THE PARENTING BIZ – Light Your Life With Your Family At Essex County Holiday Events
T ‘is the season to gather the family, hop in your “sleigh” and jingle all the way to amazing light displays, firework celebrations, parades, vendor markets, Santa meet and greets . . . and more!
In our annual holiday event guide we profile what area towns in Essex County and the city of Windsor have planned for you, from mid-November 2023 to early January 2024.
Read up on a selection of events in this feature here, but you may also visit our website calendar on: BizXmagazine.com and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island’s site: VisitWindsorEssex.com, for information on other upcoming events scheduled to take place in the region.
AMHERSTBURG
River Lights Winter Festival
Every night, from November 18, 2023 to January 8, 2024 hundreds of customized LED light displays light up Amherstburg’s two main parks, King’s Navy Yard Park and Toddy Jones Park.
Experience some of the largest holiday displays in the area, such as a 22 foot tall ship, shooting stars and archways — an ideal photo op for night time holiday pictures. Additional displays showcase the warm-hearted feel of the season with carollers, angels, soldiers and more.
Returning to the festival in 2023 is the Gingerbread Warming House, in Toddy Jones Park. Weekend nights from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. until December 23, observe the gingerbread house contest submissions, take part in free crafts, and warm up inside with a cup of hot chocolate.
Families and all ages are welcome and all displays are free to attend.
The event has been running for 17 years and according to Sarah Van Grinsven, Tourism Coordinator at the Town of Amherstburg: “The original goal of River Lights was to bring the community out during the dark, winter months, to not only increase economic development, but to also help people share in the joy of the season. We continue to bring it back annually to give visitors an opportunity to experience holiday cheer in Amherstburg’s wonderful downtown and parks.”
Santa Claus Parade
On November 25 at 6 p.m., the parade starts in downtown Amherstburg at Sandwich Street, ending at Toddy Jones Park.
This family event has been running for 16 years and includes entertainment, floats, and the stars of the show — Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“We provide families with an opportunity to share in the joy of the season, and experience the magic of Santa,” states Maggie Durocher, Executive Director of Windsor Parade Corporation.
For further details go to: WindsorParade.org (and learn about their new event, Christmas at Heritage Village, November 17 to December 23, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village in Kingsville).
ESSEX
The 10th Annual Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade
On December 9 at 6:30 p.m., the parade starts at Talbot Street North and Fairview Avenue East, goes up Talbot, ending at Victoria Avenue.
KINGSVILLE
Fantasy Of Lights
The Town of Kingsville invites everyone to join them for six weeks of Christmas magic for the whole family, from November 18, 2023 until January 3, 2024.
The Fantasy of Lights Santa Claus Parade on November 18 at 5 p.m., kicks off the beginning of the events at Lakeside Park.
“The Fantasy of Lights has brought magic to the community for over 20 years,” explains Karen Loney, Manager of Recreation and Special Events. “This multi-week event showcases all kinds of incredible talent; music, arts, artisan wares, and the hardworking dedication of our volunteers, committee, and staff.”
Each weekend, after the opening ceremonies on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. from November 24 to December 23, 2023, the Kingsville Express train offers rides around the Lakeside Park for a unique way to see the beautiful light displays. There’s also hot cocoa to sip as well!
There are also four separate events at the Lakeside Pavilion. First, the Christmas Artisan Market features handmade gifts, food, and more on Saturday, December 2 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Second, don’t leave your furry family members out of the fun! At the Paws & Claus Marketplace held on Tuesday, December 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., get a picture of your pet with Santa Claus and browse the wares of pet-focused vendors on site.
Next, on Friday evenings in December, starting on December 8, the Holiday Concert Series, hosted by the Kingsville Music Society, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m.
And finally, come and see Santa Claus and make crafts with him and the Kingsville Optimist Club on Saturday, December 9.
The end of the Fantasy of Lights is marked with a bang by a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show at 7 p.m., on December 31 at Kingsville Arena. Ring in the New Year with a public free skate (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.), crafts, hot chocolate and fireworks — it’s great entertainment for the whole family!
“We hope you join us at the Fantasy of Lights and enjoy the magic of the season while enjoying all Kingsville has to offer,” Loney expresses.
LASALLE
Holiday Lights, Heritage Nights
The Town of LaSalle hosts the annual Holiday Lights Heritage Nights event at the LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road, from November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
This beautiful outdoor light display transforms the area into a magical outdoor walk-through holiday wonderland, including numerous ornamental and holiday lighting displays and a 40 foot-tall walk-through tree. The lights shine daily from 5 until 10 p.m.
Special weekend activities also take place between November 24 and December 17 from 5 to 8 p.m., including: Family Fridays (visits with Santa, entertainment, and food vendors at the LaSalle Civic Centre); Sounds of the Seasons Saturdays (live carolling performances at the centre), and Holiday Night Market Sundays (a variety of vendor displays at the new Event Centre, 970 Front Road). Log on to: LaSalle.ca/holidaylights for full details!
The town also hosts Breakfast With Santa and The Mayor, on Saturday December 2, anytime between 9 and 11:30 a.m., at the Event Centre, 970 Front Road. The last breakfast is served at 11 a.m.
During his time away from the North Pole, Santa joins LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche, children, and families, for a pancake breakfast.
Your kids can have the opportunity to visit Santa and share their holiday wish list! Event activities include face painting, airbrush tattoos, a magician, and photos with Santa and other characters. Dance and sing along with DJ Jon as well!
Sparky and the LaSalle Firefighters are also collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Donations of gift cards or cash are also accepted, and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Tickets are $8 per person for the breakfast and can be purchased online only at: LaSalle.ca/santa. You must pre-register to guarantee your spot. Please note that only individuals with paid admission can enter the event, and children two and under are free to enter and do not require pre-registration.
But that’s not all . . . there is also plenty of fun for the entire family on the schedule too!
The LaSalle New Year’s Eve Drive-In Fireworks show at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway, begins at 7:30 p.m. on December 31. Find a parking spot on site and snuggle up with the fam jam for an exciting fireworks display.
LEAMINGTON
Ugly Christmas Sweater Parade
The town’s annual Christmas parade takes place at 6 p.m. on November 25 at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Erie Street, continues north through town and ends at the fairgrounds.
When Santa reaches the judging stage across from town hall, he then waves his wand to turn on the town’s lights and kicks off a short fireworks display.
“The Leamington Christmas Parade is a MUST SEE,” comments Wendy Parsons, General Manager, Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. “Come see the many participants who put so much effort into their entries and all the smiling faces (and ugly Christmas sweaters!) as we welcome the Christmas season to our town.”
WINDSOR
Willistead Manor Holiday Tours & Breakfast With Santa
The City of Windsor invites you to get into the holiday spirit and treat yourself to something unforgettable at Willistead Manor, 1899 Niagara Street.
“The Willistead Manor Holiday Tours are a beloved tradition for many families across Windsor and Essex County,” states Christopher Lawrence Menard, Supervisor, Community Programming — Cultural Affairs. “We look forward to this opportunity to showcase Willistead in a special way each year. In the grand tradition of Edward and Mary Walker’s ‘At Home’ parties, the present-day At the Manor series of poetry readings, live arts performances, themed dinners, tours and more, fills Willistead with folks celebrating and making memories together. Willistead Manor has always been, and will always be, a community gathering place — a backdrop for so many significant life moments. We’re excited to welcome everyone back this December.”
Experience breathtaking beauty as you tour one of Windsor’s most elegant mansions, all decked out in its holiday finest. From the Great Hall on the main floor, to the private dressing chamber on the second, each room boasts a unique colour theme and aesthetic, courtesy of the Friends of Willistead and their dedicated team of volunteers.
Holiday tour dates and times are as follows: Sundays — December 3, 10 & 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays — December 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Please note: The Silver Bells group (bell ringers) perform Sunday, December 17.
Tour reservations are not required and tickets can be purchased at the Coach House upon arrival. To guarantee a complete tour, final tours begin at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays and at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Tour ticket prices are: $6.25 adults; $5.25 students and seniors; and $2.75 for children 12 and under.
As part of the holiday tours, guests also have access to the permanent Coach House Historical Exhibition that opened in 2022, to share and celebrate the history of Edward and Mary Walker, Hiram Walker, the Walker businesses and community impacts, the formation of Walkerville, the construction and uses of Willistead Manor, and much more.
In addition, as part of the At the Manor event series, Willistead Manor teams up again this year with Thyme To-Go, the Friends of Willistead, and Mychailo Photography to present three Breakfast with Santa events throughout the season.
Guests are treated to a breakfast buffet, a visit with Santa in the Great Hall, self-guided mini-tours of the first floor only, and a photo op (provided by Mychailo Photography, at an additional charge). Those interested are encouraged to book soon.
Breakfast with Santa is offered on three Sundays in December — 3, 10 & 17 — from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance on: ThymeToGo.ca ($40 adult general admission and $20 for children 12 and under).
55th Annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association
(DWBIA) is thrilled to announce the return of the cherished Santa Claus Parade, organized by the Windsor Parade Corporation, to its original downtown route on December 2 at 6 p.m.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Windsor Santa Claus Parade, a magical event that has been a staple in the community, creating joyous memories for families and friends.
The parade — which has been held on Wyandotte Street for the last few years — will now twinkle and shine through a nostalgic route that starts at Ouellette Avenue and Wyandotte Street East and goes north on Ouellette to Riverside Drive West, ending at Caron Avenue.
“The parade’s return to the downtown this year is a heart-warming homecoming, reigniting the festive spirit in the heart of Windsor,” says DWBIA Executive Director Debi Croucher. “The downtown area has such vibrant energy and historical charm and it provides a perfect backdrop for this beloved tradition.”
Your “Presents” Is Requested
Since the holidays are all about families, be sure to spend some quality time with yours this November and December.
Enjoy the magic of the bright holiday lights and get out and about to a wide range of Christmas activities in Windsor Essex.
Make some beautiful memories together that you will never forget . . .
Happy holidays everyone!
This article is from the Nov/Dec 2023 issue of Biz X magazine.
