We love exploring new places to celebrate the holiday season. This year we had a chance to visit the 43rd Annual Dana Point Harbor Parade Of Lights with the family for a fun-filled holiday extravaganza. This event takes place on the Dana Point Harbor for two weekends Dec 11 and 12th as well as Dec 15th and 16th and here, you can find many fun activities and photo opportunities for the whole family!
This year the theme is “A Superhero Holiday” and you can spot various super heroes like batman and super woman as well as festive carolers, kid-friendly games, face painting, crafts and free photos with Santa.
The best part is that the entire event is free for the whole family. There are many activities for kids of all ages. The pier is decked out in beautiful Christmas lights and you can spend the entire day here strolling with your kids, taking photos, drinking hot chocolate and even enjoying a nice meal with an ocean view.
Be sure to look for Santa on the harbor so you can get a selfie with him for free!
Details of the event
Friday & Saturday Dec. 8, 9, 15 & 16
Time: Family-Fun Festivities 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Boat Parade: 7:30 p.m
Water’s Edge Trolley Service: 3:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Parking
Parking is available at Doheny State Beach for $3 per hour. Free Trolleys will be running from 3:30-10:30 p.m. and will be dropping off and picking up along Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Boat Parade Of Lights Shuttle Route
The Boat Ride
The boat ride is such a fun and memorable time for the entire family. You can get magnificent views of the decorated, holiday-themed boats and enjoy the cool ocean breeze in a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
If you’d like to ride a boat with the family you can do so by calling and making reservations at (949) 496-5794 or visiting their website. Tickets are $29 for Adults/$19 for Children. In addition, kids will be able to participate in the judging of the Dana Wharf Kid’s Cup Trophy.
Or you can skip the boat ride and simply enjoy the parade from the harbor.