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Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading holiday cheer once again and brightening the season with the annual harbor holiday light display, featuring over 700,000 LED lights. From November 13 through January 12, Festival of Lights will transform the Harbor into a winter wonderland with themed light exhibits including a giant whale, illuminated palms, #happyharbordays, and, of course, the beloved Merry Kiss Me™ arch. Throughout the season, visitors and locals can enjoy festive caroling, visits with Santa, waterfront dining, boutique holiday shopping and more.
The highly anticipated Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season for its 49th celebration from December 13 – 15. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and features the theme Santa’s Seaside Carnival for 2024. Boaters will deck out their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more.
Santa Claus will visit the Harbor on December 5 & 6 from 4 – 6 p.m., stationed in front of the iconic Dana Point Harbor VW bus in the Clock Courtyard. The festive display will remain throughout the month of December for all to enjoy.
New this year, on December 21, the Modern Makers Mart will bring a festive Holiday Market to the Harbor’s Island near the Richard Henry Dana Jr statue, and holiday display. Browse unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, perfect for last-minute holiday gifts. Shoppers can enjoy live holiday music, an appearance by Santa, and other special performances throughout the day.
To help visitors navigate the Harbor easily during the busy holiday season, Dana Point Harbor’s FREE shuttle service will be available daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering convenient park-and-ride options. The shuttle picks up at the East Island Lot and makes stops at key locations, including Mariner’s Village, Wind & Sea, and Dana Wharf, ensuring seamless access to all the festivities without the hassle.
Additional Harbor Holiday Happenings:
This year, the Giving Machine will return to Dana Point Harbor on Tuesday, November 26, featuring donations to local charities Ocean Institute and Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay, to be matched as part of the #LightTheWorld initiative. Giving Tuesday, December 3, marks the official holiday launch of the Giving Machine with an appearance by Santa, The Kyle Fisher Band, and the In N Out truck.
The Pet Project Foundation will host its annual Santa Paws event on December 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos with Santa will be offered for a donation with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will also host annual Boat Rides with Santa on December 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation with proceeds supporting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required. Visit danawharf.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Before or after the December 7 boat rides, kids crafts by Dot Dot Play will be available at the Hansen Plaza, adding to the family-friendly festivities with a choice of DIY Holiday Slime.
Little Folk Club also returns December 13 from 10 – 11 a.m. with a new location on the Island, inviting children of all ages to bring their favorite instruments for a special Christmas sing-along and plenty of photo ops in the holiday setting.
To round out December’s festivities, the Menorah will be lit for Hanukkah from December 25 through January 1 at the Hansen Plaza, brightening the Wharf.
WHEN
- Holiday display lights up the Harbor November 13 – January 12
- 49th annual Boat Parade of Lights takes place December 13 – 15 nightly at 6:30 p.m.
- Visit the live Harbor events calendar for additional holiday happenings.
WHERE
Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on Holidays at the Harbor visit danapointharbor.com/events/.
Dana Point Harbor invites you to enjoy fun, sun, ocean activities, delicious dining, shopping and more. From migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to stunning sunsets and harbor views, there’s seaside beauty and unforgettable adventure at Dana Point Harbor. For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC (DPHP), a collaboration created to operate and redevelop Dana Point Harbor in a P-3 partnership with the County of Orange, is made up of three best in class real estate development firms. Burnham-Ward Properties is responsible for stewarding the harbor’s Commercial Core activities featuring the retail, restaurants, landside buildings and parkscape areas. Bellwether Financial Group guides the Marina operations including the boat slips, boater facilities, dry boat storage, day-boat parking, guest slips, and launch ramp areas. R.D. Olson Development leads the hotel redevelopment and hospitality components of the harbor and currently operates the Dana Point Marina Inn.
The partnership is developing a master plan that connects the harbor’s landside and waterside to become a singular cohesive waterfront experience. Dedicated to preserving Dana Point Harbor’s historical significance, the partnership is applying all areas of respective expertise to ensure every element of the harbor will be thoughtfully designed, redeveloped and managed to be reimagined into a world-class destination with historic roots and local charm.
Images courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners
