Christmas and Other Holiday Season Events Around Ventura County

/
iStock_XmasBunny.jpg

Here is a compilation of local area Thanksgiving, Christmas and other winter holiday events in and around Ventura County for the 2024 holiday season…parades, Santa visits, carnivals, nativity displays, entertainment and more!

This list will be updated regularly as we move our way through the winter holiday season! Submit additions here.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

11/21-11/23: Festival of the Trees, Ventura County in Simi Valley

Thu 11/28: Five07 Turkey Day Dash 5K and Zack Zernik Mile in Thousand Oaks

Thu 11/28: Ventura Turkey Trot 5K

Thu 11/28: Thanksgiving Day 5K in Simi Valley

Thu 11/28: Free Breakfast Buns at California Bun in Moorpark (7:30-11:30AM)

Fri 11/29: Jingle Bell Jump (Santa Arrives Via Parachute) at Janss Marketplace (Noon)

11/29-12/1: Dudley House Holiday Boutique in Ventura (11AM-5PM)

Sat 11/30: 73rd Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade (6:30PM)

Sun 12/1: Holiday Market, Santa Claus at Santa Paula Aviation Museum (10:30AM-12:30PM

Sun 12/1: Holiday Open House at Strathearn Historical Park Simi Valley (11AM-3PM)

Sun 12/1: City of Fillmore Annual Tree Lighting and Night Market (5-8PM)

12/3-12/4: Christmas at the Ranch at the Camarillo Ranch House (5-8PM)

Thu 12/5: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lighting and Makers’ Market (5-9PM)

12/6-12/7: Village Voices Choral “Spirit of the Season” Concerts

Fri 12/6: City of Agoura Hills Holidays on the Hill (4-8PM)

Fri 12/6: Camarillo Old Town Glow and Holiday Village (5-9PM)

12/6-12/8: Holiday Art Market at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo

12/6: Holidays at the Inn at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park (6:30-8:30PM)

Fri 12/6: Holiday Tree Lighting Event in Downtown Ventura (5-8PM)

Sat 12/7: Breakfast with Santa at the Simi Valley Family YMCA (8:30-11:30AM Must RSVP)

Sat 12/7: Breakfast with Santa at Janss Marketplace (9-11AM $32.27/person RSVP)

Sat 12/7: City of Agoura Hills Holidays on the Hill (10AM-3PM)

Sat 12/7: Santa Paws Portraits With Santa at Camarillo Animal Shelter (10AM-Noon)

Sat 12/7: Winter Wonderland with Santa at The Learning Experience NP (9:30AM-12:30PM)

Sat 12/7: Camarillo YMCA Run for Holiday Fun 5K/10K

Sat 12/7: Oxnard Christmas Parade (10AM)

Sat 12/7: Holidays in the Village in Thousand Oaks (11AM-8PM)

Sat 12/7: Winter Walk at Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills (11AM-6PM)

Sat 12/7: Humane Society Happy Pawlidays Market in Oxnard (11AM-2PM)

Sat 12/7: Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair (12-8PM)

Sat 12/7: Christmas Caroling at the Gardens of the World (12:15-2:30PM)

Sat 12/7: Holiday Roundup at the Leonis Adobe in Calabasas (1-4PM)

12/7: Holidays at the Inn at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park (1-4, 6:30-8:30PM)

Sat 12/7: Holiday Kick-Off Event at the Camarillo Premium Outlets (1-4PM)

Sat 12/7: Holiday on High Street in Moorpark

Sun 12/8: Santa to the Sea Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5K in Oxnard

Sun 12/8: Holiday Sing-A-Long at The Shoppes at Westlake Village (3-8PM)

12/6-12/8: Simi Community Christmas Creche Exhibit and Music

12/6-12/8: Christmas Concerts at Cal Lutheran Thousand Oaks (RSVP)

12/7-12/8: Dudley House Holiday Boutique in Ventura (11AM-5PM)

Sun 12/8: Camarillo Community Band Christmas Concert (4PM)

12/6: Holidays at the Inn at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park (6:30-8:30PM)

12/13-12/15: Night in Bethlehem Event in Thousand Oaks (5:45-8PM)

12/13-12/14: 47th Annual Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights (6:30-8:30PM)

Sat 12/14: Camarillo Christmas Parade (10AM)

Sat 12/14: Santa’s Village at Camarillo Community Center (9AM-2PM)

Sat 12/14: 57th Annual Parade of Lights at Channel Islands Harbor (7PM)

12/14-12/15: Dudley House Holiday Boutique in Ventura (11AM-5PM)

Sun 12/15: Holiday Dinner and Tour at the Reagan Library (5:30-8:30PM RSVP)

Sun 12/15: Holly Jolly Half Marathon, 5K and 10K in Camarillo

Thu 12/19: Holiday Lunch and Tour at the Reagan Library (12:30PM RSVP)

Sat 12/21: Winter Wonderland and Holiday Marketplace at Ventura Harbor Village (12-4PM)

Sat 12/21: Jingle Bell Jog 5K/10K Run/Walk in Dos Vientos (Newbury Park)

Wed 12/25: Community Holiday Dinner at Temple Adat Elohim Thousand Oaks (11:30-1:30)

Thu 12/26: Chanukah Family Festival at Janss Marketplace (5-7PM)

Sun 12/29: Menorah Lighting Celebration at the Reagan Library (3:30-5PM)

Residential and Other Light Displays

Here are some local area displays that we found to be of particular note - entertaining, beautiful and bright. Keep in mind that residential displays usually don’t have set hours and are often impacted by the elements (e.g. rain and wind). List will be updated as we confirm displays are in place. CONTACT US FOR ADDITIONS

CONEJO VALLEY DISPLAYS

Entertaining residential display at 2768 Baywater Place in Thousand Oaks is simulcast to music on 87.9 FM. Learn more and vote for your favorite songs at www.baywaterlights.com. Bring canned goods to drop off if you can for the Manna Food Bank. And check out Chuck’s laser engraving offerings at www.BuiltByCharles.com

NEARBY CITY DISPLAYS

12/8-12/26: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane along F & G Streets between 5th and Palm in the Downtown Oxnard Historic District is a perennially great display you need to experience. Nightly 6PM-10PM.

4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Other Events Around Ventura County

/
iStock_USFlag.jpg

America's 248th birthday is Thursday, July 4, 2024! Here is a compilation of local holiday events and activities in celebration of Independence Day.

Fireworks Display Summary for 2024:

  • Wednesday 7/3: Moorpark, Fillmore

  • Thursday 7/4: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Ojai, Camarillo, Ventura, Channel Islands Harbor, Santa Paula (NEW: Drone Show), Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills

  • Sunday 7/7: Agoura Hills (Drone Show)

4th of July celebration parades to take place in Westlake Village, Ventura, Ojai, Channel Islands Harbor and Carpinteria (July 6).

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Best viewing will be at Janss Marketplace and The Oaks Mall parking lots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Patriotic music simulcast by KHAY 100.7.

Other CRPD 4th of July events around town include a $5 family Pancake Breakfast and Home Run Derby in the morning at Borchard Park in Newbury Park, Concert in the Park at 5pm at Conejo Community Park and free swimming from noon to 4pm at CLU and NPHS pools.

Pancake Breakfast from 8am to noon at the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge, 158 N. Conejo School Road. Pancakes, bacon or sausage links, coffee and juice for $7. Veterans eat free.

Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks once again will be hosting a free viewing of the fireworks along with live music and family activities starting at 5pm on the 4th. Wristbands required to gain access to entertainment and activities on the rooftop of the parking garage starting at 5pm. (NEW: Three additional paid ticket options for early access, etc.)

Independence Day Festivities at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park will take place on Wednesday, July 3rd from 1-4PM.

Great view of the T.O. fireworks show from the Fatburger parking lot. CLICK HERE for more information.

Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks at 200 West Bethany Court once again opens its incredible views to the public with a 4th of July Fireworks Viewing from its parking lot. Starts at 6pm and fills up quickly - they have free children’s activities, inflatables and more. Refreshments available for purchase. www.bethanyto.org

Westlake Village

The Westlake Village 4th of July Parade and Party in the Park starts at 9:30am at the corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura Roads, culminating at Berniece Bennett Park.

The City of Westlake Village presents its 8th Annual Fireworks Spectacular Show from the Westlake Village Golf Course, with additional viewing locations available. Activities begin at 6pm, including family-friendly activities, music and food trucks. The show will start at 9:10pm.

Moorpark (3rd of July)

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road once again. A fun family event with festivities (games, food, entertainment) starting at 4pm. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the gate. Onsite parking $5 (advance purchase only.)

Simi Valley

The Reagan Presidential Library 4th of July Celebration is back this year from 10am to 3pm on July 4th, featuring patriotic music, family entertainment, games, crafts and more.

The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration on July 4th at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue. Gates open at 3pm. There will be music, food and craft vendors, beer and wine, shopping and a free kids’ fun zone. And of course, fireworks! Event is free of charge but VIP passes are available.

Calabasas

The City of Calabasas will not be hosting fireworks on July 4, 2024 due to construction at Calabasas High School. However, they will still be offering the Lakeside Fun Run 4 and 2 mile runs in the morning and Summer Splash Party at the Tennis & Swim Center from noon to 5pm.

Camarillo

The City of Camarillo is hosting a July 4rth Fireworks Show at the Camarillo Premium Outlets again this year at 9pm. Park and enjoy the fireworks. Last entry is 8:45 pm.

Oxnard/Channel Islands Harbor

The Channel Islands Harbor 4th of July Family Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends at Cabezone Circle, home to Marine Emporium Landing. Then from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. there will be farmers’ market vendors and other activities at Harbor View Park.

Central Coast Electric Boats and Channel Islands Yacht Club present their Annual 4th of July Electric Boat Parade around the east and west channels of Channel Islands Harbor on July 4th at p.m. More than 75 patriotic-themed electric boats will be participating.

The Channel Islands Harbor will be offering activities and entertainment all day, followed by Fireworks by the Sea at 9pm on the 4th of July.

Ventura

The City of Ventura 4th of July Street Festival and Annual Pushem-Pullem Parade are back this year, with the parade starting at 10am, street fest on Main Street and side streets with artisans, food booths, vendor displays and live music.

Ventura Rotary hosts its Annual Fireworks Show and Family Picnic this year on July 4th at the Ventura College Athletic Fields starting at 5pm, featuring a family picnic, live music, kids' fun zone, followed by fireworks show at 9pm. Tickets $10 for ages 13+ and $5 for ages 4-12.

Ojai

The annual Ojai Independence Day Parade will take place at 10am on Thursday, July 4th.

Live music and fireworks show will take place on July 4th at Nordhoff High School Stadium, starting at 6 pm (gates open at 5:30pm). Fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm. Presale tickets for the nighttime event are available at www.4thofjulyinojai.com. $10 adults, $5 for kids, $25 family of 4 pass. (pre-sale)

Free concert on Wednesday, July 3rd at Libbey Bowl at 6:30pm featuring the Ojai Band.

Pancake breakfast at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 East Ojai Ave from 7am to 10am on July 4th hosted by the Ojai Lions Club. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids.

Fillmore

The 38th Annual Sespe Creek Car Show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th on Central Avenue in Downtown Fillmore.

The City of Fillmore is hosting its annual fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3rd at 9pm at the Fillmore Middle School athletic field, 532 A Street. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the show from their homes and city parks.

Santa Paula

The City of Santa Paula and Rotary Club of Santa Paula are hosting a 4th of July DRONE Show on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Blvd, starting at 9 p.m. Spectators are welcome to enter the fields at 5 p.m.

Agoura Hills

There will be a fun Drone Show after the free concert at Chumash Park on Sunday, July 7th (featuring Fantastic Diamond).

Woodland Hills

Valley Cultural Foundation presents a July 4th Extravaganza at 6pm, featuring live music, then fireworks at 9pm.

Carpinteria

The 27th Annual Rods and Roses Classic Car Show will take place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, July 6th in Downtown Carpinteria, followed by an Independence Parade at 3:30pm.

Santa Barbara

The City of Santa Barbara is planning fireworks at West Beach at 9 p.m. this year and there will be other festivities during the day.

Malibu

The City of Malibu does not host a public fireworks display but the LA County Fire Dept approves permits for private fireworks displays off of barges in the ocean.

List of Los Angeles County public fireworks shows at THIS LINK.

List of City of Los Angeles public fireworks shows at THIS LINK.

Some Great Residential Holiday Light Displays Around Ventura County

/

One of our favorite winter holiday activities is driving around and looking at the light displays around town. There are colorful lights all over the place but these four really stand out! If you are aware of other neat residential Christmas light displays around Ventura County, please let us know!

The holiday light display by the Higgins family at 1566 El Dorado Drive in Thousand Oaks is a 20 minute display synchronized with music and over 150,000 lights. We're talking Disneyland in the Conejo Valley here. Spectacular!

The Fuchs residence on Via Patricia (near Via Ricardo intersection) in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park is back again this year wiith another 50,000+ light display synchronized with music. Outstanding!

A great destination each year is the neighborhood in the vicinity of Gemini Street and Waverly Avenue south of Dunnigan Street in Camarillo each year. Numerous homes are lit up and decorated with cartoon characters, trains, Santas, snowmen, and plenty of lights and othe

Read More

Los Robles Master Chorale Performs Six Concerts of Serious Works a Year

/

By Nancy Needham

Singers from areas that include Ventura County, Santa Clarita and Pasadena come together in Oak Park once a week for three hours to rehearse serious choral works.

The Los Robles Master Chorale, a 100-voice community choral ensemble, has performed in Ventura County for over 34 years. Membership has more than doubled since it began on the campus of Moorpark College in 1978.

"Those who come to listen will hear excellence in music. They will always come again," Master Chorale Executive Director Lenard Geres said.

The singers are all talented volunteers. Many are trained professionals. Their artistic director Lesley Leighton is on a mission to preserve Southern California's rich choral music tradition. She's a long-standing Los Angeles Master Chorale member and principal artist who has traveled the world performing.

The Master Chorale performs at local churches four times a year with two performances at Christmas time. The Consort Singers, a 26 member group taken from the Master Chorale, perform twice a year--in the fall and spring. The Master Chorale has yearly auditions in June.

For more information, visit www.losroblesmasterchorale.org.