When December arrives in Camarillo, California, the entire community transforms into a celebration of lights, traditions, and togetherness. From tree lightings to charity drives, this charming city knows how to welcome the holidays with open arms and warm hearts.
When Magic Lights Up Old Town
The holiday season officially begins with the Camarillo Old Town Glow Holiday Walk, a festive event that brings families together every early December. Picture this: twinkling lights everywhere, train rides for the kids, actual snow in Southern California, and the aroma of food truck delights filling the air. The event features a holiday village where children can write letters to Santa while adults enjoy seasonal beverages from local vendors.
This year, participants can upgrade their drink tastings with participating businesses, turning a simple stroll into an evening of community connection.
Old Town also hosts its celebrated tree lighting ceremony in Dizdar Park, where the city’s Christmas tree becomes a beacon of holiday cheer. After years of tradition, the ceremony has become a cornerstone event that brings residents together to kick off the season with live entertainment, festive activities, and that magical moment when thousands of lights illuminate the night.
Parades and Santa’s Village Bring Joy
The Camarillo Christmas Parade stands as one of the city’s most beloved traditions, now in its 62nd year. Every December, the parade winds through streets from Temple Avenue and Las Posas Road down to Community Center Park on Burnley Street. Floats, marching bands, and community groups create a spectacle that draws families out to line the streets with blankets and hot chocolate.
But the fun doesn’t stop when the parade ends. Santa’s Village awaits at Community Center Park, where children can snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate cookies, create holiday crafts, and mail their wish lists directly to the North Pole. Best of all? It’s completely free, making magical memories accessible to every family in the community.
Holiday Traditions for Every Celebration
Camarillo embraces the diversity of holiday celebrations throughout December. Chabad of Camarillo hosts an annual Chanukah celebration at Constitution Park, featuring a grand menorah lighting ceremony, live music, delicious latkes and donuts, and special activities for children, including a Chanukah gelt drop. The event welcomes everyone to experience the Festival of Lights tradition in a joyful, communal setting.
The city also features a magical Chanukah celebration at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, complete with the lighting of a 10-foot menorah near the Brooks Brothers store. These events highlight how Camarillo honors multiple traditions, creating space for all residents to share their cultural celebrations with neighbors.
Holiday Spirit Through Giving Back
The season of giving shines brightly in Camarillo through numerous charity initiatives. The Spark of Love Toy Drive partners with local firefighters to collect new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children throughout Ventura County. Drop-off locations include fire stations and participating businesses across town, with donations benefiting more than 33,000 local children and teens annually.
Food Share also organizes donation drives throughout December, providing food boxes to families in need. The Camarillo Community Church Food Pantry accepts non-perishable items, toiletries, and small toys, ensuring that every family can celebrate the holidays with dignity and joy.
For those looking to give back, the 16th Annual Camarillo YMCA Run for Holiday Fun takes place in early December, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Open Doors Scholarship Fund. Whether you run the 5K, tackle the 10K, or cheer on participants, you’re helping children and families access programs that enrich their lives.
Neighborhood Lights and Community Cheer
Beyond organized events, Camarillo residents take pride in their residential holiday displays. The Gemini and Waverly Avenue neighborhood has become famous for its spectacular light displays featuring cartoon characters, trains, Santa figures, and thousands of twinkling lights. Families can drive or walk through the decorated streets, experiencing the joy that neighbors create for one another.
The Village at the Parks community also dazzles with festive decorations, highlighted by an enormous light-up tree and a singing animatronic Frosty the Snowman. These grassroots displays show that holiday magic in Camarillo isn’t just about official events but about neighbors coming together to spread cheer.
Make Your Holiday Plans Now
Whether you’re drawn to tree lightings, holiday markets, cultural celebrations, or opportunities to give back, Camarillo offers countless ways to celebrate this December. The city’s commitment to accessible, family-friendly events means everyone can participate in the magic.
Ready to experience Camarillo’s holiday magic? Visit their website to explore the complete calendar of events, find volunteer opportunities, and plan your perfect holiday season. Don’t just read about the festivities—come be part of the celebration that makes this community truly special.
Sources: camarillomerchant.org, pvrpd.org, conejovalleyguide.com, fire.venturacounty.gov, camarilloinsider.com, visitcamarillo.com
Header Image Source: camarillomerchant.org
