11-11-2026 5:40am

Happy Harbor Days | Dana Point Harbor | Nov 12 - Jan 20

Eric Bergstrom Editor

Join us for Happy Harbor Days once again with the return of its community-favorite seasonal celebrations and top-rated holiday displays.

All season long, visitors can embrace festive lights and photo ops, visits from Santa by land and sea, waterfront markets and holiday shopping, plus plenty of family-friendly experiences.

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From November 12 through January 10, the harbor will shine with more than 700,000 LED lights, transforming the destination into a waterfront wonderland. Guests can stroll among festive displays, including a giant illuminated whale, glowing 60-foot palm trees, the popular #HappyHarborDays installation and the iconic Merry Kiss Me™ arch.

The highlight of the season, the 51st Annual Boat Parade of Lights, returns December11 through 13, continuing one of Southern California’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Beginning nightly at 6:30 p.m., this year’s playfully-themed parade, Harboritaville, will celebrate laid-back holiday vibes, over-the-top tropical flair, and shimmering lights as boaters deck out their vessels in style. Parade participants will compete for more than $10,000 in cash prizes provided by DPHP, with awards including Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more. Spectators can enjoy the parade by land or sea, claiming a spot on the harbor’s scenic island or boardwalk, or hopping aboard a signature boat parade charter.

Harbor Holiday Cruise — December 4, 5, 18 or 19 from 6 - 7 PM
- Change your viewpoint with a Holiday Harbor Light Cruise, available on select dates from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Hop aboard for waterfront vibes, live music and a little extra holiday magic.
Boat Rides with Santa — December 5 & 6 from 10 AM - 2 PM
- Meet Santa aboard the Dana Pride and take holiday photos right on the water. Hosted by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching with proceeds benefiting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay, this all-ages harbor cruise is approximately 20 minutes.
Captain Dave’s Boat Parade Cruise — December 11, 12 and 13 from 6:15 - 7:45 PM
- Become an official part of the Boat Parade with a ticket aboard Captain Dave’s fleet. Enjoy open-air seating or an enclosed cabin, a DJ, dancing and drinks. Ugly sweaters and layers are highly encouraged!
Dana Wharf Boat Parade Cruise — December 11, 12 and 13 from 6:30 - 8 PM
- Book your front row seat to the Boat Parade with Dana Wharf. Cruise aboard a decorated vessel and enjoy a cash bar, holiday music and clear views of competing boat parade participants.
Santa Paws — December 12 and 13 from 10 AM - 3 PM
- Join Dana Point Harbor to support the Pet Project Foundation at the annual Santa Paws experience. Holiday-themed pet photos with Santa and the harbor’s VW Bus will be offered for a $15 donation near the Richard Henry Dana Jr. Statue.
Holiday Market — December 19 from 10 AM - 3 PM
- Find your last-minute gifts and celebrate the season with over 55 vendors, live music, kids' crafts and more. Channel your holiday cheer with Dana Point Harbor and Modern Makers Mart on the Island.
Holiday Wine Cruise — December 20 and 27 from 5:30 - 7 PM
- Enjoy a 90-minute holiday-themed wine cruise aboard the Dana Pride with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. The cruise comes with four tastings, paired snacks and live music as you journey through the harbor.

Happy Harbor Days light displays from November 12 - January 10
51st Annual Boat Parade of Lights takes place December 11-13
Visit the live Dana Point Harbor events calendar for additional holiday happenings.