Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading holiday cheer once again, brightening the waterfront with the annual harbor holiday light display, featuring over 700,000 LED lights. From November 12 through January 4, Happy Harbor Days will transform the Harbor into a winter wonderland with themed light exhibits including a giant whale, illuminated 60-foot-tall palms, #happyharbordays, and, of course, the now iconic Merry Kiss Me™ arch. Throughout the season, visitors and locals alike can enjoy visits with Santa on land and at sea, waterfront dining, curated markets, boutique holiday shopping and more.
The highly anticipated 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season from December 12 – 14. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. nightly near the Wharf and features the theme Golden Jubilee – Carol of the Boats. 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. The public is welcome to view the parade from the boardwalk and parkscapes, reserve a table with a view from one of the harbor’s waterfront restaurants, or hop aboard a special boat parade charter.
Additional Harbor Holiday Happenings:
Harbor After Dark on Friday, December 5, features exclusive food and drink specials alongside extended shopping hours until 7:30 p.m. on the Wharf with a live music performance by Zach Churchill.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host annual Boat Rides with Santa on December 6 and 7 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 benefiting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required. Holiday Light Cruises and Holiday Wine Cruises from Dana Wharf will also be available on select dates in December. Visit danawharf.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Pet Project Foundation will host its annual Santa Paws event on December 13 and 14, just off Island Way and Dana Drive near the Richard Henry Dana Jr. statue. Pet photos with Santa and the Dana Point Harbor VW Bus will be offered for a $15 donation, with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation.
All December, guests are invited to play Whale on the Wharf, a themed scavenger hunt for holiday whales throughout select harbor restaurants and shops. Find 10 or more whales for a chance to win $100 to a favorite retailer and whale watching for four.
In collaboration with Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point, the Menorah display will be lit for Hanukkah from December 14 through December 22 at the Dana Point Fishing Pier, featuring a stunning harbor backdrop.
Little Folk Club returns on Friday, December 19, at 10 a.m. for a holiday-themed sing-along with Victoria Bailey and the Coco Bloom Coffee cart. Children of all ages are invited to bring their favorite instruments to play along, plus discover special photo ops at the island near the Richard Henry Dana Statue.
The Modern Makers Mart will bring a festive Holiday Market to the Harbor on Saturday, December 20. Browse unique, handcrafted goods from over 55 local artisans, perfect for last-minute holiday gifts. Shoppers can enjoy live holiday music and photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., all on the Island near the Richard Henry Dana Statue.
The weekly Wednesday Certified Farmers Market will continue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Harbor Village parking lot, featuring locally sourced fresh produce, florals, baked goods and more to complement your holiday menu or discover the foolproof host gift.
WHEN:
- Happy HarborDays light display from November 12 – January 4
- 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights takes place December 12 – 14
- Visit the live Harborevents calendar for additional holiday happenings.
WHERE:
Greater Dana Point Harbor
Key Event and Photo Op Locations include:
- DanaWharf/Don Hansen Plaza, 34675 Golden Lantern
- The Village, 34555 Golden Lantern
- Bump Out Park, 24354 DanaPoint Harbor Drive
- Richard Henry DanaStatue on the Island, 24601 Dana Drive
For more information on Holidays at the Harbor visit https://danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor/.
Parking:
Parking throughout the harbor is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The new parking structure offers 4 hours of free parking per vehicle, while other locations may also offer limited adjacent street parking.
More information can be found online at danapointharbor.com/parking/.
About Dana Point 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.
About Dana Point Harbor Partners: 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
