Christmas parades 2026Ventura County · The Gold Coast

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Ventura County, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Ventura County with 2026 dates: three parades, two free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page. Evening ones start after dark, so we mark them, and anything that sells out stays listed in grey.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights: Dec 12 · 7–9pm. Plus 2 more.3 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?No 2026 lighting posted yet.Not yetIs it free?2 of 3 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?1 daytime, 2 in the evening. Each card is marked.2 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

12DecSatChannel Islands Harbor Parade of LightsParade · 7–9pm12DecSatCamarillo Christmas Parade & Santa's VillageParade · 10am to 2pm18DecFriVentura Harbor Parade of LightsParade · Festivities 4pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Ventura

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Ventura

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

No 2026 tree lighting posted here yet. Lightings often post their dates in November, and we add each one once its page has the date.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Ventura

November: things to do in VenturaEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in VenturaEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in VenturaFree days, free events and places that never chargeLibrary storytimes in VenturaBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchThanksgiving weekend in VenturaParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayThe Nutcracker in VenturaBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in VenturaChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursThis week in VenturaDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in Ventura County: the FAQ

Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 7–9pm (Oxnard). Camarillo Christmas Parade & Santa's Village: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 10am to 2pm (Camarillo, CA). Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights: Dec 18 – Dec 19, Festivities 4pm; boat parade 6:30pm; fireworks 8pm (Ventura).

Two of the three we list are free to watch: Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights and Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Camarillo Christmas Parade & Santa's Village. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Ventura that weekend, parades included.

Ventura County skyline