Illustration of a santa visit scene (Christmas in Port Colborne Events)
Other Christmas Activities

Christmas in Port Colborne Events

Spectators can watch downtown streets come alive with holiday spirit, dazzling lights, and glowing floats. Local businesses, schools, and community organizations make their way along the route with illuminated and nautical-themed displays. Afterward, viewers can participate by casting their votes for the best entries in the People's Choice Awards.

What to Expect

Evening holiday parade featuring dazzling lights and illuminated community floats.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Port Colborne

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Port Colborne

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and community parade-goers

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Downtown Port Colborne
Port Colborne, ON

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: 6:30 p.m.

Tips & Advice

  • Bundle up for an evening outdoors downtown, and bring family and friends along for this Port Colborne tradition.
  • Bring a few non-perishable items, like canned goods, rice, peanut-free granola bars or juice boxes, because Port Cares collects food at the parade.
  • Make a day of it: earlier that afternoon, Santa arrives by tugboat on West Street (Seaway traffic permitting), then offers photos, hot chocolate and crafts at The Guild Hall.
  • Keep your phone handy to vote in the People's Choice Awards on Facebook as soon as the parade ends.
  • Groups entering a float should apply by Friday, November 6 and sort out their Certificate of Insurance early, because entries without insurance are disqualified.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Non-perishable food is collected at the parade for Port Cares, as part of the All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive
  • The winner of the 2026 Mayor's Christmas Card Contest rides on the City of Port Colborne's float
  • People's Choice Awards voting on Facebook right after the parade

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see?

Downtown Port Colborne lit up with festive floats. Local businesses, community groups, schools and organizations light up the night along the parade route.

Can I donate food at the parade?

Yes. Non-perishable food for Port Cares is collected at the parade. The most needed items include canned fruit, vegetables, meats and fish, pasta and sauce, rice, peanut-free granola bars, juice boxes and hygiene products.

How do the People's Choice Awards work?

Voting opens on Facebook right after the parade ends.

How do I enter a float?

Fill in the parade application by Friday, November 6. Nautical themes, fun holiday displays and lots of lights are encouraged. Every group member must sign the digital waiver, and each entry needs a Certificate of Insurance. Entries with a vehicle also need proof of auto insurance.

Can I volunteer?

Yes. Email Kennedy Stock, the Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteers@portcolborne.ca.

Tags

Christmas marketparadesSanta visitsfamily friendlycommunity celebrationholiday traditioncharity eventhandmade craftsfestive foodholiday shopping

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team