Visit a town immersed in the holiday spirit!

Every night from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, hundreds of customized LED light displays light up the town’s two main parks. King’s Navy Yard Park (242 Dalhousie St.), along the Detroit River, features traditional displays that showcase the warm hearted feel of the season with carolers, angels, soldiers and more. Toddy Jones Park (50 North St.) features whimsical, playful displays for the kids and the kid at heart to enjoy.

Visiting River Lights has become a tradition for many families...make it one of yours!

Santa Claus is coming to Pickering! With extravagant floats from Pickering businesses and community groups, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself, the Santa Claus Parade is the spectacle to kick off everyone’s holiday season. The parade will begin at Dixie and Glenanna and end in Pickering’s City Centre.

Aurora’s Christmas Market: A Holiday Tradition with Heart

Aurora’s Christmas Market is a cherished seasonal celebration that blends small-town warmth with big-event energy. Since its inception, the Market has grown into a signature holiday experience, drawing thousands from across the Greater Toronto Area. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Town Park, the event features over 115 vendors, immersive workshops, dazzling live performances, and beloved traditions like the Peace Candle lighting ceremony.

More than just a market, it’s a community-driven festival powered by passionate volunteers, inclusive programming, and a commitment to accessibility. With its “Hallmark movie” atmosphere and thoughtfully curated activities, Aurora’s Christmas Market delivers joy, connection, and lasting memories year after year.

Two weekends:

Nov 27-29, 2026
Dec 4-6, 2026

Select Nights from November 28, 2026 to January 1, 2027

Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting. Over one million lights illuminate Upper Canada Village, creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop – a true winter wonderland!

• Tickets must be purchased online in-advance.
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• No pets, only service animals permitted. 

Bright Lights Windsor transforms Jackson park in Windsor, Ontario into a luminous spectacle, captivating visitors from Windsor Essex and beyond from the last weekend of November to the first weekend of January. Open seven nights a week, this beloved event offered a space for celebration, tradition and memory-making.

With light as a central theme, Bright lights Windsor invites guest of all ages to experience a free, family-friendly, and accessible event spanning 38 days. Visitors enjoy 2 kilometers of pathways illuminated by over 2 million lights, 56 vibrant displays, a stunning 64-foot tree, a local vendors' market, weekly entertainment, and unique experiences for everyone.

Christkindl is a 4 day festival that brings the magic of the holidays to life! With over 100 vendors, delicious food, talented entertainers, roaming buskers and an interactive kids area, there is something for everyone to enjoy!  Christkindl recreates the sights, sounds, smells and spirit of the Christmas festivals found across Germany and provides a welcoming environment for all to celebrate the holiday season!

Experience the magic of the holidays in Nautical Village and Millennium Square. Enjoy live ice carving displays, festive music and buskers, roaming characters, s’mores stations, giveaways, and more.

From holiday markets and photo stations to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Two Dates:

December 5 (11:30 am – 3:00 pm) and December 12 (11:30 am – 3:00 pm)

Join us for a delightful holiday experience at the Annual Santa's Village & Market, a family-friendly event open to all ages. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas in the beautiful downtown of Essex Centre, in the middle of Essex County. Join us for a delightful holiday experience at the Annual Santa's Village & Market, a family-friendly event open to all ages. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas in the beautiful downtown of Essex Centre, in the middle of Essex County. This enchanting one-day event brings Christmas magic alive for everyone! Come and join in the festivities as you decorate scrumptious cookies and create magical reindeer food. Delight in the melodious tunes of live music while exploring a variety of food vendors offering freshly made donuts, cotton candy, and more. Discover a wide array of crafts and merchandise vendors, offering unique treasures for all. Don't forget to pay a visit to Santa's Workshop for a cherished photo opportunity and a special gift. And as the day unfolds, prepare to be amazed by our spectacular Santa Claus Parade, commencing at 6:30 PM! After the parade, come back into the village as the fun continues providing joy for all including grabbing that special Christmas gift before you head home! This is an event you wouldn't want to miss, a must-visit for families to kick off the Christmas holiday season with joy and wonder. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the event date. Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of December each year in the picturesque downtown of Essex. You can find us conveniently located at the corner of Talbot and Victoria in the Heritage Gardens area, next to the Essex Historic Train Station!