48th Annual Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks on December 13-14, 2024

Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 48th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th, 2024, starting at 6:30 pm. This year's theme is “Candyland.”

The two-day fun filled event includes a carnival, seaside shopping and dining followed by the lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm. Parking and admission are free. Fireworks at 8pm! (weather permitting)

Carnival rides on the Harbor Village main lawn available starting at 4 pm. Faux snowfall and pop-up performers on the Harbor Village promenade at 5 pm.

Visit venturaharborvillage.com for more information.

www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/parade-of-lights-2024/2024-12-13

Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace at Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, December 21, 2024

Winter Wonderland and Holiday Marketplace planned at Ventura Harbor Village from noon to 4pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Festivities include faux snowfall, a variety of live musicians, holiday characters, Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, face painting, crafts and more. 

www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/winter-wonderland-and-holiday-marketplace-2024

Jingle Bell Jump at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks on Friday, November 29, 2024

Santa Claus will jump from the sky for a spectacular parachute landing at Janss Marketplace at noon on Friday, November 29, 2024.

Santa’s targeted landing location is in front of Sharky's, facing Moorpark Road. There is plenty of parking in the parking garage accessible from Hillcrest Drive or Brazil. The best viewing area is around the main fountain, near Buca di Beppo and Sharky's.

The free holiday celebration continues until 3 p.m. with face painters, magic show, kids’ crafts, story time with Mrs. Claus, live seasonal music, and photos with Santa.

https://janssmarketplace.com/events/jingle-bell-jump-2

Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

There are two great Thousand Oaks libraries; the Grant R. Brimhall Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks (805.449.2660) and the local Newbury Park Branch is at 2331 Borchard Road (805.498.2139).  These libraries provide year-round free events, activities and programs for all ages. Selected events from time to time will be covered here.

Visit the library website at www.toaks.org/library to learn more. 

The following is a list of programs happening at the Thousand Oaks Library during the month of November, with GRB denoting Grant R. Brimhall Library, and NPL denoting Newbury Park Library. All programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. For the latest information on Library events, please visit www.tolibrary.org/calendar.

Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the City:

Commemorative Ed Lawrence Library Cards

Special edition Ed Lawrence Photo Collection cards are now available which feature images showcasing unique moments from our community’s history. New Library card registrants can carry a piece of Conejo Valley’s history wherever they go! Get a library card today!

ALL AGES:

Diya Paper Craft

Wednesday, October 30 – Friday, November 1 • Both Libraries

Visit the library to color a paper diya!

Take & Make: Rangoli Inspired Sand Art Kit

Wednesday, October 30 – Friday, November 1 • Both Libraries

Pick up a craft kit that includes a self-adhesive cardboard circle and six bags of colorful sand. Not recommended for children under 3. While supplies last.

Diwali Painted Suncatchers

Friday, November 1 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • Newbury Park Library

Create painted suncatchers to celebrate the Festival of Lights! For grades K-5. While supplies last.

Dia de los Muertos Scavenger Hunt

Friday, November 1 – Saturday, November 2 • Newbury Park Library

Join us for a fun scavenger hunt! Find all the correct items to win a small prize—one prize per person, while supplies last. Prizes are geared toward grades K-5, but everyone is welcome to join in the fun!

Sugar Skull Mask Craft

Friday, November 1 – Saturday, November 2 • Both Libraries

Visit the library to color a paper sugar skull mask!

Día de los Muertos Celebration

Saturday, November 2 • 10:15 am – 4:00 pm • Newbury Park Library

Enjoy cultural activities, crafts, and more as we honor this rich tradition. Highlights include a storytime starting at 10:15 am for ages 3-5, a screening of a beloved movie, a virtual concert featuring Ozomatli and Flor de Toloache, and Mini Magnet Altars with Create Studio.

Mini Magnet Altars Craft

Saturday, November 2 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Create Studio will teach how to make mini magnet altars for Dia De Los Muertos. For teens & adults. Registration required.

Ronobir Lahiri Sitar Concert

Sunday, November 3 • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Experience an amazing Sitar Concert with Ronobir Lahiri! Trained in Indian Classical music in Calcutta, Ronobir has spent nearly 20 years mastering the sitar before blending it with contemporary electronic and popular music!

Gosh Yarn It

Friday, November 8 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Relax, crochet, and socialize at our crochet club! Beginners and experts alike are welcome to bring your own supplies and hang out with fellow crocheters as we sip tea and work on our projects. For ages 11+.

Strings in Harmony: A Concert with Keum Hwa Cha and Wesley Park

Thursday, November 14 • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

A night of classical music presented by violinist Keum Hwa Cha and guitarist Wesley Park.

Melodies in Duet: A Concert with Hui Wu and Micah Wright

Thursday, November 21 • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

A night of classical music presented by pianist Hui Wu and clarinetist Micah Wright.

Stay & Switch

Newbury Park Library

November is International Games Month! Join the fun by exploring our newest addition to the Library of Things. Stop by the Newbury Park Library Information Desk to check out a Nintendo Switch Lite, loaded with exciting digital games! You can borrow it with your library card and enjoy gaming while you’re in the library.

LevelUp Lounge 

Fridays • 10:00 am – 5:30 pm • GRB Teen Space

Access all ages gaming with the Library’s Xbox Game Pass! Hang out and relax with games like No Man’s Sky, Powerwash Simulator, Forza, Sea of Stars, and over 250 more options!

Book a Librarian

Grant R. Brimhall Library • 805-449-2660, option 4 • 30-minute appointments

Newbury Park Library • 805-498-2139, option 3 • 45-minute appointments

Free one-on-one technology help. Please contact the Information Desk to make an appointment.

KIDS:

Homework Help

Mondays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Tuesdays • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesdays & Thursdays • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Struggling with challenging school assignments? Our volunteers are here to help! For students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Runs September 2024 to May 2025; closed on CVUSD holidays and breaks. No Homework Help on November 11, 25, 26, 27, or 28.

Dog Days

Tuesdays • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Children’s Program Room

Thursday, November 7 • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Readers of all levels and abilities are invited to come and read to a certified therapy dog! Participants will sign up for a brief 10-minute session with a dog and their owner.

Reading Buddies

Tuesdays, November 5 & 12 • 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Wednesdays, November 6, 13, & 20 • 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm or 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm • GRB Community Room

A weekly program for students grades 1-4 to practice and gain confidence in their reading with the help of an interactive volunteer.

Mini Masters: Lotte Reiniger - Stop Motion Animation

Sunday, November 10 • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm • GRB Children's Program Room

Read the story Cut!: How Lotte Reiniger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized Animation, learn about how stop motion films are made, and create flip-book animation. Led by a Teen Volunteer. For grades 1-5. Registration required.

Music & Movement

Saturday, November 16 • 10:15 am – 10:45 am & 11:15 am – 11:45 am • GRB Community Room

Dance, clap, and sing along with Ms. Cheryl and her guitar during this fun, interactive program for ages 0-5 years. Registration required.

Writing Buddies

Thursday, November 21 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Students in grades 2-5 are invited to share their creativity by writing a short story. Registration required.

Pumpkin Paper Craft

Friday, November 22 – Sunday, December 1 • Both Libraries

Visit the craft table at either library to decorate a paper pumpkin craft! For grades K-5.

Fall Scavenger Hunt

Join the scavenger hunt at either Grant R. Brimhall Library or Newbury Park Library from November 22 to December 1. Find all the items to enter an opportunity drawing for a Forest Animals: Red Fox Lego set. Only one submission per person.

Lego Workshop: Motorized Amusement Park Ride

Monday, November 25 • 10:15 am – 11:15 am • GRB Community Room

Discover the science and history of amusement park rides, then design and build your own motorized attraction. For ages 6-10. Registration required.

Lego Workshop: Motorized Windmill

Tuesday, November 26 • 10:15 am – 11:15 am • NPL Meeting Room

Explore the science and history of windmills, then design and construct your own motorized version. For ages 6-10. Registration required.

Fall Storytimes & Playtime

Baby Storytime

Tuesday, November 12 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am • GRB Community Room

This is a lapsit storytime for babies 0-12 months. Walk-ins welcome!

Toddler Storytime

Wednesday, November 13 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am & 11:00 am – 11:20 am • GRB Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Registration required.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, November 14 • 10:15 am – 11:00 am • GRB Community Room

This is a preschool storytime & craft for ages 3-5 years. Walk-ins welcome!

Newbury Park Toddler Storytime

Thursday, November 14 • 10:15 am – 10:35 am • NPL Community Room

This is a toddler storytime for ages 12-36 months. Walk-ins welcome!

Enrichment Playtime

For babies (0-12 months): Tuesday, November 5 • 10:15 am – 10:50 am • GRB Community Room

For toddlers (12-36 months): Wednesday, November 6 • 10:15 am – 10:50 am • GRB Community Room

For preschoolers (3-5 years): Thursday, November 7 • 10:15 am – 10:50 am • GRB Community Room

For NPL toddlers (12-36 months): Thursday, November 7 • 10:15 am – 10:50 am • NPL Meeting Room

Join us for 30 minutes of unstructured playtime.

TWEENS AND TEENS:

The Short Story Contest – Fiero Code

October 1 – November 30

Join the Fiero Code challenge and craft a story using HTML, CSS, or JavaScript to build your own website! Compete with coders from around the globe for a chance to win a robot. Sign up for a free Fiero Code account through the Library and start your coding journey. Don’t forget to enter the competition under the Contest tab!

Coding Lab

Mondays, November 4 & 18, December 2 & 9 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Wednesdays, November 6 & 20, December 4 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Learn how to code by exploring your own interests at your own pace through Fiero Code. Register for sessions you can attend. Bring your own laptop and headphones. For grades 6-12. Led by Teen Volunteers. Registration required.

3D Pen Dreamcatchers

Tuesday, November 12 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Tech Training Room

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, create a dreamcatcher using a 3D pen. For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Reading Rocks Book Club

Tuesday, November 12 • GRB Children’s Program Room

Rocks (Grades 4-5): 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Boulders (Grades 6-8): 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Join us monthly to discuss books with strong female characters. This month’s books are Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse for the Rocks and Patina by Jason Reynolds for the Boulders. Registration required.

zTransformers First Tech Challenge Robotics Camp

Wednesday, November 13 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Learn about programming, robotics, and even create your own team with the FTC (First Tech Challenge) team zTransformers! For grades 7-12. Led by Teen Volunteers. Registration required.

College Apps and Test Prep Resources

Thursday, November 14 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • Online/Zoom

Learn about resources at the Library that can help with College Applications or Test Preparation for SAT, ACT or AP exams. Ask a Librarian your questions. For high school students, parents, or teachers. Registration required.

Creative Sparks

Monday, November 18 • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm • Online/Zoom

Middle schoolers are invited to join us for a creative writing adventure where they’ll get to create their own short story using imaginative ideas. Registration required.

Comics and Manga Club

Tuesday, November 19 • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Dive into any comic, manga, or graphic novel! Share your favorites, chat about epic storylines and awesome artwork, and make new friends every third Thursday of the month. This month’s suggested reading theme is “gamer books.” For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Books for Buttons and Boba

Come to the Library and pick-up a “Books for Buttons and Boba” form. Finish a book with more than 200 pages, get a button and enter for a chance for a Boba gift card. For grades 6-12 only.

Teen Volunteers Needed

Sign up to help with Homework Help, Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League, and other programs and activities at the Library. Go to www.tolibrary.org/teens, setup your CERVIS account, and apply to volunteer for various opportunities.

ADULTS:

Free Movie Matinées

Friday, November 1 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Mondays, November 4 & 18 • 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Catch free movie matinées at the Library! Explore our online schedule to see what's showing and join us for a fun film outing.

Paper Quilled Rangoli

Friday, November 1 • 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Explore the art of paper quilling to create colorful rangoli-inspired designs. Materials provided. While supplies last. Registration required.

Happily Ever After Book Club

Monday, November 4 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us as we chat about our favorite romance novels, where a Happily Ever After (HEA)—or a Happily For Now (HFN)—is always guaranteed. This month’s book is The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. Walk-ins welcome.

Conversations with Mom

Tuesdays, November 12 & 19 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • GRB Community Room

This free support group is for moms and their newborns to get together, express their joys and concerns, and meet other new moms in the community.

Computer Basics: Windows 11

Wednesday, November 6 • 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

This workshop is for those who are new to using a PC or want to build more confidence using the Windows 11 operating system. Registration required.

Many Voices Book Club

Wednesday, November 6 • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Join us in reading and discussing books in a wide variety of genres by authors from a wide variety of cultures. This month’s book is Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Walk-ins welcome.

Board Game Club

Tuesdays, November 12 & 26 • 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Adults are invited to join us monthly to play strategy board games like Forbidden Island, Dungeon Mayhem, and Wingspan. Walk-ins welcome.

Cybersecurity Basics

Wednesday, November 13 • 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm • GRB Tech Training Room

Be safe in the digital realm, protect yourself from scams and build confidence engaging online. Registration required.

Spanish at Your Library 

Advanced: Wednesday, November 13 • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Beginner: Monday, November 18 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Enhance your Spanish fluency through guided conversations led by facilitators.

Open Mic Poetry Nights

Wednesday, November 13 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Come listen to local poets and share your own work every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, in collaboration with The Ventura County Poetry Project. No Open Mic Poetry Night on November 27.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group 

Thursday, November 14 • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm • GRB Technology Training Room

Practice speaking English in an informal and friendly group setting. Open to all non-native English language speakers.

REDress* Display

Friday, November 15 – Sunday, November 17 • Grant R. Brimhall Library

The REDress Project, created by Jaime Black, features installations in public spaces across the USA and Canada. This artistic initiative aims to raise awareness of the increasing number of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Crafternoon

Friday, November 15 • 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm • NPL Meeting Room

Friday, November 22 • 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a different craft each month! Materials provided. Registration required.

Ed Lawrence Story Slam

Friday November 15 • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm • GRB Community Room

Join us for a Fall Story Slam celebrating Thousand Oaks Photographer Ed Lawrence’s 100th birthday! The top 8 submissions will be read at an after-hours event, where the audience will vote for their favorite story to win a $50 gift card.

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Speaker’s Panel

Sunday, November 17 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm • GRB Community Room

Join us for a panel discussion focusing on the critical issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women featuring Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Dr. Bridget Groat from the CSUCI Native Studies Department. This event is co-sponsored by the AAUW, California Humanities, and the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.

Genealogy Basics

Thursday, November 21 • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm • GRB Tech Training Room

Interested in genealogy but don’t know where to start? Get started using the library’s genealogy resources! 

20th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Simi Valley Town Center on Saturday, November 16, 2024

The Simi Valley Town Center is hosting its 20th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 4-9PM, featuring dance performances, the Moorpark Jazz Band, arrival of Santa Claus, “snow” fall and shows in the center court and more. Hosted by five-time Grammy nominee, Bridget Brady.

More info at simivalleytowncenter.com/event/20th-annual-simi-valley-town-center-tree-lighting-celebration

Kids' Swap and Sell at Rancho Simi Rec & Park Center in Simi Valley on November 30, 2024

The Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District is hosting Kids Swap N’ Sell on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 7:30 am to 11 am at Berylwood Teen Center, 1955 Bridget Avenue, Simi Valley. Youth vendors can sell their gently used toys, sports equipment and clothes or swap them with other vendors. www.rsrpd.org

2024 City of Oxnard Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Other Holiday Events

Many holiday season events are planned once again this holiday season in and around Downtown Oxnard. More details at www.downtownoxnard.org.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, December 5, 2024 5 to 9 p.m. at Plaza Park
Join this six-decade tradition and watch as Ventura County's tallest Christmas tree light up the sky. This year’s event will also include gourmet food trucks and a special holiday makers’ market. More info at 805-247-0197.

Oxnard Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10 a.m. to noon in Downtown Oxnard
Come enjoy colorful marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, spirited floats at the annual Oxnard Christmas Parade!  Parade route goes from A & 9th Streets to west on 5th, to north on C Street, and ending at 2nd Street.

18th Annual Holly Trolley Tours

Info coming soon.

Christmas Tree Lane Drive-Through

December 8th through 26th, 2024. Nightly displays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., F & G Streets between 5th & Palm. Drive through Ventura County’s largest holiday light display in the Henry T. Oxnard National Historic District. Residents provide all holiday decorations and lighting.

Simi Valley Police Department Touch A Truck Event on Saturday, November 30, 2024

The Simi Valley Police Department is hosting its annual Touch A Truck event on Saturday, November 20, 2024 from 9am to 2pm at the Simi Valley City Hall front parking lot, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road. In lieu of admission, please bring new, unwrapped toys to be donated to Spark of Love.

There will be trucks and equipment on display from the Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura County Fire, Public Works, and various other public and private organizations. Everyone, especially kids will be allowed access to these vehicles and adults will be able to interact with those persons that use the vehicles and equipment.

The purpose of this event is to raise funds to not only support the Holiday Toy Drive, but also to support unfunded programs, services and technology for the Simi Valley Police Department. These include support for the K9 program, "Save a Life" AED program, Police Explores, SWAT, Bicycle Patrol, Every 15 Minutes program, Crime Prevention, Parenting Project, and many other worthy programs.

Learn more at svpf.org/touch-a-truck.

2024 Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo on Saturday, October 26th

The 14th Annual Peace Pumpkin Fest at Peace Lutheran Church, 71 Loma Drive, Camarillo is planned for Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10am to 3pm.  Free admission.  Tickets can be purchased for attractions such as hay rides, face painting, carnival games, inflatables, petting zoo, hot dogs and more. www.peacecamarillo.com/pumpkin-fest.html

22nd Annual City of Westlake Village City Celebration Event on Saturday, October 19, 2024

The City of Westlake Village's 22nd Annual City Celebration will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 3pm to 8pm. Event will feature the White Oak Elementary Family Fun Fair, food trucks, craft beer, wine, family friendly activities, live performances, and more.

Purchase an unlimited ride bracelet for $40 or individual ride tickets for $5 each. One ride requires one ticket. Purchase your tickets at the event or visit the White Oak PFC website at whiteoakpfc.org/shop to purchase ahead of time. All proceeds benefit the White Oak PFC.

Free Family Friendly Activities (3 – 6 pm)

  • Face Painting and Balloon Animals with Daizy the Clown

  • Dance Party with Thousand Oaks DJ

  • Live Television Cameos with WLV Channel 10 News

  • Giant Jenga, Connect Four, Checkers and Bag Toss

  • Unlimited Photo Booth Access

  • Eco-friendly Arts and Crafts with CreAte Studios!

  • Other local businesses and non-profits

Fire & Sheriff Meet N’ Greet (3 - 6 pm)

Live Performances (3 - 8 pm)

Beer and Wine Garden (3 - 8 pm) Presented and sponsored by 14 Cannons Brewing!

Local Westlake Village brewing company Fourteen Cannons will be selling craft beer and wine on the back patio to adults 21 years old and up. Fourteen Cannons has generously donated all beer and wine for this event, and all sales will support the Westlake Village Community Foundation. Join us on the back patio of the Civic Center, and enjoy live music from local pianist Mark Anthony.

Free admission. Free open parking off of Park Terrace (look for the signs). Parking is free.

 The event takes place at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 Oak Crest Drive.

Additional information at www.wlv.org/citycelebration