Ventura, CA – Best known for its cozy, beachside atmosphere, Ventura bursts with activity during the holiday season, inviting visitors and locals alike to enjoy a full calendar of special events, musical performances and holiday happenings. The following are a number of activities scheduled in Ventura for this holiday season:

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

On the evening of Saturday, December 3rd, gather around to celebrate the lighting of a towering pine tree planted in the late 19th century at the Mission in Downtown Ventura. Along with caroling by local church groups, it’s rumored that Santa Claus will ride into Downtown Ventura on a fire engine to greet the children. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 805.641.1090 or visit www.downtownventura.com.

Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Street Fair
On Saturday, December 3rd, the day’s festivities kick off with a Street Fair on Main Street featuring holiday vendors and live entertainment. As the sun begins to set, wine enthusiasts are invited to explore Downtown Ventura one sip at a time. Participants in the self-guided tour can sample fine wines and delicious appetizers. Times and ticket information to be announced. More information and tickets will be available at www.venturawinterwinewalk.com or by calling (805) 765-4294.

Small Images and Ornament Competition at the Harbor Gallery

For the art-lovers on your holiday gift list, visit the Harbor Gallery, which is selling mini versions of their prints. At 14 inches or smaller, these pieces are affordable and make the perfect gift. They are available at the Harbor Village Gallery from November 16th, 2011 to January 1st, 2012 and at the Buenaventura Gallery from November 8th, 2011 to January 7th, 2012. Plus, the Harbor Gallery’s Artisan Store will feature gifts and packaging made just for the holidays. See www.HarborVillageGallery.com or call (805) 644-2750 for more information.

Holiday Parade of Lights, Ventura Harbor

This two-day celebration set for Friday, December 16th and Saturday, December 17th, marks the 35th anniversary of this fun filled occasion. During Saturday evening’s lighted boat parade, themed “California Dreamin,’” guests can expect to see boats decorated to the tune of the Golden State’s iconic attractions and personalities, beach and surf culture, history and symbols. The parade commences at 7 p.m. and is followed by a fireworks display. There will be a family carnival where little ones can ride the antique carousel and visit Santa. The event is free to the public and free parking is provided. For more information, call (805) 477-0470 or visit www.venturaharborvillage.com.

Ventura Harbor’s Winter Wonderland & Carnival

Rediscover the joy of holiday shopping while wondering through a festive seaside village at the popular Ventura Harbor’s Winter Wonderland & Carnival held Saturday, December 17th from Noon to 5 p.m. Highlights include faux snowfall every 15 minutes, a full carnival with rides and games, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, two live reindeer, fudge tastings, Dickenson carolers, a strolling toy soldier band, ice sculpting demonstrations and much more. Admission is free. For more information, call (805) 477-0470 or visit www.venturaharborvillage.com.

Chanukah Festival at the Harbor

The Chabad Jewish Centers of Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo will hold their annual Chanukah Festival on December 25th, from 3-5 pm, at the Ventura Harbor. Enjoy live music, hot Latkes and a Judaica boutique. To top off the celebration, behold a lighting ceremony of a giant 20 foot Menorah. Made possible by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Ventura County, the festival is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, call (805) 382–4770 or visit www.chabadventura.com.

California-Style Sleigh Rides
Hop on board the good ship Dreamer for a holiday sleigh ride – California style! Sail the waters of the Ventura Keys and Ventura harbor from December 4th to December 31st and enjoy the sparkling Christmas lights adorning shoreline homes and casting picturesque reflections in the nighttime waters. Cruise every night from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Each cruise offers a full bar, sodas and seasonal concoctions, such as “reindeer milk” (an adult beverage with a secret recipe) and hot chocolate. Cruises cost $20 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 years old. Call (805) 642-7753 or visit www.venturaboatrentals.com for more information.

Victorian Holiday Boutique at the Dudley House

Celebrate the spirit of holidays past at the historic Dudley House. The boutique features quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles, homemade candies, and a tearoom with silent auction, refreshments, bargain items and a kids’ craft table. The event will be held the weekends of November 26-27, December 3-5, and December 10-12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Dudley House is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Street. See www.dudleyhouse.org for more information.

Holiday Caroling Cruise and Parade of Lights Cruise
Ride and sing with ISLAND PACKERS aboard the 64’ catamaran “Island Adventure” which departs from 1691 Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Tours depart at 6:30 p.m. and return about 7:30 p.m. on the nights of December 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22. Enjoy the harbor lights and the decorated boats in the marinas and Harbor Village while singing holiday songs with the crew and passengers. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $9 for children. Hot and cold beverages and snacks are available for purchase. In addition, Island Packers is also offering a special cruise for the annual Ventura Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 17, so visitors who don’t have to have their own boat can to be part of the parade. Departure is at 6:30 p.m., followed by two laps around the harbor, and returning at 8:45 p.m. Fare is $32 for adults, $29 for seniors and $22 for children. For reservations, call Island Packers at (805) 642-1393 or visit www.islandpackers.com.

Olivas Adobe Candlelight Tours
On Sunday, December 11th, discover how the holidays were celebrated on Rancho San Miguel in Old California. Costumed guides lead small group tours into the Adobe courtyard to observe vignettes of how the Olivas family prepared for its holiday celebration in the 1860s. Enjoy costumed historical skits, live entertainment and refreshments. Tours take place every hour from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Call 805-658-4726 for reservations.

Dinner with Santa Trains

Gather the family for a dinner hosted by Santa Claus! On Friday, December 9th and 16th, the Fillmore & Western Railroad Co. will be inviting young and old to this memorable holiday occasion. On the train, have your “wish lists” ready to discuss with Santa as well as an opportunity for a picture with him. Costs, which include the train ride and dinner, run $47 for adults and $26 for children 2-12. Children under the age of 2 are free, but required to sit on the lap and no meal is included. Trains depart at 5:30 p.m. This event is by reservation only and can be made by calling (800) 773-8724 or visiting www.fwry.com.

Christmas Tree Holiday Train and The North Pole Express

Every Saturday and Sunday from November 26th to December 11th, visitors and locals alike are invited to hop onboard Fillmore & Western’s Christmas Tree Train and chug through Ventura County’s picturesque Heritage Valley on the way to select and cut down their own Christmas tree. Trains depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the rides cost $24 for adults, $22 for seniors 60+, $14 for kids 4-12, $10 for kids 2-3 and kids under 2 are free on lap.

Children will delight in storytellers dressed as elves and the chocolate milk and cookies, while the North Pole Express journeys to the “North Pole” to “pick up Santa.” The North Pole Express runs from November 26th to December 26th. Call reservations or check the website for departure and return times. Tickets cost $29 for adults, $19 for kids 2-12 and kids under 2 are free on lap. Call (800) 773-8724 or visit www.fwry.com for reservations or more information.

For information on Ventura accommodations and attractions, visit www.ventura-usa.com or phone (800) 483-6214. The Ventura Visitors Center, located at 101 S. California Street in downtown Ventura, is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A non-profit organization, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau enhances tourism and the economy by positioning the City of Ventura as a visitor and conference destination.