Castaic Lake Winter Magic & Lighted Boat Parade
Visitors can watch decorated boats light up the Lower Lake during the lighted boat parade. On shore, families can play in the snow, meet Santa, and take part in face painting and kids' activities. The gathering also features a holiday marketplace with local vendors and opportunity drawings.
What to Expect
Evening festival featuring a lighted boat parade, snow play, and Santa.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Friends of Castaic Lake
Food & Drink
Checked-in children receive a wristband for one complimentary meal; additional food and treats are available for purchase from vendors.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Lake entry fees apply. Every child who checks in at Winter Magic receives one complimentary meal; additional food and treats are available for purchase. – Get tickets
- Hours: Starts at 3 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Pre-register before you go, and have each child check in on arrival to collect the wristband for their complimentary meal.
- Bring a new, unwrapped toy for ages 3 and up to the toy drive and you'll get three opportunity drawing tickets in return.
- Leave your Annual State Parks Pass at home, because Castaic Lake SRA doesn't accept it and lake entry fees apply.
- Stay until the sun goes down, when the decorated boats of the Lighted Boat Parade light up the Lower Lake.
- Dress warmly in layers, since the evening runs outdoors by the lake and the kids will be playing in the snow.
Special Events & Promotions
- Kids eat free: every child who checks in gets a wristband for one complimentary meal.
- Toy drive: bring a new, unwrapped toy for ages 3 and up to get three opportunity drawing tickets.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids really eat free?
Yes. Every child who checks in at Winter Magic gets a wristband for one complimentary meal. Food vendors sell more food and treats all evening.
What is there to do on shore?
Kids can meet Santa and play in the snow. There's also face painting, kids' activities, a holiday marketplace and opportunity drawings.
How do I enter my boat in the Lighted Boat Parade?
Decorate your boat and sign up through the Boat Parade Registration. Read the parade Rules & Guidelines first.
Can I use my California State Parks annual pass?
No. Castaic Lake SRA is one of the few California State Parks that doesn't accept the Annual State Parks Pass, and lake entry fees apply.
How can I get involved as a vendor or volunteer?
Businesses can sign up for the Winter Magic Holiday Marketplace through vendor registration. Volunteers can join through the Friends of Castaic Lake volunteer sign-up, and there are sponsorship options too.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.