“Heroes on Holiday” will be the theme of this year’s 53^rd Annual Parade of Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor, scheduled for Saturday, December 8^th.

The boat parade brings thousands of residents and visitors to the waterfront each year. The procession of more than 40 decorated boats has become one of the most iconic holiday events in Ventura County.

“With so many heroes to choose from, we know our local boating community will step up and have some amazing entries,” said Mark Sandoval, Ventura County Harbor Department Director.

While the Parade of Lights is an evening event, there will be holiday activities to explore at the Harbor all day.

Festivities at the Harbor begin at noon near Marine Emporium Landing. Families are welcome to enjoy a variety of food options, a holiday artists’ market, live music, and children’s activities. More than 36 tons of snow will be moved in for families to play in. Santa Claus will be available to take pictures, free of charge.

At 6 p.m., join Santa Claus and holiday carolers at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and witness the first ever “Lighting the Mast at the Maritime Museum.”

At 7 p.m., the Parade of Lights begins in front of Peninsula Park and heads to the Main Channel, turns at Hobie Beach, loops in front of the launch ramp then heads back to Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club and repeats the route for a second run.

The parade can be viewed from parks and walkways that line the route as well as from most Harbor restaurants. Boat charters are available for those who want to watch the parade from the water.