5 Free Holiday Happenings to Check out This Season in Ventura

Spend the holiday season by the beach in Ventura! Shopping, singing, and celebrating with family and loved ones during this holiday season is what it’s all about. And what better place to do it than on the sand?

We know the holiday season can be stressful and expensive but in Ventura, it’s about the memories and experiences that make the moments. You don’t need to break the bank to have fun and lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays for free! Here are 5 free holiday events in Ventura to check out this season. See you soon!

1. Witches Paddle

Friday, October 25

Swap the broomstick for a paddle board at this annual free community event at the Ventura Harbor! Attracting well over 60 witches, warlocks, and their spooky pets (yes dogs are allowed!), the Ventura Witches Paddle is an afternoon of spooky fun out on the blue waters of the harbor; make sure to dress up and hit the water.

Arrive early and bring your own paddle board or rent a paddle board (pedal boats, kayaks, and electric boats) from Ventura Boat Rentals.

Get in on the fun at the group photo in front of Coastal Cone at 3:30 PM and then the witches take flight on the water at 4:00 PM for the paddle!

After the paddle, walk around the Ventura Harbor Village for boutique shopping, harborfront dining, and more family-friendly fun.

Plan for the Witches Paddle

Ventura Witches Paddle at the Ventura Harbor, a fun community event

Patchwork Show Ventura — Photo by Patchwork Show

2. Patchwork Show

Sunday, November 3

Get your craft on at Ventura’s Patchwork Show. Completely free and open to the public, handmakers, artists, and creators take over Downtown Ventura to showcase all types of goods and gifts, perfect for the holiday season!

With booths, live music, food, kids activities, and so much more, Ventura’s Patchwork Show is a great free holiday event in Ventura to check out. Afterward, walk down to the beach and enjoy our beautiful beach town.

Learn More about Ventura Patchwork Show

Saturday, December 7

Sip and shop your way through California’s largest Wine Walk and Street Fair. Ventura’s Winter Wine Walk and Street Fair is back by the beach!

While tickets are available for purchase to tap into the wine walk where you can sample wine from dozens of local businesses, the street fair is completely free and open to the public.

From noon to 8:00 PM, walk through the holiday street fair lined with hundreds of local vendors plus food and drink vendors too. You never know what holiday gift you might find at this free holiday street fair!

Get Ready for Ventura Winter Wine walk

Findings Market Holiday Market — Photo By Summer Staeb

4. Findings Market Holiday Fair

Saturday, November 30

Discover unique holiday finds at this beloved holiday fair on Small Business Saturday! Oak Street closes down for this holiday market where you can find vintage clothes, jewelry, home goods, and everything in between. Plus, live music, delicious food and drinks, and fun activities for all ages will fill the afternoon.

So bring your crew (and your furry four-legged friends — yes, dogs are welcome) and mark your calendars!

learn more about the Holiday fair

5. Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

Friday & Saturday, December 13-14

It’s the holiday event that Ventura waits for — the annual Parade of Lights! This year’s theme is Candyland and it’s sure to brighten and sweeten up the night.

Spectators line along the harbor walkway to watch as boats of all shapes and sizes cruise through the harbor, decked out in lights and decorations.

Before the parade begins at 6:30 PM, bring the kids over to the Village lawn for carnival games and small rides, faux snow, and pop-up live performances. At 8:00 PM (weather permitting) the sky lights up in a beautiful fireworks show to end the evening of holiday fun!

If you’re looking for a bite to eat before the parade, Brophy Bros., Margarita Villa, The Greek, and Water’s Edge are all popular harborside restaurants at the Ventura Harbor Village. Plus, there’s tons of boutique shopping to be had for that last-minute holiday gift you need to find.

Get more details on the Parade of Lights