Experience the magic of the holidays in Oxnard, CA, where the festive spirit comes alive with a variety of enchanting events. From the dazzling Christmas Parade of Lights illuminating the streets with themed floats and sparkling designs, to the mesmerizing Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show at Heritage Square, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Don't miss the community charm of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where a towering evergreen becomes a vibrant symbol of unity. These beloved traditions make Oxnard a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable holiday experience.
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The Top Christmas Events in Oxnard
- Christmas Parade of Lights
- Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Annual Tamale Festival
Oxnard Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats and vehicles parading through downtown
Description:
Oxnard's streets transform into a river of light as illuminated floats and vehicles parade through downtown. This dazzling procession showcases the creativity of local businesses and community groups. Spectators can marvel at the intricate designs while enjoying the cheerful melodies of marching bands. The parade, a tradition since 1965, reflects Oxnard's rich agricultural heritage with many floats featuring produce-themed designs. You'll spot everything from glowing tractors to sparkling sea-themed creations, highlighting the city's coastal location.
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Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music display at a historic site
Description:
Oxnard's historic Heritage Square comes alive with a mesmerizing symphony of lights and music. This cutting-edge display synchronizes thousands of LED lights with a curated playlist of holiday tunes. Visitors can stroll through the Victorian-era buildings, each adorned with its own unique light pattern. The show pays homage to Oxnard's multicultural roots by incorporating musical styles from various cultures. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and find the perfect spot to watch as the lights dance across the historic facades, creating a visual spectacle unlike any other in Ventura County.
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Winter Fantasy Music & Light Show
Oxnard Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-decorated tree with ornaments representing local organizations
Description:
Oxnard's annual tree lighting ceremony brings the community together in a unique way. The towering evergreen becomes a canvas for local expression, adorned with handcrafted ornaments representing various community organizations. This tradition, started in the 1950s, symbolizes the city's unity and diverse heritage. As the switch is flipped, the tree bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, illuminating the plaza. Attendees can contribute their own ornament to the community tree, adding a personal touch to this collective celebration of Oxnard's spirit.
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Annual Tamale Festival
What to Expect:
Celebration of tamale-making traditions with a competitive edge
Description:
Oxnard's Annual Tamale Festival spices up the holiday season with a flavorful celebration of this beloved Mexican dish. Local chefs and home cooks compete to create the most delicious and innovative tamales, pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Visitors can sample a wide variety of tamales, from classic pork to unexpected sweet variations. The festival, which began in 2008, honors Oxnard's strong Mexican-American heritage. Cooking demonstrations allow attendees to learn the art of tamale-making, preserving this time-honored culinary tradition for future generations.
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Nearby Events
Gingerbread House Exhibit (Camarillo)
What to Expect:
Architectural gingerbread replicas of Oxnard landmarks
Description:
Oxnard's culinary artists and architects join forces to create an edible cityscape. This unique exhibit features intricate gingerbread replicas of Oxnard's most iconic landmarks. The air is filled with the warm aroma of ginger and spices as visitors explore miniature versions of Heritage Square, Oxnard Beach Park, and the Carnegie Art Museum. Participants can vote for their favorite creation, with proceeds benefiting local food banks. This sweet tradition began in 2010 as a way to showcase both Oxnard's architectural heritage and its thriving culinary scene.
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Holiday Street Fair (Ventura)
What to Expect:
Fusion of international holiday traditions in a street market setting
Description:
Oxnard's Holiday Street Fair transforms downtown into a global celebration of winter traditions. Vendors line the streets offering unique gifts and treats that represent holiday customs from around the world. Visitors can sample international seasonal delicacies or watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafting techniques. The fair highlights Oxnard's diverse population, with each booth sharing the story behind their cultural holiday traditions. Live performances showcase everything from Mexican folklórico dances to German holiday songs, creating a vibrant tapestry of global festivities.
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Festival of Trees (Ventura)
What to Expect:
Themed trees decorated by local artists and organizations
Description:
Oxnard's Festival of Trees elevates holiday decorating to an art form. Local artists and organizations compete to create the most innovative and visually stunning themed trees. Each evergreen tells a unique story, from underwater wonderlands to tributes to Oxnard's agricultural roots. Visitors can wander through this forest of creativity, admiring the intricate details and imaginative concepts. The festival, which began as a small fundraiser in 1995, now showcases over 100 trees annually. Silent auctions allow attendees to bid on their favorite trees, with proceeds supporting local charities.
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Camarillo Christmas Parade (Camarillo)
What to Expect:
Equestrian-themed holiday parade celebrating local ranching heritage
Description:
Camarillo's Christmas Parade gallops into the holiday season with a unique equestrian flair. This event celebrates the area's rich ranching heritage, featuring beautifully adorned horses alongside traditional floats. Spectators line the streets to watch as riders in festive attire guide their steeds through the historic downtown. The parade, which began in the 1960s, pays homage to Camarillo's past as a prominent horse-breeding region. You'll witness everything from miniature ponies to majestic draft horses, each adding their own charm to this distinctive holiday spectacle.
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Santa's Village (Santa Paula)
What to Expect:
Interactive North Pole experience with eco-friendly themes
Description:
Santa's Village in Oxnard reimagines the North Pole with a California twist. This interactive experience combines holiday cheer with environmental education. Visitors can explore Santa's solar-powered workshop, meet rescued reindeer, and learn about sustainable gift-giving practices. The village showcases how traditional holiday elements can be adapted for a greener future. Children can participate in eco-craft workshops, creating ornaments from recycled materials. This innovative approach to a Santa experience, launched in 2018, reflects Oxnard's commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining the joy of the season.
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Holiday at the Plaza (Thousand Oaks)
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebration showcasing Oxnard's diverse community
Description:
Holiday at the Plaza transforms Oxnard's city center into a vibrant tapestry of global traditions. This unique event celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Oxnard's residents, featuring holiday customs from around the world. Visitors can explore themed areas representing different cultures, each offering traditional foods, crafts, and performances. The plaza comes alive with the sounds of international holiday music and the colorful displays of cultural attire. This inclusive celebration, initiated in 2015, fosters cross-cultural understanding and highlights the rich diversity that makes Oxnard unique.
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Winter Wonderland Carnival (Ventura)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly winter carnival with upcycled decorations and attractions
Description:
Oxnard's Winter Wonderland Carnival reimagines the traditional holiday fair with an eco-conscious twist. This innovative event features attractions and decorations crafted entirely from upcycled materials. Visitors can enjoy rides powered by renewable energy, play games made from repurposed items, and admire art installations created from reclaimed objects. The carnival's commitment to sustainability extends to its food offerings, with local, organic treats served in compostable containers. Launched in 2020, this event reflects Oxnard's growing focus on environmental responsibility while providing a unique and enjoyable holiday experience.