By Visit Ventura

Posted: Tuesday, Dec 10th, 2024

5 Things to Do this Holiday Season in Ventura

It’s time for egg nog, holiday shopping, and the magic of the season! If you’ve always pictured more sand than snow for your holiday escape, you’ve come to the right place. Ventura is bustling with holiday cheer from seasonal drinks to cheers with friends and families, fun family-friendly holiday events, and year-round outdoor adventure.

Book your stay in Ventura for that holiday beach getaway you’ve always dreamed of. Here are 5 things to do this holiday season in Ventura that you can look forward to.

1. Jump into Holiday Festivities at the Ventura Harbor Village

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

Experience winter by the sea at the Ventura Harbor Village. The harbor has tons of festivities lined up during the holiday season including the beloved community Santa Paddle where Santa trades his sleigh for a paddle board. You won’t want to miss Ventura Harbor’s Parade of Lights where a small family-friendly carnival takes over the harbor as sailboats glide through the water decked out in lights. Stay until the end of the night as the night sky erupts in color with the fireworks grand finale show. 

2. Try holiday-themed drinks

cocktail trust holiday cocktails

Cheers to the season with your crew with a seasonal drink at one of the many restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars offering fun beverages this month.

First on the list: head over to Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust in the heart of Downtown Ventura for Coconog and the Sleigh Ride for a taste of the holiday season in every sip. Cocktail Trust’s cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to end your day. 

Enjoy Christmas on the beach at Duke’s where they’re offering a Spiced Hoty Toddy, Peppermint White Russian, and Christmas Cheers. Make sure to stay for their killer burgers and nostalgic California beach vibes. 

The Miracle Holiday Pop Up at Rocks & Drams was voted a must-visit holiday pop-up bar by the LA Times and we have to say that we agree! Enter a winter wonderland at Rocks & Drams where drinks are served up in reindeer mugs, ornaments are strung on the ceiling, and holiday classics play softly in the background. Tip? Walk-ins are accepted but make a reservation in advance to experience the magic of the season at this popular cocktail restaurant in Ventura.  

And of course, we have to include Crave’s Snickerdoodle Latte for the coffee lovers in your life. But this is Ventura after all — you can cool down (even in the winter) with a scoop of Crave’s made-from-scratch authentically Italian gelato. 

3. Winter Whale Watching

Nothing compares to that feeling when you see for the first time in your life a whale tail breach the ocean’s surface as you stand along the side of an Island Packers boat. Starting on December 26, book a winter whale-watching cruise through the channel. Watch as grey whales make their journey to warmer waters in Mexico and pods of dolphins dance along the bow of the ferry. You’ll probably see harbor seals, pelicans, and fish…oh my! 

4. Check out personalized gifts 

Ventura shines at quirky, off-the-beaten-path, and special memories, views, and gifts. Maybe you’ll spend an afternoon browsing the thrift, vintage, and antique stores along Main Street. As you explore local boutiques around town, keep an eye out for unique personalized gifts you can pick up right here in Ventura. 

The Refill Shoppe is a great choice for a practical yet personal gift — create a custom scent for the bubble bath lover or a perfume they will love. 

You can create custom scents at Dusk too. They offer custom candles — pick from dozens of different scents from plumeria to sandalwood to oak to create an incredible candle that your loved one will love. 

Put your friendship skills to the test at Brooklyn Charm where you can make a personalized charm necklace or bracelet for your loved one. Dozens of charms are available to pick from to create a completely personal jewelry piece that they will love. 

Head over to vomFASS for a customized spirits stacker set to make the season bright. Pick out customizable gift baskets at Olive Ventura (choose a mix of dishes, olive oils, and other goodies) for the elevated cook in your life and Folke has a bath & spa basket full of Folke’s in-house products. 

5. Head Out to the Great Outdoors

Luckily in Ventura, even in the middle of winter you can head outside with a light jacket and a t-shirt and enjoy the Ventura sun overhead. 

Explore Harmon Canyon with acres of mountain biking, trail running, and hiking paths through oak-lined trails. Your furry four-legged friends can even join you (leashed) up to the 1.8-mile marker. 

Ventura Botanical Gardens offers stunning views of the city below and the ocean beyond. With flora representing all five Mediterranean zones, see beautiful and vibrant flowers everywhere you look. 

6. Take advantage of off-season hotel rates

Best Western at Ventura Pier

Make your trip to Ventura a full-blown beach getaway in the middle of winter! Off-season rates mean Ventura is a beach vacation you can afford. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic holiday getaway for two, Ventura offers plenty of affordable hotels and unique boutique stays for every budget. 

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