It’s hard to believe that it’s already autumn and we are gearing up for the festivities and holidays ahead. I don’t know about you, but for me, the holiday season is my favorite time of the year. It’s when we spend time with the family, go shopping together, see a variety of magical lights twinkle as you walk by, and it is also that time of the year where we can watch the best holiday parades.
If you’re anything like me and love the holidays, and you’ll be in the Greater Los Angeles Area in mid-December, then there’s a can’t-miss event you need to know about. This year, the city of Camarillo will hold its annual Christmas parade and holiday carnival (now in its 57th year!) on December 14th, 2019.
The parade itself starts at 10 AM. There will be hundreds of out-of-this-world attractions like floats, bands, cool autos, horses, and Santa Claus himself riding in a sleigh. The parade will travel along Las Posas Road and end at the Community Center in Camarillo. The Community Center Park will host the holiday carnival, featuring holiday shopping, food, live music, inflatable attractions, and visits with Santa Claus. Best of all, admission is totally free. The holiday carnival is always a popular destination for people and families who love the holidays and want to get out, shop, and take in some holiday cheer.
Here is a helpful guide to help you plan for the event while getting some needed quiet time.
Where to Sleep
If you’re traveling from out of town for the holidays or the event, you should consider accommodations in Westlake Village, CA. This quiet city has many good options at good prices. The Hyatt Regency Westlake is a popular choice. They offer guests a quiet retreat with modern amenities. The mountain view rooms feature free Wi-Fi, and the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet. The Four Seasons in Westlake Village is another good choice. This upscale hotel offers quiet luxury to match the natural beauty of the area.
Getting Around
If you decided that perhaps driving around is going to cause you a lot of stress, and if you happen to have extra time on your hands, then you can park your vehicle at the hotel and take public transit. Just an FYI, however, that it may take at least an hour and 25 minutes (one way) to get to the event. So plan ahead. You can also try a rideshare app, but expect surge pricing during the event.
Food
The parade will begin at 10 AM, and the carnival will be open from 9 AM to 2 PM on December 14th. With that said, you can grab a bite to eat at the carnival as there will be various food vendors during the event. If you are following the parade route from Las Posas at Temple Avenue to Carmen drive, there are plenty of food options along the way. Subway, Wingstop, Panda Express, and Starbucks are some of the quick options if you’re famished.
Attractions
If you are staying a day or two after the annual event and need to finish up or start your holiday shopping, then head over to Camarillo Premium Outlets. They have stores like Adidas, Coach, Disney, and Express, to just mention a few. Maybe you are looking to get away from the crowds and are back at the hotel; a 30-minute drive will get you to Santa Monica Mountains. There, you can take some time to hike around the scenic trails to rejuvenate.
