VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) 'Tis the season for boat parades.

The Parade of Lights in Ventura is the only one along the coast that runs for two nights.

The parade with the "Let it Glow" theme filled Ventura Harbor Village on Friday and Saturday night.

Most people watching from the harbor sidewalk or from restaurants with views of the water including The Greek and Petit Cafe.

Others rode on sailboats, yachts, outriggers, electric boars or rented pedal boats.

Some looked like swans covered in lights.

There was also a carnival on the lawn. 

Fireworks followed the parade each night at 8p.m.

The harbor is also hosted a Holiday Caroling Cruise through Dec. 23rd and a Santa paddles on Saturday Dec. 20, at 11 a.m.

For more information visit https://venturaharborvillage.com

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VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) Merry Gothmas is back by popular demand despite protests.

Some people dressed in gothic costumes to attend the first day of weekend event at the Ventura County Fairgrounds 

But not everyone was happy about it.

Organizer said critics from a church in Ventura wrote a letter to the fairgrounds asking the board to cancel the event.

They also walked from the church and picketed outside the entrance

But fans of Gothmas said they enjoy the Nightmare Before Christmas-style decor and vendors selling unusual ornaments and gifts.

"This is for everybody, Gothmas is for everybody and the super natural," said Milena Tea of Thousand Oaks.

Jason Swtizer of Oxnard bought some presents.

"I Just like the Christmas stuff the Halloween type Christmas stuff, I just like all the people out here and it is something to do," said Switzer.

Merry Gothmas continues on Sunday from 12- to 7 p.m..

For parking and ticket information visit https://venturacountyfair.org or https://merrygothmas.com

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VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – Merry Gothmas returned by popular demand to the city of Ventura despite protests.

Attendees dressed in gothic costumes for the first day of weekend event at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

But not everyone was in the spirit.

Organizers said critics from a local Ventura church wrote a letter to the fairgrounds asking the board to cancel the event. They went as far as walking from the church and picketed outside the grounds entrance.

Fans of Gothmas said they enjoy the Nightmare Before Christmas-style decor and vendors selling unusual ornaments and gifts.

"This is for everybody, Gothmas is for everybody and the super natural," said Milena Tea of Thousand Oaks.

Jason Swtizer of Oxnard bought some presents.

"I just like the Christmas stuff, the Halloween type - Christmas stuff, I just like all the people out here and it is something to do," said Switzer.

Merry Gothmas continued on through Sunday from 12- to 7 p.m..

For parking and ticket information visit https://venturacountyfair.org or https://merrygothmas.com

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CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) A community known for having a Santa Clause Lane exit along the 101 freeway had its annual holiday parade on Saturday

It's called The Carpinteria Spirit Parade.

Warriors from Carpinteria High performed along Linden Avenue.

Santa waved from a fire truck

Animals in the parade included horses, sheep and dogs.

John Palminteri returned to co-emcee the parade.

Dozens of community groups took part.

The parade also brought people out on a day when local shops decked their halls and windows with holiday gifts.

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SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley has 26 Christmas trees on display.

“An American Christmas” is the theme of the annual exhibit.

Each tree is decorated to represent a different decade or defining era.

They include a 1960s tree with Beatles items.

The tree that coincides with President Reagan's time in office includes a boombox, cassettes and a Bob Ross photo and palette.

The Fisher family of Ojai enjoyed it all.

"Last year they did trees around the world and this year the trees coincided with dates in history and presidents and it was really, really amazing it had beautiful ornaments and it was a great learning opportunity for my daughter," Alexia Fisher.

"I liked the 90s tree and all the old technology, it wasn't old back then, but it is kind of old now but I do enjoy how it looks all the buttons, but anyway I saw a bunch of technology and pop culture icons," Emilia Fisher.

They are library members.

A special Christmas tree at the entrance is dedicated to Gold Star families who have lost loves ones in the military.

An American Christmas runs thought Jan. 4.

Admission to the tree exhibit also includes the special "Cowboys: History and Hollywood exhibit.

The exhibit includes photos of President Reagan's Horse and his ranch in Santa Barbara County.

Docents on hand can tell visitors all about it.

The Cowboy exhibit runs through April 19.

For more information visit https://reaganfoundation.org

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