Whether you’re ready for it or not, the holiday season is upon us!
There are so many markets and events happening throughout Windsor-Essex that we’ve put together a list of 10 holiday activities across the region to help get you into the holiday spirit.
WindsorEats Holiday Night Market Presented By St. Clair College Alumni
With local vendors, live music, food, hot drinks, and more, this is Windsor’s only fully licensed weekly Holiday market.
Hosted outdoors (and indoors) at WindsorEats, the Holiday Night Market is presented by the St. Clair College Alumni Association and takes place every Thursday form 5pm to 9pm starting November 2, 2023 until December 21.
A family friendly event, the market will see vendors such as What’s Poppin’, Spoontastic Treats, Urban Crow, Anthony Difazio, Raw Bath Market, Otters & Acorns, and more, setup as vendors outdoors in holiday courtyard.
While live music will set the holiday mood outside, Mack Flash Trivia will be inside hosting trivia from 7pm to 9pm.
WindsorEats will have a fun cocktail menu, complete with Gluehwein (hot mulled wine), hot cocoa with toasted marshmallows on top, and many more drinks and cocktails that will have you feeling all holly and jolly.
There will be plenty of decorations and lights for everyone to enjoy and set the tone for a great Holiday season! Event Santa has been making appearances!
Christmas in Tecumseh & Santa Parade
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Tecumseh, Ontario!
Christmas in Tecumseh makes it’s return on November 17 from 6pm to 9pm at the Tecumseh Arena & Town Centre Park, located at 12021 McNorton St.
The evening begins with the Santa Parade at 6:00pm, starting near Lacasse Park and ending at Town Hall.
There will be complimentary warm refreshments available at Town Centre Park, first come first serve.
After the parade, there will be lots of free family-friendly activities at Tecumseh Arena and Town Centre Park for you to enjoy! Activities include meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, public skating, petting zoo, horse and carriage rides, marshmallow roast, arts and crafts, glow golf, and more!
Walkerville Holiday Walk
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Come stroll the streets of Walkerville on November 17 and 18 for Walkerville’s annual Holiday Walk! You’ll be able to get photos with Santa along with exciting activities, great holiday shopping, food, drinks, and so much more.
Holiday Market at Walkerville Brewery
If you’re heading to the Walkerville Holiday Walk, be sure to stop by Walkerville Brewery for their annual Holiday Market!
The brewery will be hosting a selection of local vendors on Friday, November 17 from 5-10PM and Saturday, November 18 from 12-6PM. The Holiday Market is indoors.
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN
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The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will visit Windsor on November 24.
The train will first make a stop in Chatham at the Holiday Inn/Convention Centre parking lot off Richmond Street. It arrives at 2:30pm with the show running from 2:45pm to 3:15pm.
It makes its way into the CP Yard at Erie Street West and Janette Street in Windsor at 5:45pm with the show running from 6:00pm to 6:30pm.
Seaforth & Kiesza will preform at both stops.
Mistletoe Market
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The 6th Annual Mistletoe Market will be at a new location this holiday season. Over 50 local makers will be set up at the Waters Edge Event Center to start your holiday shopping.
There will be two weekends and two levels of music, a cash bar, food, shopping and free swag. The first 75 guests through the door will receive a swag bag with goodies from the vendors.
Each weekend will have a different set of vendors to visit:
- November 24 (5-10pm) and 25 (10-6pm)
- December 8 (5-10pm) and 9 (10-6pm)
Admission is $3.00 to support a local charity.
Miracle in Sandwich
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On November 25, join the Sandwich Town BIA as they welcome Santa to Sandwich Town with a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including their annual tree lighting in Mary E. Bibb Park!
Magnolia Holiday Market
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Magnolia Ranch is hosting their very first Holiday Market & Christmas Open House!
Celebrate the holiday season with local holiday shopping, live entertainment, delicious food, holiday drinks, and a very special promotion that you can only get at the Holiday Open House! Plus, there will be a special visit from Santa!
Admission to this family and pet-friendly event is free for both the Open House and the Market and takes place on Sunday, November 26 from 11am to 4pm.
Bright Lights Windsor
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From December 1 to January 7, the annual Bright Lights Windsor festival offers a spectacular backdrop of thousands of lights and stunning displays, along with vendor markets and programming – a Windsor wonderland to share with family and friends every December through January.
Bright Lights Windsor also features the W.E. Made It: Bright Lights Market every Friday & Saturday December 1st through 6th – your chance to support local and shop from artisans and makers each week!
Santa’s Village & Market
Visit the Town of Essex on December 9 for a delightful holiday experience at the 2nd 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 takes place December 9 from 2pm to 9pm and 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 a spectacular Santa Claus Parade, commencing at 6:30 PM!
