Oxnard Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Oxnard celebrates the holidays with two tree lighting ceremonies, from an early-season kickoff at The Collection to a community tradition in Downtown.
Where Oxnard Lights Up for the Holidays
The holidays start early at The Collection and continue in Downtown Oxnard, where two tree lighting ceremonies bring the community together each season.
One City, Two Holiday Celebrations
Get into the holiday spirit at Oxnard’s annual tree lighting ceremonies, a long-standing tradition that brings the community together each December. What makes the celebration especially unique is that Oxnard hosts two festive tree lighting events — one in Downtown Oxnard at Plaza Park and another at The Collection at RiverPark.
A Shared Tradition Across Oxnard
Both ceremonies mark the start of the holiday season with community gatherings, seasonal entertainment and the lighting of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Whether celebrating in the historic downtown district or at The Collection’s lively shopping and dining destination, visitors can experience the magic of the holidays in Oxnard.
Where the Holidays Begin in Oxnard
Oxnard kicks off the holiday season with two distinct tree lighting celebrations, each offering its own setting, energy and traditions.
The Collection’s Early-Season Kickoff
Oxnard’s holiday season begins at The Collection at RiverPark, where the city’s first tree lighting typically takes place in November ahead of Thanksgiving. As one of Oxnard’s main retail and entertainment hubs, The Collection sets the tone for the season with a lively, family-friendly celebration. Past events have featured live entertainment, fireworks and a visit from Santa, all building up to the main moment when the tree is lit. With festive lights, music and an energetic crowd, it’s a bright and exciting way to kick off the holidays.
Downtown Oxnard’s December Tradition
The celebration continues into early December in Downtown Oxnard with the tree lighting at Plaza Park, held during the city’s First Thursday event. This gathering brings a more community-centered feel, where locals and visitors come together in the heart of Downtown to celebrate the season. Known for lighting Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree, the event takes place in a historic setting near landmarks like the Carnegie Art Museum. With food trucks, community participation and the glow of a towering tree, it’s a memorable way to welcome the holidays in Oxnard.
Shop Local, Snack and Celebrate
Both tree lighting ceremonies give visitors more to enjoy than the lighting itself, but the experience looks a little different at each location. Downtown Oxnard leans into its local market and First Thursdays atmosphere, while The Collection offers holiday shopping and dining in a lively open-air setting.
Downtown Oxnard: First Thursdays, Makers Market and Food Trucks
In Downtown Oxnard, the tree lighting takes place during the city’s First Thursdays event, which gives the celebration a built-in street festival feel. Alongside the ceremony at Plaza Park, visitors can browse a holiday makers market featuring local artisans, handcrafted goods, seasonal décor and giftable finds. Food trucks are also part of the evening, adding casual bites and sweet treats to the experience as guests move between the market, the tree lighting and the rest of the Downtown festivities.
The Collection: Holiday Shopping and Dining Before Thanksgiving
At The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard’s first tree lighting of the season typically takes place in November before Thanksgiving, setting an early holiday tone for the city. Rather than a makers market like Downtown, this celebration is surrounded by the center’s mix of shops, restaurants and seasonal displays. Visitors can turn the event into a full evening out by shopping, dining and enjoying the festive atmosphere in the walkable outdoor setting before and after the ceremony.
Music and Performances for the Season
Entertainment plays a central role in both celebrations, with each location offering its own style of holiday programming.
The Collection: Staged Performances & Fireworks
At The Collection at RiverPark, the tree lighting is a more structured show experience, typically featuring live music, dance performances and a countdown to the lighting moment. The evening often concludes with a fireworks display, adding a high-energy finish to the kickoff event.
Downtown Oxnard: Community Entertainment & Live Music
In Downtown Oxnard, entertainment is woven throughout the evening at Plaza Park. Live music and performances take place alongside the First Thursday event, creating a more relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. The entertainment builds as the evening progresses toward the lighting of Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree.
A Visit from Santa Claus
No holiday celebration is complete without a visit from Santa, and both tree lighting events in Oxnard include a special arrival that adds to the excitement of the evening.
The Collection: Grand Entrance & Holiday Spectacle
At The Collection at RiverPark, Santa’s arrival is part of the main event experience. He typically appears ahead of the tree lighting, building anticipation before the countdown begins. With staged entertainment, snowfall effects and a fireworks show, his entrance is designed as a high-energy moment that kicks off the holiday season in a big way. Arriving early is the best way to catch the full experience and secure a good viewing spot.
Downtown Oxnard: A Classic Community Moment
In Downtown Oxnard at Plaza Park, Santa’s arrival feels more traditional and community-centered. He joins the festivities during the evening’s programming, often appearing as the crowd gathers for the tree lighting. Families can expect a more relaxed, close-up experience that pairs naturally with the historic setting and neighborhood feel of the event. It’s a memorable moment for kids and a classic part of the Downtown celebration.
A Gateway to Holiday Traditions
Looking to add more holly to your jolly? There’s so much more to experience. Oxnard’s holiday traditions run deep with the tree-lighting kicking off the holiday season! Here’s more seasonal opportunities to celebrate so you can see them all.
Christmas Tree Lane
A well known Ventura County tradition is Christmas Tree Lane. THere are 6 blocks of merriment from Oxnard’s ‘F’ & ‘G’ streets with homes displaying their holiday cheer. With lights, sound, and even a 28 foot train display. The event gets bigger every year!
Holly Trolley
The Holly Trolley lets you ride around Oxnard in style- festive style. Take a double-decker trolley ride around Oxnard on a sight-seeing tour. Witness the Gingerbread House Exhibit and Christmas Tree Lane in one venture with the added bonus of historic story-teling and free hot cocoa!
Gingerbread House Exhibit at Heritage Square
Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard is the homebase for some of Oxnard’s most exciting events year-round. Holidays are no exception. Enter the Gingerbread House Exhibit. Come view the gingerbread houses created for the annual competition while they are on display and take a guided tour of the Victorian-era homes in Heritage Square.
Know Before You Go
Each tree lighting takes place in a different part of Oxnard, with its own timing, layout and overall experience.
The Collection at RiverPark
- Typically held in November before Thanksgiving, marking the start of the holiday season in Oxnard
- Located at The Collection at RiverPark in the central park/event space
- Designed as a shorter, structured program with scheduled entertainment and a tree lighting countdown
- Often includes fireworks and staged performances
- Ample parking available throughout the shopping center
- Open-air layout makes it easy to walk between the event, shops and restaurants
- Great option if you want a high-energy kickoff to the holiday season
Downtown Oxnard at Plaza Park
- Takes place in early December during the First Thursday event
- Located at Plaza Park in the heart of Downtown
- Event typically runs 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with the tree lighting around 6:00 PM
- Features a holiday market and community-centered activities
- Known for lighting Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree
- Parking can be limited — street parking and nearby lots fill up quickly
- Best to arrive early and plan to walk between activities
- Ideal for a more relaxed, local and walkable holiday experience
Dine and Unwind After the Celebration
Restaurants Near the Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting
Visit one of Oxnard’s authentic Mexican restaurants. They have been serving the Oxnard community delicious seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails, and ceviche for almost 30 years. There is a live mariachi band on the weekends so come in for great food and a good time.
El 30 Mariscos serves bold Mexican seafood dishes in a lively setting just minutes from Plaza Park. Guests come for flavorful favorites like shrimp ceviche, seafood cocktails and shrimp empanadas, making it a great choice for a festive dinner before the tree lighting ceremony.
Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina blends Mexican cuisine with fresh seafood specialties in a colorful downtown setting. The menu includes oysters, molcajetes, tacos and house-made guacamole prepared tableside, creating a lively dining experience perfect for a holiday night out.
Restaurants at The Collection at RiverPark Tree Lighting
Settebello's makes authentic Naples style pizza – Naples certified. In order to ensure flavor, they use an oven hand crafted and delivered from Naples, Italy. The same goes for the flower and tomatoes- from Italy to your plate!
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant serves sushi, sashimi and Japanese kitchen favorites in a modern dining space at The Collection. Signature rolls, bento boxes and traditional dishes like teriyaki and tempura make it a convenient stop before or after the tree lighting.
For a more upscale dining experience, Larsen’s Grill specializes in steaks, fresh seafood and craft cocktails. The stylish restaurant provides a polished atmosphere that pairs well with a festive evening at The Collection’s holiday celebration.
Turn the Celebration into a Getaway
Whether you're attending one event or both, staying nearby makes it easy to turn the celebration into a full holiday outing.
Stay Near The Collection
For easy access to the tree lightThe Collection at RiverParkThe Collection at RiverPark, nearby hotels like TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites offer convenient, walkable accommodations. Both properties are located just steps from the event, making it simple to arrive early, enjoy the festivities and head back without dealing with traffic. Staying in this area also keeps you surrounded by restaurants, shops and entertainment, allowing you to extend the holiday experience beyond the tree lighting itself.
Stay Near Downtown Oxnard
For the Downtown celebratioBest Western Oxnard InnBest Western Oxnard Inn is the closest hotel option, located just minutes from Plaza Park. Its central location makes it especially convenient for attending the evening festivities without worrying about parking or long walks after the event. Staying nearby also gives you easy access to Downtown’s restaurants, historic landmarks and other seasonal activities, making it a practical choice for a relaxed and enjoyable holiday visit.
Experience the Holidays in Oxnard
A Season That Brings Everyone Together
Oxnard’s holiday season begins with a celebration and continues with tradition. From the early-season excitement at The Collection to the community-centered gathering in Downtown, each tree lighting offers a different way to experience the holidays.
Whether you’re drawn to the energy of a fireworks-filled kickoff or the charm of a historic plaza glowing under Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree, Oxnard’s tree lighting ceremonies invite you to be part of a tradition that returns brighter each year.