Updated November 9, 2026
The holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year in Windsor and Essex County. From sparkling light displays and Santa Claus parades to Christmas markets and small-town celebrations, there are plenty of ways to make lasting memories close to home.
And this year, finding affordable ways to celebrate feels especially important.
With the cost of groceries, housing and everyday essentials stretching many household budgets, families shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a little Christmas magic.
The good news? Some of the best holiday experiences in Windsor-Essex are completely free.
We’ve gathered Christmas parades, festive markets, holiday light displays and family-friendly activities happening throughout Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington, Tecumseh, Lakeshore and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re looking for an evening adventure with the kids, a festive date night or a simple outing with the grandparents, there’s something to look forward to this season.
Santa Claus Parades Across Windsor & Essex County
Few holiday traditions bring a community together quite like a Santa Claus parade. Bundle up, bring a travel mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the colourful floats, music and excitement as Santa makes his way through our local communities.
Most local parades are free to watch.
| Community | 2026 date and start time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tecumseh | Fri., Nov. 20, 6 PM | Lacasse Park to Tecumseh Town Hall |
| Kingsville | Sat., Nov. 21, 5 PM | Wigle Ave., Main St., Division St. to Lakeside Park |
| Amherstburg | Sat., Nov. 21, 6 PM | Downtown Amherstburg |
| Belle River | Fri., Nov. 27, 6 PM | Notre Dame Street |
| Leamington | Sat., Nov. 28, 6 PM | Downtown, Erie Street |
| Windsor | Sat., Dec. 5, 6 PM | Ouellette Ave., Giles Blvd. to Pitt St. |
| Essex | Sat., Dec. 12, 6:30 PM | Talbot St., Fairview Ave. to Medora Ave. |
These dates and start times are supported by 2026 municipal, parade-organizer, BIA or tourism listings. Parade routes may involve road closures or last-minute adjustments. Check the links below before attending.
Featured Parade Highlights
Tecumseh: Christmas in Tecumseh
Friday, November 20, 6 to 9 PM. Along with the parade, the community celebration at Tecumseh Town Centre Park offers an opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit with family and neighbours.
Kingsville: Fantasy of Lights Parade
Saturday, November 21, beginning at 5 PM. After the parade, head to Lakeside Park for carols and the official lighting of the town’s festive displays.
Amherstburg: 19th Annual Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 21, 6 to 8 PM. There’s also a family-friendly fan zone planned from 3 to 5:30 PM. Consider combining the parade with an evening walk through River Lights.
Belle River: Merry and Bright Christmas Parade
Friday, November 27, 6 to 9 PM. The Belle River BIA is hosting the parade along Notre Dame Street, followed by a community Christmas tree lighting.
Leamington: A World of Christmas Magic
Saturday, November 28, 6 to approximately 7:30 PM. Enjoy festive floats and entertainment along Erie Street in downtown Leamington.
Official Leamington Chamber listing
Windsor: 59th Annual Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 5, starting at 6 PM. The parade returns to Ouellette Avenue, travelling from Giles Boulevard to Pitt Street.
Official parade route and information
Essex: Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 12, beginning at 6:30 PM. The parade travels along Talbot Street between Fairview and Medora Avenues.
Magical Holiday Light Displays Worth Visiting
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the season without spending much money is to visit the beautiful light displays throughout Windsor-Essex. Many are free to explore, making them ideal for family walks, holiday photos or a simple evening out.
River Lights Winter Festival | Amherstburg
Dates: November 14, 2026 to early January 2027
Locations: King’s Navy Yard Park, 242 Dalhousie Street, and Toddy Jones Park, 50 North Street
Celebrate 20 years of River Lights. The opening night on November 14 features a tree lighting at 6 PM, cannon firing at 6:15 PM, fireworks at 6:20 PM and entertainment beginning at 6:45 PM. It’s a wonderful way to spend an evening along Amherstburg’s waterfront.
Bright Lights Windsor | Windsor
Opening: Friday, November 27, 2026
Location: Jackson Park, 125 Tecumseh Road East
Thousands of lights transform Jackson Park into a festive destination for families. Enjoy illuminated displays, photo opportunities and the return of the W.E. Made It Holiday Market. The City has confirmed the opening date, with the complete 2026 nightly schedule still to come.
Fantasy of Lights | Kingsville and Cottam
Dates: November 21, 2026 to the first week of January 2027
Locations: Lakeside Park, 315 Queen Street, Kingsville, and Cottam Rotary Park
Walk through the seasonal light displays or enjoy an inexpensive ride on the Kingsville Express.
Train rides: November 27 to December 20, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 6 to 8 PM, weather permitting.
Cost: $2 per person, $5 for a family of four, or by donation.
Holiday Lights Heritage Nights | LaSalle
Season: November 2026 to January 2027; exact nightly hours to be announced
Locations: LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road, and LaSalle Landing
This holiday celebration features illuminated displays, outdoor skating opportunities, entertainment and special holiday markets. It’s another beautiful local outing that doesn’t require an expensive admission ticket.
Christmas Markets and Holiday Shopping Events
Christmas markets offer more than a place to shop. They’re also a chance to support local makers, discover thoughtful gifts and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Many have free admission, so families can simply browse without being obligated to spend.
| When? | Market and location | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 14, 10 AM–3 PM | Kingsville Holiday Market, Lakeside Park Pavilion, 315 Queen St. | Free |
| Nov. 14, 11 AM–5 PM | Windsor-Essex Christmas Market, WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh St. | Free |
| Nov. 15, 9 AM–3 PM | Holiday Craft & Gift Show, Atlas Tube Recreation Centre, 447 Renaud Line, Lakeshore | $2 donation |
| Nov. 15, 9 AM–3 PM | Christmas Crafters & Vendors Market, St. Mary’s Hall | Free; food donation appreciated |
| Nov. 20, 5–10 PM and Nov. 21, 11 AM–5 PM | Walkerville Brewery Holiday Market, 525 Argyle Rd., Windsor | Check organizer |
| Nov. 21–22, hours vary | Tecumseh Christmas Market, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261, 12326 Lanoue St. | Check organizer |
| Nov. 27, 4–8 PM and Nov. 28–29, 10 AM–4 PM | Handmade Christmas Extravaganza, WFCU Centre, Windsor | Free |
| Nov. 29 and Dec. 13, 4–8 PM | LaSalle Holiday Night Markets, Event Centre, 970 Front Rd. | Check organizer |
| Dec. 4, 3–7 PM | Very Merry Holiday Market, Tecumseh Towne Centre, 1614 Lesperance Rd. | Check organizer |
| Dec. 5–6, hours to be confirmed | Fantasy of Lights Market, Lakeside Park Pavilion, Kingsville | Check organizer |
| Dec. 12–13, 10 AM–3 PM | WFCU Holiday Market, WFCU Centre, Windsor | Free |
A few markets especially worth mentioning:
Windsor-Essex Christmas Market, November 14: This is more than a shopping event. Families can enjoy a free children’s storytelling session with the Essex County Library from 1 to 2 PM, while Santa photos are scheduled from 2 to 4 PM. The market also advertises holiday decorating activities. Check whether individual activities or photographs have additional charges. Event information
Handmade Christmas Extravaganza, November 27 to 29: A great option for shopping local without paying an entrance fee. Donations supporting local charities are appreciated but not required. Event details and Facebook link
Very Merry Holiday Market, December 4: Browse outdoor vendor tents, enjoy seasonal music and visit a festive family photo station in Tecumseh. Organizer’s event page
WFCU Holiday Market, December 12 and 13: This free event includes approximately 100 vendors and advertised complimentary holiday photo opportunities. Tourism listing
More Free and Low-Cost Holiday Activities
Christmas Tree Lighting in Essex
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6 PM
Essex Town Hall, 33 Talbot Street South
Gather in the heart of Essex to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the community tree lighting. A simple, festive outing that’s perfect for younger children or families looking to stay close to home.
Walkerville Holiday Walk
Friday, November 20, 2026 | From 5 PM
Wyandotte Street East, Windsor, approximately Gladstone Avenue to Argyle Road
Enjoy an evening wandering through Walkerville’s charming commercial district, taking in seasonal decorations and visiting local shops. Pair it with the holiday market at Walkerville Brewery for even more festive browsing.
CPKC Holiday Train in Windsor
Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 5–5:30 PM
CP Rail Yard, 1039 Janette Avenue, Windsor
A brightly illuminated train, live holiday music and a chance to support families in need make this a particularly meaningful event. Admission is free, with food bank donations encouraged.
2026 Holiday Train information
Miracle in Sandwich
Saturday, November 28, 2026 | Activities from 9 AM
Olde Sandwich Town, Sandwich Street, Windsor
One of the more community-focused celebrations on the calendar, with Santa story times at the John Muir Library, afternoon crafts at participating local shops, and a tree lighting at Mary E. Bibb Park at approximately 5:15 PM. An evening concert at Mackenzie Hall requests a toy or monetary donation for local children’s charities.
Event information and Facebook listing
A Heritage Christmas in Kingsville
December 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, 2026
Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village, 6155 Arner Townline
A reasonably priced opportunity to experience Christmas traditions, children’s activities, seasonal crafts and entertainment in a historic setting.
Admission: $5 per person, with children four and under free.
Hours are 5 to 8 PM on December 12, 18 and 19, and 10 AM to 3 PM on December 13 and 20.
Dates, prices and event details
Kingsville’s Free New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
Thursday, December 31, 2026 | Times to be announced
Kingsville Arena
The Fantasy of Lights celebration continues with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event featuring free skating, hot chocolate, crafts and weather-dependent fireworks. A lovely way to finish the holiday season without an expensive night out.
Official Fantasy of Lights program
Don’t Forget Our Smaller Communities
Some of the best traditions happen away from the bigger festivals. These events are also worth keeping on your holiday calendar:
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Harrow: The Harrow Rotary Club tree lighting is listed for Saturday, November 21, at the Suncor Lot. A public start time still needs confirmation.
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Cottam: Enjoy the Fantasy of Lights displays at Cottam Rotary Park beginning November 21.
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Tilbury: The Tilbury Lions Christmas Light Festival is listed to begin Friday, November 27, at approximately 5:30 PM in Tilbury Memorial Park, 25 Henderson Street. Confirm the opening-night schedule with the organizer.
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McGregor and Colchester: Breakfast with Santa activities are listed for December 5 at local community centres. Admission costs, event times and registration details still need verification.
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Essex Centre: Santa’s Village is listed for December 12 in the downtown and Heritage Gardens area, alongside the evening Santa Claus parade. The full activity schedule has not yet been published in the sources reviewed.
For smaller-community activities it’s a good idea to consult the Town of Essex, Windsor-Essex Christmas event listings and local organizers’ social pages to account for any last minute changes.
Five Simple Ways to Enjoy Christmas Without Overspending
The holidays should be about spending time together, not stretching the household budget further than it can comfortably go.
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Choose one holiday outing each weekend. With several free light festivals and parades, there’s no need to pay for an expensive attraction every time.
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Pack your own treats. A thermos of hot chocolate and homemade cookies can turn an ordinary evening walk into a family tradition.
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Make Christmas shopping part of the experience. Visit local holiday markets, enjoy the displays and set a spending limit before leaving home.
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Combine nearby events. Enjoy the Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade and River Lights on the same evening, or visit Walkerville’s holiday market during the neighbourhood Holiday Walk.
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Look for activities that give back. Some holiday events collect food, toys or optional donations for families who could use additional support. Even a small contribution, when affordable, can make a difference.
Making Memories Close to Home
Windsor and Essex County have so much to offer during the Christmas season, and some of the most memorable experiences don’t cost anything at all.
A family bundled up along a parade route. Children excited to see Santa. A quiet walk beneath thousands of Christmas lights. An afternoon exploring a small-town holiday market.
These are the moments that make the season special.
As a local real estate team, we love sharing the events, traditions and communities that make Windsor-Essex such a wonderful place to call home. From the waterfront in Amherstburg to the charming streets of Kingsville, the celebrations in Leamington and the festive neighbourhoods of Windsor, there’s plenty of holiday magic waiting to be discovered.
From all of us at The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage, we wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and memorable holiday season!
Visit www.DanGemus.com for more Windsor-Essex community news, local real estate information and helpful homeowner resources.
Event information was researched as of November 9, 2026. Dates, times, prices and activities may change. Some events may require registration or have additional costs for optional activities. Please check the linked organizer’s page before attending.
This blog is for information purposes only and is not way intended to solicit those currently under contract with another real estate agent/brokerage. The dates/times/locations of the events are subject to change at the sole discretion of the organizer. Please confirm event details prior to attending.
