Spread the festive joy in Cornwall! Our guide highlights all the events and activities that make this season special.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Cornwall Santa Claus Parade, where Santa makes a grand entrance, delighting families with a festive display of floats and entertainment. For those in search of unique gifts and holiday cheer, the Christmas Market at Cornwall Square offers an array of vendors and handcrafted items perfect for the season. And the Cornwall Winter Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its dazzling light displays illuminating the cityscape. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Cornwall
- Cornwall Santa Claus Parade
- Christmas Market at Cornwall Square
- Cornwall Winter Festival of Lights
- A Christmas Carol Play
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
- Christmas Light Tour
- Cornwall Christmas Bird Count
- Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
- Toys for Tots Drive
- Christmas Pantomime
Cornwall Holiday Light Displays
Cornwall Winter Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays along the waterfront
Description:
Cornwall's Winter Festival of Lights transforms the St. Lawrence River waterfront into a glowing spectacle. Interactive light displays invite visitors to become part of the illuminated landscape. Stroll along the riverbank and activate motion-sensor installations that respond to your movements. This eco-friendly event uses energy-efficient LED technology, reflecting Cornwall's commitment to sustainability. The festival highlights the city's picturesque location on the St. Lawrence Seaway, a vital shipping route with a rich maritime history.
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Cornwall Winter Festival of Lights
Christmas Light Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic neighborhoods
Description:
Cornwall's Christmas Light Tour invites visitors to explore the city's historic neighborhoods adorned with twinkling displays. This self-guided adventure takes you through streets lined with Victorian and Edwardian homes, their architectural details highlighted by carefully placed lights. Download a map featuring notable houses and their histories, including some dating back to Cornwall's founding. Discover hidden gems off the beaten path as you navigate the illuminated streets. The tour offers a unique way to appreciate Cornwall's architectural heritage while enjoying the holiday decorations.
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Cornwall Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market at Cornwall Square
What to Expect:
Indoor market with local artisans and producers
Description:
Cornwall Square transforms into a bustling indoor marketplace, showcasing the region's finest artisans and producers. This unique shopping experience offers a cozy respite from the winter chill. Visitors can sample locally-made preserves and baked goods while browsing handcrafted gifts. The market pays homage to Cornwall's rich industrial heritage, featuring artworks inspired by the city's textile mills. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures and support local businesses in this vibrant community gathering.
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Christmas Market at Cornwall Square
Cornwall Holiday Giving Opportunities
Toys for Tots Drive
What to Expect:
Involves local first responders in toy collection and distribution
Description:
Cornwall's Toys for Tots Drive partners with local first responders to collect and distribute gifts to children in need. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics actively participate, turning their stations into toy collection points. This initiative not only provides joy to underprivileged children but also strengthens community-police relations. The drive has its roots in a 1947 campaign started by a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major. Donate a new, unwrapped toy and witness the positive impact of community giving during the holiday season.
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Christmas Food Drive
What to Expect:
Focuses on collecting locally produced food items
Description:
Cornwall's Christmas Food Drive emphasizes the collection of locally produced food items to support community members in need. This initiative not only helps those facing food insecurity but also supports local farmers and producers. Donate regionally grown fruits and vegetables, locally made cheeses, or preserves from area orchards. The food drive highlights Cornwall's agricultural heritage and the importance of supporting local food systems. Volunteers sort donations in a historic granary, connecting the past with present-day community efforts. Your contribution helps ensure that everyone can enjoy nutritious, locally sourced meals during the holiday season.
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Cornwall Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cornwall Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Eastern Ontario
Description:
Cornwall's Santa Claus Parade illuminates the city streets with a dazzling procession of floats and performers. As the largest holiday parade in Eastern Ontario, it draws thousands of spectators annually. Children can write letters to Santa and drop them off at special mailboxes along the route. The parade's history dates back to 1956, making it a cherished local tradition. Marching bands fill the air with jubilant melodies, creating a lively atmosphere for all to enjoy.
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A Christmas Carol Play
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era set design
Description:
Cornwall's production of "A Christmas Carol" transports audiences to Victorian London with its immersive set design. The play unfolds on a meticulously crafted stage that recreates 19th-century streets and interiors. Authentic period costumes rustle as actors move through the scenes, bringing Dickens' classic to life. This adaptation incorporates local historical elements, weaving in references to Cornwall's own Victorian-era development. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time while experiencing this timeless tale of redemption.
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Christmas Pantomime
What to Expect:
Incorporates local folklore and history into the performance
Description:
Cornwall's Christmas Pantomime blends traditional British theater with local folklore and history. This lively performance features familiar fairy tale characters alongside figures from Cornwall's past. Actors engage the audience with call-and-response segments, creating an interactive experience. The pantomime tradition was brought to Cornwall by British immigrants in the 19th century. Enjoy the colorful costumes and slapstick humor while learning about the region's cultural heritage. This unique show offers entertainment for all ages, weaving together stories old and new.
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Cornwall Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
What to Expect:
Incorporates elements of Cornwall's diverse faith traditions
Description:
Cornwall's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service unites the community in a celebration of light and hope. This inclusive event incorporates elements from the city's diverse faith traditions, reflecting Cornwall's multicultural heritage. As candles flicker, creating a warm glow, attendees join in singing carols from various cultural backgrounds. The service takes place in one of Cornwall's historic churches, built by early settlers in the 19th century. Participate in a moment of silent reflection, connecting with others in a spirit of peace and goodwill.
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Cornwall Christmas Bird Count
What to Expect:
Citizen science project contributing to wildlife conservation
Description:
Cornwall's Christmas Bird Count engages nature enthusiasts in a vital citizen science project. Participants fan out across designated areas, recording winter bird populations and contributing to long-term conservation efforts. This annual event, part of a continent-wide initiative, has been conducted in Cornwall since 1960. Spot species unique to the St. Lawrence River ecosystem, such as the majestic Bald Eagle. Learn bird identification skills from experienced ornithologists while helping to monitor local biodiversity. Your observations will support important research on bird migration and habitat use.
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Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
What to Expect:
Incorporates local landmarks as inspiration
Description:
Cornwall's Gingerbread House Decorating Contest challenges participants to recreate the city's iconic landmarks in sweet, edible form. Contestants draw inspiration from historic buildings, bridges, and natural features unique to Cornwall. Watch as skilled decorators craft miniature versions of the Cornwall Canal or the distinctive clock tower of City Hall. This creative competition highlights the city's architectural heritage and fosters community pride. You'll be amazed by the intricate details achieved with icing and candy as local history comes to life in gingerbread form.
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Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Nearby Events
Christmas Craft Show (Alexandria)
What to Expect:
Showcases traditional Glengarry County crafts
Description:
Alexandria's Christmas Craft Show spotlights the rich artisanal traditions of Glengarry County. Local craftspeople demonstrate time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch skilled weavers create intricate tartans, a nod to the area's Scottish heritage. The show features unique items that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Inhale the sweet aroma of freshly baked shortbread as you explore the diverse array of handmade goods. This event celebrates the enduring spirit of craftsmanship in Eastern Ontario.
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Holiday Train Stop (Finch)
What to Expect:
Combines holiday cheer with railway history
Description:
Finch's Holiday Train Stop merges festive spirit with Canada's rich railway heritage. A beautifully decorated locomotive rolls into town, carrying performers and spreading holiday cheer. Visitors can explore vintage train cars while enjoying live music performances. This event highlights the historical importance of railways in connecting Canadian communities. Learn about the role of trains in shaping Finch and the surrounding region. The Holiday Train Stop offers a unique blend of entertainment and educational value for train enthusiasts and holiday revelers alike.
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Festival of Trees (Ingleside)
What to Expect:
Trees decorated by local organizations tell community stories
Description:
Ingleside's Festival of Trees showcases a forest of uniquely adorned evergreens, each telling a story about local organizations and businesses. Visitors meander through this indoor grove, discovering creative interpretations of community spirit. One tree might feature ornaments made from upcycled materials, reflecting a local environmental group's mission. The festival originated as a fundraiser for the town's first public library in 1985. You'll gain insight into Ingleside's vibrant community life while admiring the imaginative decorations.
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Christmas Potluck and Charity Fundraiser (Lancaster)
What to Expect:
Combines community meal with support for local charities
Description:
Lancaster's Christmas Potluck and Charity Fundraiser brings the community together for a shared meal and a chance to support local causes. Attendees contribute their favorite dishes, creating a diverse spread that reflects the area's culinary traditions. Silent auctions feature items donated by local businesses, with proceeds benefiting various charities. This event has its roots in the town's agricultural heritage, when farmers would gather to share harvest bounty. Sample homemade tourtière, a French-Canadian meat pie popular in the region, while connecting with neighbors and supporting worthy causes.
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Christmas Potluck and Charity Fundraiser
Festive Family Skating (Long Sault)
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating on a natural ice rink
Description:
Long Sault's Festive Family Skating event takes place on a natural ice rink, offering a quintessential Canadian winter experience. Glide across the smooth surface of a frozen pond, surrounded by snow-covered trees. This outdoor skating tradition dates back to the early settlers who used frozen waterways for transportation and recreation. Warm up by a crackling bonfire and sip hot chocolate between skating sessions. The event celebrates Long Sault's connection to the St. Lawrence River and the area's rich outdoor recreation heritage.
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Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop (Williamstown)
What to Expect:
Uses locally sourced, sustainable materials
Description:
Williamstown's Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. Participants create beautiful wreaths using materials gathered from nearby forests and farms. Learn about native plant species as you weave pine boughs, berries, and dried flowers into your design. This hands-on activity connects you with the region's natural beauty and agricultural traditions. The workshop takes place in a historic barn, adding to the authentic rural atmosphere. Discover the satisfaction of crafting a unique holiday decoration while supporting local environmental stewardship efforts.
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Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop