HARBOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS TO BECKON CHANNEL ISLAND PARADE IS SATURDAY.

Byline: Daily News

OXNARD -- Ventura County residents have a unique opportunity in their own back yard to view spectacular holiday decorations along the water at Channel Islands Harbor.

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of lights will sparkle and dance across the water at the 41st Annual Parade of Lights.

Special events under the theme of Winter Fantasy will begin at noon and end at 7 p.m., just before the start of the lighted boat parade, which runs down the harbor's main channel to the harbor entrance and loops back.

It starts in the main channel in front of Peninsula Park at 333 S. Peninsula Road southeast of Harbor and Channel Islands boulevards and goes south to Hobie Beach, where it comes back for a second run.

The daytime highlights include strolling carolers and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who will make their way around the harbor during the afternoon.

Horse-drawn carriage rides with sleigh bells will be available from noon to 5 p.m. next to a snow play area for children featuring 25 tons of snow.

At Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Boulevard and Victoria Avenue, there will be a holiday artists market with exhibitors, food booths, live music and games, rides and a petting zoo for children.

Musical entertainment there will feature the Drivematics from noon to 3 p.m. and Teresa Russel from 4 to 7 p.m. At the Coast Chandlery, 2600 Harbor Blvd., Higher Ground will perform from 2 to 5 p.m.

Santa will fly across the sky courtesy of Aspen Helicopters, marking the beginning of the parade at 7 p.m.

The parade can be viewed from parks and walkways that line the route as well as from several harbor restaurants. Private charters are also available for boat parade viewing. For information and reservations, call Captain Hook Sportfishing at [phone] or Channel Islands Sportsfishing Center at [phone].

Channel Islands Harbor also represents a kind of Christmas Tree Lane on the water from now through the end of the year, when visitors can take boat tours to see the decorated boats, harbor-front homes and other sparkling holiday decorations.

The ``Holiday Lights on the Water'' program includes one-hour tours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $10 per person. Reservations are required in advance by calling [phone], Ext. 102.

The Channel Islands Harbor Water Taxi is also available for trips around the harbor, including a $65-per-person progressive dinner in which visitors go to three restaurants for appetizers, dinner and dessert.