NOVEMBER 2024 TO JANUARY 2025 HOLIDAY EVENTS IN WINDSOR ESSEX & CHATHAM KENT

Christmas, brings smiles to the faces of young and old. With memories of past holidays alive in our hearts, we welcome opportunities to re-experience what brought us joy. Every year, ways abound to reconnect and relive the past in the present day, whether it’s visiting friends and family or attending local events during the holiday season from mid-November through the beginning of January.

Biz X now looks at five feature events in Windsor Essex and Chatham- Kent. These include the Dresden Christmas Night Market, Christmas on the Farm in Amherstburg; A Heritage Christmas at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village in Kingsville; Santa’s Village & Market in downtown Essex; and finally, holiday tours and a special breakfast at Willistead Manor in Windsor.

We then follow up with a summary list of other major holiday events for you to peruse and choose where you and your family will visit next! As always, Biz X magazine endeavours to ensure all information is up to
date, although sometimes things change for a variety of reasons. It is recommended to check the websites provided to be certain on everything is running as planned.

So sit back, make a cup of hot cocoa and prepare to get in the spirit of the season and read up on where to be this holiday season . . .

The Dresden Christmas Night Market

To begin we visit Dresden, Ontario, a small town in Chatham Kent that’s about an hour from Belle River and located on the Sydenham River. Their signature holiday event is the Dresden Christmas Night Market,
taking place this year on Saturday, November 30 from 3 to 8 p.m. Since 2017, this outside event takes place in downtown Dresden and covers the entire downtown core area (six blocks) plus a few other areas.
It celebrates small businesses, non-profits, and creative entrepreneurs in the region.

While the market is free to attend, there is a cost for certain items, especially if you love to shop and wine & dine! Stroll the streets of Dresden and experience a wide variety of items for sale by over 120 vendors. Nearly all the downtown shops are open as well for shopping, during the market.

In addition, there are 15 food trucks/vendors on site, satisfying hunger pangs arising from walking and taking in the entirety of the venue. And there are always a few surprise entertainers to liven things up.

Co-organizer of the event, Moréna McDonald, explains the origin of the Night Market: “We’re a small group of friends who took a risk in 2017 by creating an event in a small town, hosting it at night, in the middle of December.

It was an instant hit and the Dresden Night Market is now one of the biggest events in our region. Our Christmas Night Market is run by volunteers and all proceeds are given to the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre. Our goal has always been to bring the community together and we see that happen in bigger ways every year.”

The Night Market attracts thousands from across southwestern Ontario. While the targeted age group is 25 to 55, all ages are welcome.

In the Pop-Up Bar area, you must be 19 years of age or older, to enter. You can purchase drinks from local breweries and wineries to enjoy before or after your shopping and every guest receives a reusable Pop-
Up Bar cup. Use it the entire night or at one of their future events. This alone has significantly reduced the amount of single-use plastic waste at the Dresden Night Market events.

Be part of Dresden’s desire to bring community together this holiday season, and as the old saying goes — eat, drink and be merry (but remember, if drinking alcohol, be sure to do it responsibly!)

Christmas On The Farm

In Amherstburg, we find Christmas on the Farm located at Sarah Parks Horsemanship, 7150 Essex County Rd 20.

Sarah Parks invites you and your family to her farm to share in a truly immersive and interactive Essex County experience. As part of the Christmas in the County event schedule, Christmas on the Farm is in its
second year of operation.

Beginning November 15, 2024 and going to December 15, 2024, its hours are: Friday 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday to 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. (Note: No there are no events on: November 23, December 7 and December 14, 2024). All visitors are advised to park at Malden Centre Park, 5460 Essex County Road 20. A shuttle service is available to take visitors to the farm, which is 1.6 km away. As this is a family affair, all ages are welcome to participate. Cost is $5 per person or $15 per family.

Once there, your holiday experiences include viewing decorative lighting and meeting the various characters on hand, plus there’s a Christmas Vendors Market. If you like elves, attend Elf School and find out more about the elfin way of life.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be busy working . . . Santa is accepting visitors in the Cedar Cabin while Mrs. Claus is in the haymow telling stories to all interested parties. Prefer the outdoors? You’ll be thrilled to know there is an outdoor fire to make S’mores, and there’s going to be barbecuing of hotdogs too.

You can have your picture taken with the ponies, visit the Peppermint Forest or get involved with the Reindeer Games. Plus, there is going to be loads of entertainment, including last year’s fan-favourite Folkin’ Around the Fire with Clinton (Anderson) and more!

According to Maggie Durocher, Executive Director of the Windsor Parade Corporation (presenters of the Christmas in the County series): “This event is different than any other holiday events in the area.

Our goal is to provide families with authentic experiences that take place in non-traditional settings to raise awareness about Essex County.”

A Heritage Christmas Celebration; Christmas Market & Special Breakfast

Now let’s head to Kingsville for an event that is making its return on the holiday calendar — A Heritage Christmas — at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village (CTMHV), 6155 Arner Townline.

This event was held for several years prior to the pandemic. Its long- awaited return is happening with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers who are excited to help you celebrate the spirit of the holidays!

All age groups are welcome and admission is $5 per person, while children four and under are not charged to attend. For 2024, the event is held on weekends, the museum is open from 4 to 8 p.m. for visits on November 29 & 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.

See iconic Christmas characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Claus with their elves and the Grinch. Experience a trail ride and enjoy the carollers throughout the evening. Plenty of winter treats are also available, such as
hot cocoa, hot cider and S’mores. Attendees can watch period cooking demonstrations with samples.

CTMHV Education Coordinator Courtney Gregorian states: “We really wanted to create an immersive experience for people of all ages, by decorating our historic village and bringing it to life with actors,
activities, live entertainment and more.”

In addition, two Heritage Christmas weekends have special events for families and children. On November 30 and December 1, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can wander through the Christmas Market for $5
(children 12 and under are not charged).

On December 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there is a Breakfast with Santa ($8 for children and $16 for adults).

A Heritage Christmas also helps to enrich the educational programs available at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village.

Santa’s Village & Market Plus The Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade

Now in its third year, Santa’s Village & Market is set to take place on Saturday, December 14, from 2 to 9 p.m., in downtown Essex at 87 Station Street.

It includes events and activities for all ages, such as cookie decorating; crafting; live shows; music; food vendors around numerous fire pits, where individuals can keep warm, and holiday shopping in the downtown core with an additional 100 local small business vendors on site.

As Rich Tapping, Event Organizer/Founder & Vice Chair of the Santa’s Village & Market Committee describes: “Santa’s Village & Market brings families together to relive the cherished Christmas traditions of the ‘60s and ‘70s, when the holiday season was about community, togetherness, and supporting one another. This event recreates that timeless experience, offering the chance for families to bond while browsing and purchasing handmade and homemade items and supporting local businesses, just like in the old days.”

During the day, take in a variety of performances from local talent showcasing the rich, musical diversity of our region. Acoustic players and barbershop quartets, DJs and local musicians, in addition to live entertainment, with special performances from The Jon Brett Music Show, Matthew Romain Holiday Show, and Essex County’s talented Jason Baclig, along with the Essex Community Concert Band, are all performing under the pavilion.

Dazzling everyone on the transformed 34th Street (formerly Talbot Street) is the Kobbler Jay Show (Jay Henderson) and the Ron Gudel

Magic Show. And we can’t forget Santa, who is in the historic train station that is now his workshop! This year there are two Polar Express Train rides as well as a brand new Ferris wheel. These additions are sure to add extra excitement and joy to attendees of all ages.

“A key aspect of Santa’s Village & Market is that it is entirely free for everyone,” Tapping points out. “In today’s challenging economic times, many families are struggling to find affordable ways to enjoy the holiday season. We are proud to offer a space where children and their families can come together, participate in all the activities — including riding the Polar Express trains, visiting Santa, and enjoying live entertainment — without any cost. Our goal is to create a welcoming and magical experience for everyone, ensuring that no one is left out of the holiday joy, regardless of their financial situation. All of this is made possible by local sponsors.”

But wait, there’s even more holiday fun on the agenda with the addition of the beloved Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade at 6:30 p.m. on the same day (December 14), run by the Windsor Parade Corporation. To view the event schedule and a list of marketplace vendors, check online.

Willistead Manor Annual Holiday Tours & Breakfast With Santa

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Willistead Manor, in the heart of Walkerville, as you and your family step inside this elegant mansion decked out in its holiday finest.

Tour the home from the main floor Great Hall, with portraits of Walker family members, to the private dressing chamber on the second floor that belonged to Mary Walker. Each room boasts a unique colour theme and aesthetic, courtesy of the Friends of Willistead and their dedicated team of volunteers.

Guests also have access to the permanent Coach House Historical Exhibition as part of the Holiday Tours. The exhibition shares and celebrates the story of Edward Walker (and his wife, Mary), Hiram Walker, the Walker family businesses and community impacts, the formation of the Town of Walkerville, the construction of Willistead Manor, and more.

Christopher Lawrence Menard, Supervisor, Community Programming — Cultural Affairs, expresses: “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 again this December. Combined with Bright Lights Windsor, our community really is a place where tradition continues to shine.”

Tour dates and hours in 2024 are: Sundays, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 1 to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To guarantee a complete tour, final tours begin Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tour admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for students/seniors, and $3 for children 12 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the CBC Make The Season Kind campaign.

As well, Breakfast With Santa takes place on Sundays, December 1, 15 and 22, 2024, with one seating at 10 a.m. It includes a breakfast buffet, Santa visit and photo op, and a self-guided mini-tour of Willistead Manor. Keepsake photos with Santa, to take away, are an extra cost. For links to all upcoming events at the manor (1899 Niagara Street in Windsor) over the holidays, visit online.

Let The Festivities Continue . . .

Many other fun, holiday events and parades also occur in the Windsor Essex, Chatham-Kent area throughout November and December. Several big events have already happened before the November/December edition of Biz X magazine was distributed, such as the Kingsville Santa Claus Parade and opening ceremonies of the town’s Fantasy of Lights and the kick-off for the Amherstburg River Lights
Festival, which took place in mid-November.

However, there is still a ton of jam-packed, family fun in the region until January, such as . . .

Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival & Santa Claus Parade

This annual light display began on November 16, 2024 and continues until January 5, 2025 in the town’s two main parks. In addition, the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade is on November 23, 2024, commencing at 6 p.m. sharp. There is also a Gingerbread Warming House until December 22.

Kingsville Fantasy of Lights: Already underway since November 16, 2024, this event at Lakeside Park features concerts, light displays, train rides, markets and more until Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Christmas in Tecumseh: Taking place on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m., the evening begins with the Santa Claus Parade, starting from Lacasse Park and ending at the Town Centre Park, 12021 McNorton Street. There is also entertainment for the children, warm refreshments and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights: The kick-off event begins at 5 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5950 Malden Road (LaSalle Civic Centre) with the event ending Sunday, January 5, 2025. Lights are on daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Santa Saturdays are held November 23 until December 14, 2024. Night Markets are on Sundays Nov. 24 to Dec. 15.

Bright Lights Windsor: From Friday, November 29, 2024 to Tuesday, January 7, 2025 visitors to Jackson Park can once again see the park alight with stunning displays and thousands of lights. In 2023, over 100,000 people enjoyed the dazzling displays, local vendors and holiday entertainment.

The Leamington Christmas Parade: On Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 6 p.m., the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is Christmas over the
years.

The 57th Annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade: This parade takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 6 p.m. on Ouellette Avenue from Elliott Street to Riverside Drive, and Riverside Drive West to Caron Avenue.

Yule Find It All Here

For many families the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year as everyone has a break from the daily routine of work and school and can spend quality time together.

We hope you can attend at least one — if not all — of the events profiled for this story. Keep in mind, new events pop up constantly, so be sure to check the website calendars on: BizXmagazine.com and:
VisitWindsorEssex.com.

No matter what type of event your family enjoys, you are sure to have a jolly good time in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent this fall and winter!