The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting Dana Point Harbor? Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is here to make your holiday season even more magical with a dazzling array of events and activities that are sure to bring joy and wonder to visitors of all ages.
Happy Harbor Days: A Spectacular Light Show
Imagine strolling along the waterfront, surrounded by the twinkle of over 700,000 LED lights, creating a mesmerizing display of holiday enchantment. That’s precisely what you can experience at Dana Point Harbor’s Happy Harbor Days. This annual holiday light extravaganza is set to illuminate the harbor from November 15 through mid-January. The entire harbor is transformed into a radiant winter wonderland, making it the perfect destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
The light displays at Happy Harbor Days are nothing short of breathtaking. Among the highlights are a giant whale sculpture, brilliantly lit palm trees, a towering stack of beach ball ornaments, and the beloved “Merry Kiss Me” arch. It’s a sight to behold and a fantastic backdrop for holiday photos.
The giant whale ‘sculputre’ made of lights
But it’s not just about the lights – Dana Point Harbor has something for everyone. Throughout the holiday season, you can enjoy live music, make cherished memories with visits from Santa Claus, savor delicious offerings from waterfront restaurants, and find unique holiday gifts in the boutique shops. It’s the perfect destination for combining holiday shopping with a festive atmosphere.
Boat Parade of Lights: A Sweet Spectacle
One of the most highly anticipated events during the holiday season is the Boat Parade of Lights, now in its 48th year. From December 8 to 10, you can witness this stunning spectacle as boat owners decorate their vessels according to the year’s theme. This year’s theme, “Candyland,” promises to be a treat for the eyes.
Dana Point Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
Boaters put in a tremendous effort to create dazzling displays of lights, and they compete for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across various award categories, all thanks to Dana Point Harbor Partners. The categories include “Best Use of Theme,” “People’s Choice,” “Supervisor’s Cup,” “Mayor’s Cup,” and more. It’s a friendly competition that adds an extra layer of excitement to this magical event.
Santa Claus at the Harbor
What’s a holiday season without a visit from Santa Claus? You can meet the man in red himself at Dana Point Harbor on December 8 and 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. Santa will take residence in front of the classic Dana Point Harbor VW bus in the Clock Courtyard, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
For those who want a professional touch, on November 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., visitors can book professional photos with Santa in front of a holiday-themed photo op created by Style My Holidays. And don’t worry, the holiday display will remain up throughout December for everyone to enjoy.
Additional Holiday Happenings: Fun for All Ages
Dana Point Harbor has a little something for everyone. The Little Folk Club returns on December 15, inviting children of all ages to bring their favorite instruments for a special Christmas sing-along. There will also be face painting and crafts for the little ones, making it an enjoyable outing for the whole family.
Pet lovers won’t want to miss the annual Santa Paws event hosted by the Pet Project Foundation on December 9 & 10. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Clock Courtyard, you can get adorable photos of your pets with Santa, and the best part is that the proceeds support the Pet Project Foundation.
If you’re up for a unique experience, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host Boat Rides with Santa on December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this sea adventure for a $5 donation, with proceeds supporting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Be sure to make reservations for this unforgettable experience.
The holiday spirit is alive and well at Dana Point Harbor, and there’s so much more to explore. Check out the Harbor’s events calendar on their website for additional holiday happenings to make your season even more special.
Experience Dana Point Harbor: A Year-Round Destination
Dana Point Harbor is a year-round destination known for its fun, sun, ocean activities, delicious dining, shopping, and breathtaking views. From the migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to stunning sunsets and harbor views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Dana Point Harbor offers seaside beauty and unforgettable adventures for all.
Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC (DPHP), the driving force behind many of the Harbor’s improvements, is a collaboration created to operate and redevelop Dana Point Harbor. This partnership with the County of Orange brings together three “best in class” real estate development firms, each specializing in a unique product type. Together, they’re working on a master plan to create a cohesive waterfront experience that preserves the Harbor’s historical significance while adding modern charm.
In conclusion, Dana Point Harbor Partners is making the holiday season in Dana Point extra special this year. With Happy Harbor Days, the Boat Parade of Lights, Santa Claus visits, and a host of other events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, why not head over to Dana Point Harbor and experience the magic of the holidays by the sea? Don’t miss out on all the festive fun! For more information and event details, visit Dana Point Harbor’s website. You can connect with the on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Visit the Harbor events calendar on the website for additional holiday happenings.
Dana Point Harbor – Where holidays are filled with lights, laughter, and lasting memories.
Image courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.
