Thousand Oaks, CA, welcomes the holiday season with an array of festive activities that are sure to delight both locals and visitors. The city bursts into life with dazzling events like the Christmas Parade, where elaborate floats and marching bands create a spectacular visual and auditory experience. The festivities continue with the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the Civic Arts Plaza, featuring interactive light displays synchronized to holiday music.
For those seeking a more intimate celebration, stroll through Christmas Tree Lane, a charming street where neighbors come together to create a unified holiday story through their decorations. This magical blend of community spirit, creativity, and small-town charm ensures a truly memorable holiday experience in Thousand Oaks.
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The Top Christmas Events in Thousand Oaks
See these and even more events listed below!Thousand Oaks Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Interactive light display synchronized to music
Description:
The Civic Arts Plaza becomes a canvas of color as thousands of LED lights illuminate the night sky. This cutting-edge display synchronizes with holiday melodies, creating a mesmerizing audio-visual experience. Visitors can control certain light elements via a smartphone app, adding an interactive dimension to the event. The ceremony pays homage to Thousand Oaks' history as a planned community, blending modern technology with small-town charm. Explore the plaza to discover hidden light installations inspired by local landmarks.
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Thousand Oaks Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-wide participation with elaborate floats
Description:
Thousand Oaks transforms its main thoroughfare into a dazzling spectacle of lights and music. The parade features elaborate floats crafted by local businesses and organizations, showcasing the community's creativity and spirit. Spectators can marvel at the intricate designs while enjoying the sounds of marching bands. This tradition dates back to 1965, marking the city's incorporation. You'll spot unique Conejo Valley-themed floats, celebrating the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
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Santa's Cottage
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience with local history
Description:
Santa's Cottage in Thousand Oaks offers more than just a photo opportunity. This immersive experience weaves local history into classic holiday tales. Children can explore a replica of a 1920s Conejo Valley farmhouse, decorated for the holidays. Listen to stories that blend Santa Claus lore with anecdotes about the area's early settlers. The cottage showcases vintage toys and decorations, providing a glimpse into past holiday celebrations. Visitors can help Santa "sort mail" while learning about the city's postal history.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Tree Lane (Altadena)
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide themed decorations
Description:
A charming residential street transforms into a winter spectacle as neighbors collaborate on a unified decorating theme. Each home contributes to telling a part of a larger holiday story, creating a cohesive experience for visitors. Stroll down the lane to spot intricate details and clever interpretations of the year's chosen theme. This tradition began in the 1990s as a friendly neighborhood competition and has since evolved into a beloved community event. The scent of hot cocoa wafts through the air as local vendors offer seasonal treats.
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Holidays in the Village (Calabasas)
What to Expect:
Fusion of modern and old-world holiday traditions
Description:
The Janss Marketplace comes alive with a blend of contemporary and traditional holiday celebrations. This event showcases diverse cultural practices, offering visitors a global perspective on winter festivities. Participate in hands-on workshops to learn international holiday crafts. The marketplace, built on the site of the historic Janss family ranch, infuses its rich history into the celebrations. Visitors can savor unique fusion cuisine that combines classic holiday flavors with international twists.
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Reindeer Run 5K (Simi Valley)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly race with plant-based "reindeer" snacks
Description:
Runners dash through Thousand Oaks' scenic trails in this environmentally conscious 5K event. Participants receive plant-based "reindeer" snacks at checkpoints, promoting healthy and sustainable holiday treats. The race route highlights the area's natural beauty, winding through protected oak groves. This event honors Thousand Oaks' commitment to preserving open spaces, which dates back to the city's founding. Runners can opt to wear biodegradable antlers, adding a festive touch to their athletic gear.
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Christmas Boutique (Westlake Village)
What to Expect:
Exclusively handcrafted, locally-made holiday items
Description:
Local artisans showcase their talents at this curated holiday market, offering unique, handcrafted gifts. Every item tells a story of Thousand Oaks' creative community, from hand-blown glass ornaments to artisanal food products. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques. The boutique is held in a restored barn, paying tribute to the area's agricultural roots. Browse through stalls featuring items inspired by the local landscape, including the Santa Monica Mountains and native oak trees.
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Snow N Glow Holiday Festival (Ventura)
What to Expect:
Combination of real snow play areas and light sculptures
Description:
This festival brings together the unlikely duo of snow and light in sunny Southern California. Visitors can frolic in real snow play areas while surrounded by towering light sculptures. Try your hand at building a sandcastle-inspired snow sculpture, a nod to the region's beach culture. The event takes place at Conejo Creek North Park, showcasing the city's commitment to public green spaces. Glide down snow tubing lanes while taking in the warm glow of artistic light installations.
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Winter Solstice Festival (Ojai)
What to Expect:
Blend of astronomical education and cultural celebrations
Description:
This unique festival celebrates the winter solstice through a blend of scientific exploration and multicultural traditions. Visitors can peer through telescopes to observe celestial bodies while learning about various cultures' solstice practices. Participate in a community art project creating a massive sun dial. The event takes place at the Chumash Interpretive Center, honoring the area's indigenous history and their connection to celestial events. Experience a silent disco under the stars, dancing to music inspired by cosmic themes.
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Christmas Cookie Decorating (Simi Valley)
What to Expect:
Cookies inspired by local flora and fauna
Description:
This hands-on workshop elevates cookie decorating to an art form, with designs inspired by Thousand Oaks' natural environment. Participants learn techniques to create edible masterpieces featuring native oak leaves, mountain lions, and other local wildlife. The event uses locally-sourced, organic ingredients, reflecting the community's focus on sustainability. Decorate in a historic farmhouse kitchen, connecting modern creativity with the area's agricultural past. Take home a set of cookie cutters shaped like Thousand Oaks landmarks.
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Nutcracker Ballet (Oxnard)
What to Expect:
Adaptation set in 1920s Conejo Valley
Description:
This unique rendition of the classic Nutcracker ballet transports the story to 1920s Conejo Valley. The production incorporates local historical elements, with sets inspired by early Thousand Oaks architecture. Dancers perform to a score that blends Tchaikovsky's original music with period jazz influences. The Mouse King is reimagined as a coyote, paying homage to the area's wildlife. Witness a dance sequence that portrays the transformation of Conejo Valley from rural farmland to a thriving community.