Dana Point Harbor is once again turning into a festive winter destination as the annual Happy Harbor Days celebration kicks off, bringing more than 700,000 LED lights to the waterfront through January 4. Visitors can expect themed light displays, including the popular Merry Kiss Me arch, a glowing whale, illuminated 60-foot palms and numerous holiday photo opportunities scattered throughout the harbor.
The celebration reaches its peak mid-December with the 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, set for December 12 through 14. This year’s parade, themed “Golden Jubilee – Carol of the Boats,” invites boaters to decorate their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across multiple categories. Spectators can watch from the boardwalk, waterfront restaurants, or by reserving a spot on a parade cruise.
Beyond the parade, the harbor’s holiday schedule offers a variety of seasonal activities. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching hosts Boat Rides with Santa on December 6 and 7, where guests can take photos with Santa and his helpers for a $5 donation benefiting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. On December 13 and 14, the Pet Project Foundation presents Santa Paws, offering pet photos with Santa for a $15 donation.
Other seasonal offerings include Harbor After Dark on December 5, featuring live music and extended shopping hours; the Whales on the Wharf scavenger hunt throughout December; Holiday Light Cruises and Holiday Wine Cruises on select dates; and a Menorah lighting display for Hanukkah from December 14 through 22 in collaboration with Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors. -
Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
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Dana Point Harbor transforms into a festive destination this holiday season with over 700,000 lights, a boat light parade, Santa cruises, holiday markets, and seasonal activities for families and visitors.
Families and shoppers can also enjoy a Holiday Market on December 20, showcasing more than 55 local artisans alongside live music and Santa photo opportunities, as well as the weekly Certified Farmers Market each Wednesday in the Harbor Village parking lot. Children’s programming includes the Little Folk Club holiday sing-along on December 19, where young visitors can play instruments and join in seasonal songs.
Dana Point Harbor Partners encourages guests to arrive early and take advantage of waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and the numerous photo opportunities available throughout the harbor. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the new parking structure offering four hours of free parking per vehicle.
For more information on schedules, events, and parking, visitors can consult Dana Point Harbor’s official website.