A Complete Guide to Winter and Christmas Events in Niagara and Haldimand
‘Tis the season to embrace the holiday spirit! What better way to do that than to check out one of the Christmas events there are in our wonderful community?
All of our hometown insurance professionals at Duliban Insurance Brokers love getting involved in their communities. For us, that means attending as many Christmas events and Santa Claus parades as we can!
Since we love being out and about in the community over the holidays, we thought you would too. We’ve put together this list of all of the Haldimand and Niagara Christmas events and holiday festivities from now until January.
There’s something out there for everyone, so take a look. Let us take the guess work out of your holiday fun!
The Dunnville Annual Elves Shoppe
November 6- December 24
317 Chestnut St., Dunnville, ON
Head over to the Haldimand County Public Library for shopping, games, and refreshments. You can shop jewellery, gifts, and holiday decorations, and win prizes! All proceeds go to the library. This special Christmas event goes on during regular library hours Tuesdays through Sundays.
Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade
November 19
Downtown Niagara Falls
Starting at 11am, the annual Niagara Falls Santa Claus parade route begins at Victoria Avenue at Armoury Street and ends at Niagara Falls City Hall. It features marching bands, high schools, your favourite characters, and Santa Claus himself.
At the end of the parade, make sure to check out the meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Canada Post will be collecting letters to send to Santa, so make sure your kids get theirs ready!
The Welland Santa Claus Parade
November 19
Downtown Welland
Join the city of Welland as they welcome Santa Claus! The parade begins at 4pm at the Canadian Tire Financial Services on the corner of East Main and Wellington Streets. It will end at the Civic Square with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Bridge 13 will be lit in red and green! Along the way, Canada Post mail carriers will be collecting letters to Santa.
After the parade and lighting ceremony, the big screen in the Civic Square will be showing the original Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 5:15pm. Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and treats will be served as well as some fun craft activities.
The Winter Festival of Lights
November 19- January 31
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
Every winter, the Festival of Lights presents beautiful displays of holiday lights over an 8 kilometer route through the Niagara Parks. Millions of visitors come out every year to take in these illuminating sights. Donations are accepted upon entry, and go toward maintaining the lights.
Weekly Winter Fireworks Displays
November 19- January 27
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
Every Friday at 9pm, the city of Niagara Falls presents beautiful fireworks displays as part of the Festival of Lights. This is one of the most well-known Christmas shows in the county. Watch the fireworks explode right over the falls for a perfect nightcap to your holiday festivities.
The fireworks will also run daily between December 23 and December 30 at 9pm.
St. Catharines Santa Claus Parade
November 20
Downtown St. Catharines
This fun evening kicks off with a public skate at the Meridian Centre from 1pm to 3pm. The Santa Claus parade begins at 3:30pm, with a post party at the Market Square at 4pm.
Don’t forget to check out all the activities in the Market Square, including visits with Santa, pony rides, refreshments, face painting, and a guest appearance by Cindy Cook from TV’s Polka Dot Door.
To end the night, there will be a holiday tree lighting at 5:15pm.
Caledonia Light up Night
November 24
Kinsmen Park, Caledonia
Get ready for this annual celebration where Caledonia officially lights up their Christmas tree. The ceremony will begin at 6:30pm, and the tree will officially light up at 7:00pm. Take a stroll afterward in the Cultural Centre and Santa’s Village.
The Friends of Maple Acre Christmas in the Country Craft Sale
November 25- 26
Fenwick Fire Station #2
Stroll through and check out the goods from local craft vendors. Refreshments are also available. Admission is free and proceeds go to the Maple Acre branch of the Pelham Public Library. The hours are November 25th from 4pm to 8pm and November 26th from 9am to 4pm.
Christmas Shopping at the Village
November 26
Niagara Safety Village, 300 Woodlawn Road, Welland
Shop the selection from local vendors, grab some refreshments, and enter to win some great raffle prizes. This year there will also be an area where children can buy a gift for their parents for $2 each. It’s open from 11am to 4pm and admission is free.
Floral Showhouse Christmas Display
November 26- December 31
Floral Showhouse, 7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
This 65 year old annual tradition features an exhibit of beautiful flowers, Christmas shows, holiday surprises, and free flying tropical birds. Check it out from 9am to 5pm every day except for Christmas Day.
Pelham Outdoor Christmas Market
December 2
20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill
Enjoy an evening of holiday fun with vendors, refreshments and treats, carriage rides, visits with Santa, kids’ activities, and much more. Spread the “Christmas cheer” from 4pm until 10pm.
Candlelight Stroll
December 2
The Old Courthouse, 26 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Join this guided candlelit stroll through the historic downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Local choirs and performers will accompany this peaceful, yuletide walk. Proceeds from candle purchases will go to charity. The walk begins at 6:30pm.
Grimsby Santa Claus Parade
December 3
Grimsby Town Hall
The Grimsby Santa Claus Parade is one of the longest running events in Grimsby, and it’s currently in its 59th year. Watch as over 90 different entries come together to display their holiday best.
The Grimsby Santa Claus parade route begins at Town Hall and will head eastbound to the Ontario Street intersection. This is an evening parade, and the start time is 5:15pm.
Dunnville Christmas Light up and Santa Claus Parade
December 3
Lock Street, Dunnville
Watch as the city of Dunnville celebrates the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Then, take a candle lit stroll from the hospital to the downtown core. The light up ceremony and parade will begin at 5:30pm and end at 7pm.
Annual Multi Company Christmas Party
December 3
Club Castropignano, 1311 Egerter Road, Port Robinson
What better way to take in the Christmas spirit than joining a community company party? For $35, your company or organization can participate in a shared Christmas party, complete with a pasta dinner and a DJ.
For reservations, contact the club office at 1-905-384-9292.
The 5 Elves Yuletide Tour
December 3-4
This adult-themed Christmas open house event features some of Niagara’s best wineries. For $20, you can visit the participating wineries for holiday themed events, tastings, sleigh rides, and cocktail ideas. These wineries are Featherstone Estate Winery, Ridgepoint Winery, Vineland Estates Winery, GreenLane Estates Winery, and Malivore Wine Company.
Niagara Falls Christmas Gift Show
December 3- 4
Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls
Over 100 vendors come together for this holiday shopping extravaganza and Christmas show. Stroll through the Christmas market, with plenty of options for shopping, refreshments, and prizes. Santa will be there for the little ones to meet.
The fun is open December 3 from 10am to 5pm and December 4 from 10am to 4pm.
Pelham Santa Claus Parade
December 10
Fenwick
This Santa Claus parade route begins at the Bethany Christian Reform Church and ends at Centennial Park. Get in the holiday spirit and don’t forget to wave to your favourite groups and characters.
The parade begins at 1pm, but the fun doesn’t stop when the route does. After the parade, join the fun in Centennial Park for hot apple cider, hot dogs, and chili. Hayrides and pony rides will also be available, as well as Santa himself.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Santa Claus Parade
December 10
Downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake
Santa heads to Niagara-on-the-Lake on December 10 and will head down Queen Street to see everyone. He will be joined by many other exciting groups, so there’s no shortage of things to see here. The parade begins at 11am.
Handmade Christmas Market
December 16
Faith Welland (Faith Tabernacle), 380 South Pelham Road, Welland
The handmade Christmas market is back. Over 25 local vendors come together to showcase their beautiful, handmade products for you to browse and buy. You’ll be sure to find some unique, artisan gifts for everyone on your list.
It’s open from 5pm to 9pm. Admission is free, but donations will be collected for the Welland District Humane Society.
Christmas in the Village
December 23
Pelham Community Church, 461 Canboro Road, Fenwick
For the 6th year in a row, this holiday concert will surely get you excited for Christmas. Vocalist Melissa-Marie Shriner sings all of your favourite Christmas songs with a backup band of talented local musicians.
Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. For advanced ticket locations, visit Shriner’s Creek Kettle Corn Popcorn on Highway 20 or Ryson’s Music downtown St. Catharines.
Dunnville Legion New Years’ Eve Dance
December 31
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #142, Dunnville
Get your dancing shoes on for a fun-filled New Years’ Eve celebration at the Dunnville Legion. This festive event features food, midnight champagne, and of course, music.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Pelham New Years’ Eve Gala
December 31
Club Castropignano, 1311 Egerter Road, Port Robinson
Put on your best and brightest New Years’ Eve clothes and head to this festive Gala. Here, you’ll enjoy a beautiful full course meal and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. A DJ will provide entertainment all night long and a cash bar is available.
Tickets are $65 per person. To make reservations, call the club office at 905 384-9292 .
Fort George New Years’ Day Levee
January 1
Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Celebrate New Years’ Day in the most patriotic way- at Fort George! Starting at 3pm, celebrations will include a toast, music by the 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corps, and a canon firing to ring in the new year.
Niagara Icewine Festival
January 13- January 19
Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls
Celebrate Niagara’s icewine harvest at the many events during the Icewine Festival.
The event will be kicked off with the annual Icewine Gala at the Fallsview Casino Resort. This night of luxury features a selection of Niagara’s finest icewines and cuisines.
Until January 19th, sample the best icewine from Niagara’s award-winning wineries. Each winery hosts a food pairing from an excellent local vendor. Purchase a Discovery Pass to experience 8 different locations for one price.
Sparkle and Ice Diamond Gala
January 20
The Old Courthouse, 26 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Join Niagara-on-the-Lake’s local winemakers and Signature Kitchen Chefs as you sample pairings. Live entertainment and good company make this a night to remember. There’s also a draw to win a diamond for one lucky guest.
Tickets are $95 and the event runs from 8pm to 11pm.
Duliban’s Hometown Brokers are Community Members You Can Trust
This holiday season, you can catch many of Duliban’s hometown insurance brokers at any of the above events. We love giving back to our community and live to see it thrive.
At Duliban, we are friendly local insurance brokers who will get you a premium you can afford with service that will make you smile. We represent the top twenty insurance companies in Canada and have them compete over your business! We treat all of our customers like our own family, so you know we’ll get you the best rates we can find.
Call at 1-855-385-4226 or visit us online for your free quote on car, home, commercial, and farm insurance.
