(VENTURA, CA) – December, 2025 – Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends aboard Island Packers, (the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands) as part of company’s seasonal offerings, including a holiday caroling cruises, Ventura Harbor 49th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks Cruise with select weekly departures from Ventura Harbor, and winter whale watching www.islandpackers.com Seasonal options include:
One-hour Holiday Caroling Cruise in Ventura Harbor on selected dates between December 5 – December 23, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Enjoy a cruise through the harbor to view holiday lights in the main channels of the marinas. Listen or sing to seasonal music. Dates are December 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. The fare is $24 per adult, $ 22 per senior (55+), and $18 per child.
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Cruise and Fireworks: Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13. Cruises depart from 6:15 & 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. The boat will cruise the harbor to view holiday lights in the main channels of the marinas and then stage to watch the parade, which ends with a fireworks display (weather permitting). The fare is $46 for adults, $42 for seniors and $33 for children under 12. Group rates are available.
Winter Whale Watching starts December 26 and runs through mid-April: This is an annual event to see the Gray Whales with boats departing from Oxnard and Ventura Harbors. The fare is $49 per adult, $ 45 per senior (55+), and $ 36 per child.
Gift Certificates Available: Find the perfect gift for family or friends. Certificates for a Holiday Cruises, Whale Watch, Hike for the Day, Camp or Kayak, to the Channel Islands National Park. To purchase call or visit our Ventura office.
Of special note: Why not make it a full day of holiday festivities on Saturday, December 20 by attending the popular family-friendly Santa Paddle from 11 a.m. – Noon, the Ventura Harbor Village Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace from Noon – 4 p.m., dinner at a waterside restaurant, and then capping it off with a one-hour Holiday Caroling Cruise with Island Packers from 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
So much to SEA! Plan to dine before or after the Holiday Caroling Cruises or the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks Cruise at the Ventura Harbor and Ventura Harbor Village seaside restaurants and eateries just steps away from the cruises, offering a variety of cuisines such as French, traditional Mexican, fresh seafood and handcrafted tacos, wood -fired pizzas, local wine tasting, authentic Greek, Taiwanese boba, creative ice cream creations, and Americana offerings. Many Ventura Harbor Village restaurants are decorated for the holiday season and offer a festive location for family and work holiday gatherings before or after the caroling cruises aboard Island Packers. Take in the SEAson’s Greetings coastal holiday décor and swing in before 6:00 p.m. nightly to support small businesses for holiday gifts and attire. For seasonal events and holiday happenings, visit venturaharborvillage.com/events.
For information regarding Island Packers reservations or to purchase an Island Packers gift certificates, Visit www.islandpackers.com, call 805-642-1393, or visit Island Packers at 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 105B, in Ventura Harbor Village for great stocking stuffers!
