11-26-2025 5:04am

Happy Harbor Days | Dana Point Harbor | Nov 12 - Jan 4

Eric Bergstrom Editor

Dana Point Harbor 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.

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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 Harbor Days light display from November 12 - January 4
50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights takes place December 12 - 14
Visit the live Harbor events calendar for additional holiday happenings.
- Harbor After Dark (Dec. 5) with live music and late-night shopping
- Santa Paws pet photos (Dec. 13 - 14) supporting Pet Project Foundation
- Holiday Market (Dec. 20) with 55+ local artisans and live holiday music
- Menorah Lighting (Dec. 14 - 22) in partnership with Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point