Ventura, CA – The Ventura Harbor presents the 37th Annual Ventura Harbor Boat Parade of Lights and Fireworks, Friday & Saturday, December 20 & 21, at 7 pm and Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 21 from 1- 5 pm. Decorated boats and holiday décor throughout the Harbor kick off this year’s “Seaside Tinsel Town” theme in celebration of the Harbor being open to the public for 50 years!!

The two-day celebration features a Parade of Lights Carnival on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn, visits by Santa & Mrs. Claus for last minutes gift requests at the Carousel Stage and delicious waterfront dining. Saturday evening, December 21, 7 pm, watch for Santa and his sleigh fly across the sky above the Harbor, kicking off the boat parade, courtesy of Aspen Helicopters. A fireworks display lights up the night following the Parade of Lights each evening.

Arrive mid-day on Saturday for Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 21 from 1- 5 PM. Free visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer (bring own camera for photos), Victorian Carolers, Toy Soldier Band, faux snowfall, craft stations by Gull Wings Children’s Museum & Macaroni Kid Camarillo, holiday characters, and boutique shopping make Winter Wonderland a fun traditional holiday experience for all ages! Savor seaside at this free event and explore the sixteen seaside boutiques for holiday finds. Harbor restaurants are overflowing with good cheer for lunch and dinner.

At the Parade of Lights stop by the Ventura Harbor Village booth near Coastal Cone Ice Cream to get a pair of 3D glasses to watch the fireworks display. Get up close to the boat parade with public cruises offered by Island Packers (Reservations: 805-642-1393) and Ventura Boat Rentals (Reservations: 805-642-7753) to view the lights from the water (available Friday, December 20 only).

Admission to the Parade of Lights on Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21 along with Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace on December 21 is free. Parking is free in Ventura Harbor Village, along Spinnaker Drive, and in the Ventura Harbor beach lots. Arrive early for best parking and shopping throughout the Harbor Village. Dinner reservations are recommended or arrive early to dine in venues throughout Ventura Harbor.

The 2013 Parade of Lights sponsors include Ventura Port District, Four Points by Sheraton Resort and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Ventura West Marina, Ventura Harbor Marina & Yacht Yard, Vessel Assist- Channel Watch Marine, Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, Ventura Packers, Ventura Harbor Marine Fuel, Brophy Brothers Restaurant and Clam Bar, Island Packers, Ventura Boat Rentals, Ventura Yacht Club, Ventura Marina Community, The Greek at the Harbor, Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Cumulus Broadcasting, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Ventura County Star, VC Reporter, Ventura Breeze, Aspen Helicopter, and RP Barricade.

Boater Applications are available by calling (805) 477-0470 or online at VenturaHarbor.com and VenturaHarborVillage.com. No charge to enter a decorated watercraft and includes an 8 x10 keepsake photo, awards, prizes, and Boaters Brunch at The Greek at the Harbor Restaurant!

Returning this year is the prestigious People’s Choice Award, voting takes place on Ventura Harbor’s Facebook page. View parade entries on the “2013 People’s Choice Award” album, posted December 21st, and vote.

Visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com/Parade or call (805) 477-0470 for more information or get updates on Ventura Harbor Facebook and Twitter. Watch past Parade of Lights videos on YouTube Ventura Harbor Village Parade of Lights 2012.