Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading holiday cheer by hosting the annual holiday light display, consisting of over 700,000 LED lights, set to illuminate the Harbor beginning November 16. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor include a giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, giant beach-ball-like ornaments, and the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy visits with Santa, pet photos with Santa to support the Pet Project Foundation, waterfront restaurant offerings, boutique holiday shopping and more.
The Harbor’s much anticipated 47th annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place December 9-11 with a “Surfin’ USA” theme. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. on December 9 and at 6 p.m. on December 10 and 11.
Boaters will decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes across several 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. Boaters can sign up at The Marina at Dana Point office.
Santa’s coming to the Harbor on November 27 and December 10 from 10 am – 1 pm and taking residence in the Clock Courtyard. Visitors can book professional photos with Santa in front of a holiday-themed photo op created by Style My Holiday. The holiday display will remain up throughout the month of December for all to enjoy.
Visitors are invited to participate in Dana Point Harbor’s “Holidays at the Harbor” social media contest on Instagram from November 17 – December 22. Take a photo in front of one of the many light installations throughout the Harbor, tag @danapoint_harbor on Instagram and use the hashtag #HolidaysattheHarbor. At the end of the campaign, one lucky winner will be chosen at random and awarded a special Dana Point Harbor package.
DPHP in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point will place a 12-foot Menorah in the Harbor for the duration of Hanukkah from Sunday, December 18 to Monday, December 26.
Pet Project Foundation will host the 10th Annual Santa Paws on December 17 & 18 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos will be offered for a small donation with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will also host the annual Boat Rides with Santa on December 3 and 4 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 will be required. Visit danawharf.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
WHEN
- Holiday light display will illuminate the Harbor November 16 – early January
- 47th Annual Boat Parade of Lights to take place December 9 starting at 7 pm and December 10 and 11 at 6 p.m.
- “Holidays at the Harbor” social media contest will run from November 17 – December 22.
- Visit the Harbor events calendar on the website for additional holiday happenings.
WHERE
Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629
For more information on Holidays at the Harbor visit DanaPointHarbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor.
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, each specializing in a unique product type. Burnham Ward Properties is responsible for stewarding the harbor’s Commercial Core activities featuring the retail, restaurants, offices and other landside buildings, as well as all 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 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. United by a love of the water and 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
