The Channel Islands Harbor will kick off the holidays with its 53rd annual holiday Parade of Lights, themed “Heroes on Holiday.” The event is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m.. The parade starts at 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited to enjoy a full day of holiday activities and watch festively decorated boats in the parade while listening to carolers sing holiday songs.

Beginning at 10 a.m., families can play in tons of snow falling at the north end of Harbor View Park, off Harbor Blvd. near Marine Emporium Landing, 3600 Harbor Blvd. Santa will be there from noon – 4 p.m. and will take pictures with families free of charge. There will also be holiday arts and crafts vendors starting at 10 a.m.

At 6 p.m., join Santa Claus and holiday carolers at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and witness the first ever “Lighting the Mast at the Maritime Museum.”

The parade starts at 7 p.m. in front of Peninsula Park and heads to the Main Channel, turns at Kiddie Beach, loops in front of the launch ramp then heads back to Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club and repeats the route for a second run. The parade can be viewed from parks and walkways that line the route as well as from most Harbor restaurants. Boat charters are available for those who want to watch the parade from the water.