Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
“Have A Holly Jolly Christmas” . . .It’s The Best Time Of The Year For Family Fun
Christmas is a time for family-friendly traditions, Santa Claus parades, spectacular light displays, and festive decorations.
After a season of subdued celebrations last year, many of those fun activities are back in the holiday event line-up.
Why, even Santa Claus is getting in on the act by driving here ASAP so he is ready to participate in the five parades being held in his honour this year!
“I think people are ready to celebrate Christmas by attending family-friendly festive activities again and we are glad many of those traditions have returned,” says Maggie Durocher of the Windsor Parade Corporation, which is organizing Santa Claus parades in Windsor, Essex, and Amherstburg.
There is also a Santa Claus Parade in Leamington, organized by the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, and another in Kingsville organized by the town’s “Fantasy of Lights” committee.
There are fun activities from Essex all the way to Leamington and the majority have returned to in-person attendance. There are a few events still being held online, but they are now in the minority.
“It’s a magical time of the year and it’s time to celebrate and cherish these family-friendly activities — and if there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s to not take them for granted,” says Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
Orr adds: “Not only do these light festivals, parades and other events showcase the best this region has to offer our residents; it’s also a perfect opportunity to show visitors, in town for family celebrations, our region at its best.”
He also comments that it’s yet another step on the uneven path towards recovery for the hospitality and recreational economy.
And there’s plenty to see and do everywhere across the county again this holiday season.
Following is a sample of the list of activities taking place in communities across Essex County between now and Christmas. Keep in mind, COVID-19 restrictions can change with a moment’s notice and it is a good idea to check with each community to make sure there are no changes or postponements in any plans before you head out the door. Check as well if masks are required and also proof of vaccination.
Start Off With “Dear Santa”
Parents have the opportunity to order letters and gift packages from Santa by accessing the website: LettersAndGiftsFromSanta.com or through Isabelle’s Dreams (a local business) via: IsabellesDreams.com.
Letters and scrolls range from $14.95 to $35.95 and “Nice List” certificates range from $8.95 to $16.95. All prices are in U.S. funds.
November 15 to January 16, “Light Up The Night” During “Winter Fest”
This dazzling light show kicks off “Winter Fest” and illuminates Windsor’s commercial properties along Ouellette Avenue, from Tuscarora Street to Riverside Drive and along Maiden Lane West.
Features such as LED colour bars and gobo light imagers create magical experiences encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover downtown’s many treasures.
The light show, staged by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), provides spectators with a canvas of lights for an eight-week period, along with inviting and safe activities for people of all ages.
November 19 The “Ho Ho Ho Holiday Stroll The Street”
Belle River On The Lake BIA invites residents and visitors alike to stroll along Notre Dame Street between Dupuis Street West and Tim Hortons, to view vendors and storefronts displaying their holiday wares.
BIA retail businesses and restaurants are open with special savings offered for customers. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is an upbeat, small town experience bringing businesses and people together over eight blocks. Letters to Santa are collected as well, and there is also entertainment.
November 20 to December 31 The “Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade” & “River Lights Winter Festival”
This annual event, named a Top 100 Ontario attraction by Festivals and Events Ontario in past years, kicks off on November 20 with a tree-lighting ceremony in Kings Navy Yard Park at 6 p.m., followed by free hot chocolate and a fireworks display. A week later, the popular Santa Claus parade takes place on November 27 (but more on that later!).
Attendees are urged to visit downtown Amherstburg safely in an outdoor, enchanted setting amidst two premier parks — Toddy Jones and Kings Navy Yard — and roam the streets of this historic town.
“Amherstburg’s quaint restaurants, cafés and shops make the ‘River Lights’ festival a great family and friends winter destination,” says Anne Rota,Manager of Tourism and Culture for the Town of Amherstburg. “Being able to view the lights, stroll along historic Rankin Street with the houses decked to the nines, eat in one of our eclectic restaurants or grab a coffee and a dessert in a cool coffee shop, makes Amherstburg unique and inviting.”
There are thousands of lights on display throughout the downtown area, including many along Rankin Street where many of the homes date back to the Victorian era. The “Holiday Stroll” takes place from mid-November until the end of December.
November 20 The “Kingsville Santa Claus Parade”
The town’s 18th annual parade kicks off at 6 p.m. in downtown Kingsville. This year’s theme is “What Christmas Means To Me.”
The parade route runs along Main Street from Migration Hall to Division Street and then south on Division to Park Street.
November 20 to January 5 The “Kingsville Fantasy Of Lights Festival”
Following the Kingsville parade, all the lights in Lakeside Park are turned on by Santa himself for the 29th annual “Fantasy of Lights Festival” Opening Ceremonies.
There are also electric train rides available around the upper bowl of the park to see the light displays. So hop aboard to take in the sights while sipping hot chocolate from the comfort of the Kingsville Express!
The train rides run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting November 21 before wrapping up on January 5. Admission is $2 per person, $5 per family of four and free for children under two years of age.
During the “Fantasy of Lights” celebration, there is alsoa “Light up the Town” contest for business owners and homeowners. All property owners are invited to light up their homes with the finest in festive decorations, all designed to entertain and enchant visitors and residents alike.
November 21“Handmade For The Holidays — Woven Ornament Workshop”
Residents and visitors are invited to join the staff at John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area in Essex and learn how to make two hand-woven ornaments — a reindeer and a heart.
Here you can learn how to work with flat reed for the reindeer and cardstock for the heart. These handmade treasures add sentimental value as gifts or holiday toppers.
The $25 lesson includes instructions and materials. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Homestead is located at 915 Essex County Road 50 in Essex. Reserve your tickets for this Essex Region Conservation Authority event.
