Christmas in Windsor-Essex 2026: Parades, Markets and Light Shows

Windsor-Essex takes Christmas seriously. Between the light festivals, the parades, the church bazaars and at least one market selling candles that smell like "Cabin", you could fill every weekend from mid-November to New Year's without spending much at all.

Here's the 2026 holiday calendar for Windsor and Essex County, sorted by what you're in the mood for. We'll add new events as they're announced.

Key dates at a glance

• Sat, Nov 14: River Lights Winter Festival opens in Amherstburg
• Sat, Nov 14: Windsor-Essex Christmas Market (Part 1) at the WFCU Centre
• Sun, Nov 15: Santa arrives at Devonshire Mall
• Thu, Nov 19: Essex tree lighting at Essex Town Hall
• Fri, Nov 20: Walkerville Holiday Walk on Wyandotte Street East
• Fri, Nov 20: Christmas in Tecumseh at Tecumseh Towne Centre
• Sat, Nov 21: Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade
• Sat, Nov 21: Kingsville Fantasy of Lights at Lakeside Park
• Fri, Nov 27: Bright Lights Windsor opens at Jackson Park
• Sat, Dec 5, 6 pm: Windsor Santa Claus Parade

Parades

Windsor Santa Claus Parade

The Windsor Santa Claus Parade rolls on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 6 pm. It's an evening parade, which means lit-up floats, marching bands and a lot of kids who will absolutely not be going to bed on time. In recent years it has run through downtown along Ouellette Avenue. Get there 30 to 45 minutes early for a curbside spot, and bring something to sit on. The curb is cold and it doesn't care about your feelings.

Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade

Amherstburg's parade runs through downtown on Saturday, November 21. It's smaller and more small-town than Windsor's, which is exactly the appeal. Stay afterwards and walk the River Lights displays a few blocks away.

Other towns across Essex County, including Tecumseh, LaSalle, Kingsville and Leamington, hold their own parades and tree lightings through late November and early December. Check each town's website for times.

Light festivals

Bright Lights Windsor (Jackson Park)

Windsor's big free light festival opens Friday, November 27 and usually runs into early January. Expect themed light zones, a holiday market Thursday to Sunday, a chalet bar, Santa visits and quiet sensory-friendly Monday nights. See our full Bright Lights Windsor 2026 guide for hours, parking and tips.

River Lights Winter Festival (Amherstburg)

River Lights opens November 14 and runs nightly into early January, with hundreds of LED displays across two parks: King's Navy Yard Park on the Detroit River and Toddy Jones Park at 50 North Street. Last year it also had a Gingerbread Warming House with hot chocolate and crafts on weekend nights, plus Santa story time on Sundays. It's about 30 minutes from downtown Windsor and makes a lovely, slightly less crowded alternative to Bright Lights.

Kingsville Fantasy of Lights

Kingsville lights up Lakeside Park from November 21. If you're already heading to the county for a winery visit or dinner, it's a nice way to end the night.

Christmas markets

• Windsor-Essex Christmas Market (Part 1), Sat, Nov 14, WFCU Centre. One of the biggest indoor markets in the region, with crafters, food and gifts under one roof.
• Holiday market at Bright Lights Windsor, Thursdays to Sundays from November 27 at Jackson Park.
• Tinseltown Windsor Christmas Pop-up, Nov 13, 14, 15, 19 and 20 at 400 Erie Street East in Little Italy.
• Holiday Market at Walkerville Brewery, Fri, Nov 20. Shop, then reward yourself with a pint. That's called balance.
• Holiday Craft and Gift Show, Sun, Nov 15, at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre in Lakeshore.
• Church bazaars at St. Andrew's Anglican (Nov 7) and Emmanuel United (Nov 14), plus the Poinsettia Bazaar at 3200 Woodland Drive (Nov 14). Come for the baked goods, stay because a retiree insisted you try the shortbread.

Holiday walks and town nights

• Walkerville Holiday Walk, Fri, Nov 20: shops along Wyandotte Street East stay open late with holiday treats and decorations. It's one of the nicest nights of the year to wander Walkerville.
• Christmas in Tecumseh, Fri, Nov 20: a community holiday night at Tecumseh Towne Centre.
• Essex tree lighting, Thu, Nov 19 at Essex Town Hall.

Seeing Santa

• Devonshire Mall: Santa arrives Sunday, November 15 and stays through the season for photos.
• Bright Lights Windsor: Santa visits on Friday and Saturday nights.
• River Lights Amherstburg: Santa story time on Sunday evenings.

Tips for a stress-free season

• Do the big events on weeknights where you can. Saturday nights in December are packed everywhere.
• Dress warmer than you think. Standing still at a parade is colder than walking.
• Bring cash for small vendors, bazaars and parking.
• Check the weather before light festivals, which can close for wind or storms.

Know about an event we've missed? Tell us and we'll add it.