Harbor sparkles for holidays

Parade of lighted boats begins 7 p.m. Saturday at seaside in Oxnard

Channel Islands Harbor will kick off the holidays with the 54th annual Holiday Parade of Lights from noon to 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14 in Oxnard.

This year’s parade theme is “Musical Notes and Holiday Floats.”

The community can take part in a full day of holiday activities and watch festively decorated boats in the parade while listening to carolers sing holiday songs.

Beginning at noon, families can play in 36 tons of snow falling at the north end of Harbor View Park, off Harbor Boulevard and near Marine Emporium Landing, 3600 Harbor Blvd.

Santa will be present from noon to 4 p.m. and will take pictures with families free of charge.

Holiday arts and crafts vendors will be on-site starting at 10 a.m.

Santa Claus and holiday carolers will present the second annual “Lighting the Mast at the Maritime Museum” at 6 p.m. at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. 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.

For more information or to participate in the parade, download an entry form from www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Parade participants can take part in various decorating contests and compete for awards.