Season’s Greetings: 10 Holiday Happenings in Ventura to Get You in the Festive Spirit

header image by Ventura Harbor Village

Get ready for a month full of festivities and family fun! When the holiday season hits, Ventura goes all out to gather together and make the most of the month. And it doesn’t hurt that it all takes place along the beautiful coastline underneath the warm California sunshine!

Are you a visitor looking for local events that are off the beaten path? Support the Ventura community and feel like family at these 10 Holiday Events happening this month in Ventura to get you in the holiday spirit! For more local events and to keep up with what’s going on in town, head to our events page.

1. Ventura Pottery Gallery Holiday Celebration

December 1-24

Looking for a unique handmade gift to give for the holiday season? Look no further than Ventura Pottery Gallery’s annual Holiday Celebration coming up. Browse through all the different types of pottery pieces from functional plates, mugs, and bowls to fun pieces like decorative sculptures, earrings, and ornaments. Purchases $40+ will receive a complimentary pottery gift to sweeten your holiday shopping!

2. Good Tidings Market

December 2

Good Tidings Holiday Market, Findings Market — Courtesy of Findings Market

Hosted by local businesses Findings Market and Topa Topa Brewing Co., this year’s Good Tidings Market is sure to be fun for the whole family! Over 50 artisans and makers will be featured at the market, with live music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities. Bring your entire crew (even your furry friend!) to the anticipated holiday market.

3. Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair

December 2

Get ready for the anticipated Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair. A great evening out with families and friends, start the day shopping along Main Street and Downtown Ventura in the free Holiday Street Fair where you can find dozens of vendors with perfect gifts for your holiday shopping. At 4 pm, the Ventura Winer Wine Walk begins! Walk from business to business for wine samples and an opportunity to support the local businesses that are the heart of Ventura.

4. Hobson Heights Holiday Nights

December 7-25

Hobson Heights Neighborhood in Ventura — Courtesy of Hobson Heights

Celebrate the holiday season and the 100th anniversary of Ventura’s historic neighborhood, Hobson Heights. Visitors, residents, and locals alike are encouraged to gather together to take a festive stroll around the neighborhood to ooh and ahh at the dozens of lit-up houses. Take photos with Santa (furbabies are welcome too!), enjoy coffee and other hot beverages, and donate canned goods for good local causes. More information can be found here.

5. Santa Paddle

Santa Paddle in the Ventura Harbor Village, Holiday Events happening in Ventura — Courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village

Santa and his elves will swap the sleigh for a paddle board at the annual Santa Paddle at the Ventura Harbor. Come early to rent your kayak, paddle board, character peddle boat or eclectic boat at Ventura Boat Rentals and get together for a group photo. Santa hits the water at 11:30 am and will lead his helpers through the harbor and the marina. Festive costumes are encouraged!

6. Light Up Downtown: Chanukah Concert & Festival

December 10

Ready for an evening of live music, family-friendly crafts, and games? Gather together for Light Up Downtown: Chanukah Concert & Festival to kick off the holiday in Downtown Ventura. It’s free admission for all.

7. The 10th Annual Holiday Sing A Long

December 10

Get your singing voices ready for the 10th Annual Holiday Sing A Long at the Majestic Ventura Theater. A night full of festive costumes, music, and holiday spirit, help local Firehouse 21 gather presents for Santa and bring with you one new unwrapped gift for admission to the sing-a-long. More information can be found here.

8. VC Art Market Holiday Pop Up at Portside

December 16

Feel the cool ocean breeze blow through your hair at the VC Art Market where you’ll find over 35 local artists selling handmade, unique one-of-a-kind gifts at Portside Ventura Harbor. From plants to earrings, there’s plenty of holiday shopping to be had with a harborside view! Food and drinks from Hello Mai Darling will be available and a fun holiday display, perfect for that instagrammable shot will be up at the holiday market. Family and pet-friendly, the VC Art Market is a great stop before heading to the Parade of Lights.

9. Paint & Sip Northern Night Lights

December 20

Paint & Sip Northern Lights in Ventura Art is Passion

Head over to Leashless Brewing to learn how to paint twinkling northern lights while sipping on your favorite brew. A perfect addition to your wintertime decor or a handmade gift to give to your loved ones, join in on the creative fun (no experience necessary!). All paint supplies are provided.

10. Ventura Land Trust Lantern Hike

December 17

Ventura Land Trust lantern walk — Courtesy of Ventura Land Trust

Experience a beautiful walk through Harmon Canyon after dark. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lanterns. The walk will end in a lit solstice spiral as participants gather together.

Looking for more holiday events in Ventura? Check out this blog and our events page. Happy Holidays!

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