plenty of friends and family”. In 2015, my wife April coordinated the dancers on the PCYC boat. The girls shook a tailfeather wearing nothing but bikinis, so it appeared from shore. In reality, most were wrapped in flesh colored leotards under their suits.

As for the best way to enjoy the parade, you have several great options. Waterfront viewing is available from some restaurants & boat charters. Many harbor businesses have views overlooking the parade route, including: The Lookout Bar & Grill, Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, Sea Fresh, Toppers Pizza Place, and The Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar. Families can also bring chairs, blankets and their own picnic meal to view the beautiful boats from public spaces throughout the Harbor.

You can also get into the Holiday spirit by participating in the Waterfront Homes Decorating Contest, sponsored by Sheldon Berger. Neighbors dazzle us every year with their dockside illuminations!

So mark your calendar for December 9th. Come kick off the holidays with Snow Play at 10:00 a.m. Children’s activities and the artist market will take place at the Marine Emporium Landing. Come meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy the strolling carolers from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

And at 7:00 p.m. you can enjoy the thousands of sparkling lights dancing on the water at the magical moment when Santa flies across the sky marking the beginning of the parade.

More Info: channelislandsharbor.org/thingstodo/events

Happy Holidays!