Happy Harbor Days
Dana Point Harbor transforms for the season with an illuminated holiday light display featuring more than 700,000 LED lights. Visitors can stroll past themed exhibits including a glowing whale sculpture, the harbor VW bus, and the Merry Kiss Me™ installation. The illuminated displays span across the harbor entrance, the island, and Bump Out Park near Baby Beach.
What to Expect
Over 700,000 holiday lights illuminate the harbor with themed exhibits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Dana Point Harbor Partners
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and scenic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Start: 5:00 pm; end: 5:00 pm.
- Pets: Santa Paws pet photos with Santa run December 12 and 13, and the Modern Makers Mart Holiday Edition on December 19 is pet-friendly.
Tips & Advice
- Book a boat parade charter from Dana Wharf or Captain Dave's early if you want to watch from the water, because the cruises sell out.
- Get the Holiday Map & Guide to find the themed exhibits across the new harbor entrance, the island and Bump Out Park near Baby Beach.
- Starting December 1, play Whale on the Wharf by finding the whales at participating spots, then turn in your game card once you've found 10 or more.
- Reserve Boat Rides with Santa aboard the Dana Pride ahead of time for December 5 or 6, because reservations are required.
- Bring a blanket, towels or chairs and dress festive for Little Folk Club on the Island on December 19.
Special Events & Promotions
- 51st Annual Boat Parade of Lights, December 11–13, themed "Dana Point's HARBORITAVILLE."
- Holiday Harbor Light Cruises from Dana Wharf on December 4, 5, 18 and 19 (tickets sold separately).
- Whale on the Wharf scavenger hunt begins December 1. Find 10 or more whales to enter a grand prize raffle, and enjoy discounts and treats at participating spots.
- Harbor After Dark, Holiday Edition: an all-new holiday night market at the parking structure on select Thursdays, with food trucks and seasonal drinks.
- Boat Rides with Santa aboard the Dana Pride on December 5 and 6. Reservations are required.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What displays will I see?
More than 700,000 LED lights fill the harbor. Themed exhibits include a whale sculpture, #happyharbordays, the harbor VW bus, and Merry Kiss Me™.
What's new this year?
The 2026 displays stretch across the all-new harbor entrance, the island, and Bump Out Park near Baby Beach.
Can I see the lights from the water?
Yes. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching runs Holiday Harbor Light Cruises on December 4, 5, 18 and 19, with tickets sold separately.
How can I watch the Boat Parade of Lights?
Watch from the Island park areas or the boardwalk. You can also book a boat parade charter from Dana Wharf or Captain Dave's. Book early, because cruises sell out.
Are there holiday activities for pets?
Yes. Santa Paws on December 12 and 13 offers holiday pet photos with Santa and the harbor VW bus for a donation to the Pet Project Foundation. The Modern Makers Mart Holiday Edition on December 19 is pet-friendly and kid-friendly.
More Christmas Events Near Dana Point
More Christmas Events near Dana Point
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.