The sounds of traditionally clad costumed Dickenson carolers, amid a festively decorated traditional village setting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, and faux snow flurries throughout the pedestrian-friendly Promenade every 15 minutes is the backdrop for Ventura Harbor Village's "Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace," followed by the 37^th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks "Seaside Tinsel Town," commemorating the destination's 50 ^th Anniversary.  These and more are just many of holiday events being held in December, 2013 at Ventura Harbor Village, California's seaside playground boasting year round fun and sun in true nautical style.

The destination, set in a scenic harbor and fishing marina surrounded by a picturesque walking promenade with stunning coastal views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands National Park, is home to 35 seaside boutiques, waterfront restaurants, attractions, and a variety of year-round festivals and events, including live entertainment. 

Here's what's on tap for the holidays ahead:

Channukah Festival

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Celebration of the season includes live music, Judaica boutique, hot Latkes, family fun, and lighting of a Grand Menorah.  Presented by Chabad of Oxnard and made possible by the Jewish Federation of Ventura County.  FREE Admission. www.ChabadofOxnard.com .

California Sleigh Rides

December 1 - December 31, 2013, Departs 6:30 & 8pm

A ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH California-style! Take a California Sleigh Ride through the Ventura Harbor and Ventura Keys with Ventura Boat Rentals!  Holiday lights dazzle as they reflect upon the water from boats in the Ventura Harbor, Ventura Harbor Village, and the decked out homes in the Ventura Keys neighborhood!  Complimentary hot cocoa and holiday cookies keep guests sated or adults can order wintery drinks such as famous "Reindeer Milk" from the onboard bar. Choose between 6:30pm or 8pm departure times for a one and a half hour tour every night in December.  Adults $20 and children $10. Reservations Required. Call for Reservations:  805) 642-7753.  www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Cool California Caroling Cruises 

December 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19

FA LA LALALALALALALA! Warm up your pipes with family and friends on a one hour Island Packers Caroling Cruise on select weekday evenings. Start a unique holiday tradition and make new friends aboard a 64'catamaran.  Laugh and enjoy serenading the families in the Ventura Harbor and Ventura Keys neighborhood with joyful holiday favorite tunes (singing not required). $16 adults, $13 senior citizens, and 10 for children.  Advance reservations recommended and bring a scarf!  Call for tickets at ( 805) 642-1393. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Holly Trolley Wednesdays - Sundays in December 11am - 11pm

FREE Holiday Shopping Trolley makes shopping at authentically Ventura stores, galleries and boutiques easy.  Travels between Downtown Ventura and Ventura Harbor Village, stopping at area hotels by request and at Amtrak/Ventura County Fairgrounds. Runs hourly. Stop by to replenish with wonderful entrees and festive drinks at Rhumb Line Restaurant, a regular trolley stop in Ventura Harbor.  www.VenturaTrolley.com

Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, 2013, Noon - 3pm

Free Ride on the Holly Trolley with Santa Claus!  Kids receive a FREE Village Carousel Ride Ticket.  Faux snowfall in Village every 15 minutes both days from Noon - 3 pm. Festive live music in Harbor Village. Free Kid's holiday craft.  Pick up Trolley at Ventura Harbor Village, Downtown Ventura outside the Visitor Center, at Ventura County Fairgrounds/Amtrak, Rhumb Line Restaurant, or in Seaward community. Runs every 45 min. FREE.  (Due to limited space, guests are encouraged to make one exit at either Downtown or Harbor Village on the route before returning to back to starting point). www.VenturaTrolley.com

Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace - Ventura Harbor Village

Saturday, December 21, 2013, 1-5 pm

Rediscover the joy of holiday shopping while wondering through a festive holiday village at the popular Ventura Harbor's Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace held Saturday, December 21 from 1 - 5 pm. Come early for fun and festivities including faux snowfall every 15 minutes, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Carousel Stage, two live reindeer, Dickenson Carolers, and more!  The 37^th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks to follow! FREE. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks - Ventura Harbor

Friday and Saturday, December 20-21, 2013, 7 pm

Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 37^th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks "Seaside Tinseltown," commemorating 50 Years Ventura Harbor" on Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21.  The two-day fun filled event includes seaside shopping and dining followed by the lighted boat parade & fireworks show in the evening. FREE, www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Pacific Gray Whale Watching

December 26, 2013 - Mid April 2014

Whale Watching Season is here and it's a great time to catch a glimpse of nature up close and personal! Island Packers, Ventura County's official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is now offering ½-day whale watching excursions to view these magnificent mammals. $36 (ages 13-54), $32 (children 3-12), infants under 3 are FREE.  Tours By Donation:  $3, www.IslandPackers.com

For annual event details and updates visit VenturaHarborVillage.com, Facebook/Ventura Harbor, join the Beach Club Ventura Harbor ENewsletter, or call (805) 477-0470, ext. 5.

Ventura Harbor Village is located just minutes off the Historic 101 and Highway 1 along California's Central Coast. Take the Seaward Ave. exit, left on Harbor Blvd., and right on Spinnaker Drive.