Immerse yourself in the festive fun of Chatham-Kent with our holiday guide. Enjoy the magic of the season with a variety of events that bring the community together.
Kick off your holidays with the enchanting Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated trees light up the night. Experience the joy and excitement of the Santa Claus Parade with floats, music, and of course, Santa himself. And definitely don't forget Carols at the Concert, an event where the community comes together to sing beloved holiday songs. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Chatham-Kent
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Festival of Trees (Chatham)
What to Expect:
Community-decorated trees showcasing local creativity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Chatham into a forest of creativity. Local businesses, schools, and organizations decorate unique trees, each telling a story of community spirit. Visitors can stroll through the dazzling display, admiring the intricate ornaments and innovative designs. You might spot a tree adorned with handcrafted decorations reflecting Chatham's agricultural heritage. This event, originating in the 1990s, has become a cherished tradition that brings together diverse groups to celebrate the season through artistic expression.
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Santa Claus Parade (Chatham)
What to Expect:
Vintage sleighs and classic cars alongside modern floats
Description:
Chatham's Santa Claus Parade blends nostalgia with contemporary flair. Vintage sleighs and classic cars roll alongside modern floats, creating a unique procession through the historic downtown. The air fills with the cheerful sounds of marching bands playing holiday tunes. Spectators can catch a glimpse of local celebrities and community heroes waving from elaborately decorated vehicles. This parade, a tradition since the early 1900s, showcases Chatham's rich automotive history while embracing the spirit of the season.
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Carols at the Concert (Chatham)
What to Expect:
Interactive sing-along with professional orchestra
Description:
Carols at the Concert elevates the traditional caroling experience. A professional orchestra accompanies the audience in a grand sing-along, filling the venue with harmonious melodies. Attendees receive songbooks with lesser-known carols, expanding their repertoire beyond the usual favorites. You can join in singing centuries-old tunes that have echoed through Chatham's streets since its founding. This event revives the communal singing traditions of the past, bringing together voices of all ages and abilities in a powerful celebration of music.
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Wallaceburg Christmas Market (Wallaceburg)
What to Expect:
Artisanal glass ornaments from local glassblowers
Description:
Wallaceburg's Christmas Market sparkles with unique, locally-crafted treasures. Artisanal glass ornaments, created by skilled glassblowers, capture the town's glassmaking heritage in delicate, shimmering forms. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of this intricate craft, witnessing the transformation of molten glass into festive decorations. The market, set against the backdrop of historic downtown buildings, offers a curated selection of handmade gifts that reflect the region's artistic talents and industrial roots.
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Christmas at the Ridge (Ridgetown)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era holiday celebrations in a historic setting
Description:
Christmas at the Ridge transports visitors to a bygone era. Set in Ridgetown's meticulously preserved 19th-century buildings, the event recreates Victorian holiday traditions with historical accuracy. Costumed interpreters demonstrate forgotten crafts and customs, from making pomanders to reciting traditional toasts. The aroma of roasting chestnuts wafts through the air, evoking memories of Christmases past. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the holiday celebrations of Ridgetown's early settlers, connecting present-day visitors with their community's rich heritage.
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Christmas Night Market (Dresden)
What to Expect:
Fusion of European and Canadian holiday traditions
Description:
Dresden's Christmas Night Market blends European charm with Canadian hospitality. Twinkling lights illuminate stalls offering a mix of traditional German treats and local Canadian delicacies. Visitors can warm up with a mug of authentic Glühwein while browsing handcrafted gifts. The market pays homage to Dresden's namesake in Germany, incorporating elements of classic European Christmas markets into a uniquely Canadian setting. This cultural fusion creates an atmosphere that celebrates both the town's heritage and its modern identity.
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Christmas Lights Tour (Chatham)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborately decorated historic homes
Description:
Chatham's Christmas Lights Tour illuminates the city's architectural treasures. A self-guided route leads through neighborhoods where historic homes don their holiday best, showcasing elaborate light displays and decorations. Participants can admire the intricate details of Victorian and Edwardian facades enhanced by twinkling lights and garlands. This tour, initiated by local history enthusiasts, not only celebrates the season but also highlights Chatham's well-preserved 19th-century streetscapes, offering a unique blend of holiday cheer and historical appreciation.
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Holiday Vendor Show (Tilbury)
What to Expect:
Showcase of locally-sourced agricultural products in holiday dishes
Description:
Tilbury's Holiday Vendor Show celebrates the region's agricultural bounty. Local farmers and artisans present holiday-themed dishes and gifts crafted from Chatham-Kent's renowned produce. Visitors can sample innovative recipes featuring local specialties like tomatoes, corn, and beans. The event highlights the area's farming heritage, showcasing how traditional crops are transformed into contemporary holiday treats. This unique vendor show connects holiday shoppers directly with the growers and makers who form the backbone of Tilbury's community.
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New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Chatham)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly fireworks display over the Thames River
Description:
Chatham's New Year's Eve Fireworks light up the sky with an eco-conscious twist. The display features low-noise, low-emission pyrotechnics, reducing environmental impact while maintaining visual spectacle. Spectators gather along the Thames River, where the water reflects the colorful bursts, doubling the dazzling effect. You can enjoy the show knowing it's designed to minimize disturbance to local wildlife. This event, introduced in recent years, demonstrates Chatham's commitment to celebrating traditions while embracing sustainable practices.
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Carriage House Holiday Gathering (Chatham)
What to Expect:
Interactive historical reenactments in a restored 19th-century carriage house
Description:
The Carriage House Holiday Gathering brings Chatham's past to life. Set in a meticulously restored 19th-century carriage house, the event features interactive historical reenactments. Visitors can participate in period-accurate holiday games and crafts, guided by costumed interpreters. The gathering showcases the social customs of Chatham's early settlers, offering insights into how holidays were celebrated in the community's formative years. This immersive experience connects modern-day residents with the traditions that shaped their town's cultural identity.
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Carriage House Holiday Gathering