Find your holiday joy in Sarnia with our detailed event guide. From those who live and breathe Sarnia to those just getting a taste, this guide brings holiday magic to life.
Kick off the season with the Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade, a cherished tradition featuring festive floats and the long-awaited arrival of Santa. The Celebration of Lights illuminates the night with dazzling displays of holiday cheer across the waterfront. And Christmas in the Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms downtown into a charming winter wonderland with carolers and unique shops. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Sarnia Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Sarnia
- Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
- The Celebration of Lights
- Christmas Tree Festival
- Mitton Village Christmas Tree Lighting
- Inn of the Good Shepherd Christmas Dinner
Sarnia Holiday Light Displays
The Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Month-long light display in Centennial Park
Description:
Centennial Park sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights during The Celebration of Lights. This month-long illumination spectacle features intricate light sculptures and themed displays. Stroll through the park to admire the dazzling creations up close. The event began in 1984 as a small community project and has since grown into a beloved annual tradition, drawing visitors from across the region to experience Sarnia's brightest holiday attraction.
Website:
Mitton Village Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-focused event celebrating local history
Description:
Mitton Village's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brings together residents of this historic Sarnia neighborhood. The event takes place near century-old buildings, blending holiday cheer with local heritage. Witness the moment when the neighborhood's central tree bursts into light, illuminating the charming streetscape. This gathering celebrates Mitton Village's unique character and the strong sense of community that has defined this area since its development in the early 20th century.
Website:
Mitton Village Christmas Tree Lighting
Sarnia Holiday Giving Opportunities
Inn of the Good Shepherd Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Community-wide effort to provide holiday meals to those in need
Description:
The Inn of the Good Shepherd Christmas Dinner embodies the spirit of giving in Sarnia. Volunteers from across the community come together to prepare and serve meals to those facing food insecurity. Participate by donating food items or volunteering your time to help others. This annual event, which has grown significantly since its inception, demonstrates Sarnia's commitment to supporting all members of its community during the holiday season.
Website:
Inn of the Good Shepherd Christmas Dinner
Sarnia Other Holiday Activities
Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade organized by local Kinsmen Club
Description:
The Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade transforms the city streets into a lively procession of holiday cheer. Organized by the local Kinsmen Club, this event showcases the community's spirit through colorful floats and marching bands. You can join the crowd lining the parade route, waving to passing performers. The parade has been a cherished tradition in Sarnia for over 60 years, bringing together generations of residents to celebrate the season.
Website:
Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
Christmas Tree Festival
What to Expect:
Diverse display of creatively decorated trees
Description:
The Christmas Tree Festival in Sarnia showcases an array of uniquely adorned trees, each telling a different story. Local organizations and businesses compete to create the most innovative and eye-catching designs. Explore the forest of decorated trees, each with its own theme and style. This event, which began as a small community project, has grown into a beloved annual tradition that highlights Sarnia's creativity and community spirit.
Website:
Nearby Events
Christmas in the Village (Point Edward)
What to Expect:
Quaint village atmosphere with historical charm
Description:
Christmas in the Village transports visitors to a bygone era in Point Edward. The charming streets come alive with the soft glow of lanterns and the aroma of freshly baked treats. Explore the village's historic buildings adorned with period decorations. This event celebrates Point Edward's rich heritage, dating back to its founding in 1849, and offers a glimpse into traditional holiday celebrations of the past.
Website:
Watford Santa Claus Parade (Watford)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with strong community participation
Description:
Watford's Santa Claus Parade embodies the spirit of a close-knit community. Local businesses and organizations create homemade floats, showcasing their creativity and holiday spirit. The parade winds through the town's main street, filling the air with joyful music. Watford, founded in 1851, has preserved its small-town charm, which shines brightly during this annual event that brings together residents of all ages.
Website:
Forest Santa Claus Parade (Forest)
What to Expect:
Evening parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Forest's Santa Claus Parade illuminates the night with a procession of twinkling floats. As darkness falls, the parade comes to life, creating a mesmerizing display of moving lights. Catch candy tossed from passing floats as you enjoy the spectacle. This evening parade format, adopted in recent years, has become a unique tradition in Forest, adding a special glow to the town's holiday celebrations.
Website:
Alvinston Christmas Craft Sale (Alvinston)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and handmade crafts
Description:
The Alvinston Christmas Craft Sale spotlights the talents of local artisans and craftspeople. Handcrafted items, from intricate ornaments to cozy knitwear, fill the venue with creativity. Browse the stalls to find one-of-a-kind gifts and meet the makers behind them. This event reflects Alvinston's strong sense of community and support for local arts, a tradition that has flourished in this small town for decades.
Website:
Alvinston Christmas Craft Sale
Petrolia Santa Claus Parade (Petrolia)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed parade reflecting town's heritage
Description:
Petrolia's Santa Claus Parade celebrates the town's Victorian roots with a themed procession. Participants don period costumes, and floats incorporate elements of 19th-century design. The parade route passes by historic buildings, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere. Petrolia, once known as Canada's "Victorian Oil Town," uses this event to honor its unique heritage and the architectural gems that still grace its streets.
Website:
Wyoming Santa Claus Parade (Wyoming)
What to Expect:
Daytime parade with focus on family participation
Description:
Wyoming's Santa Claus Parade embraces a family-friendly atmosphere with its daytime procession. Children take center stage, participating in floats and marching groups. The sound of young voices singing carols fills the air as the parade moves through town. Wyoming's parade reflects the community's commitment to nurturing young residents, a value that has been central to the town since its establishment in the mid-19th century.
Website:
Pinery Provincial Park Christmas Bird Count (Grand Bend)
What to Expect:
Citizen science event combining holiday spirit with nature observation
Description:
The Pinery Provincial Park Christmas Bird Count merges holiday traditions with environmental stewardship. Participants trek through diverse habitats, recording winter bird species in this annual census. Your observations contribute to a continent-wide database used by researchers and conservationists. This event, part of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, has been conducted in the park since 1966, providing valuable data on local bird populations and migration patterns.
Website:
Pinery Provincial Park Christmas Bird Count
Port Lambton Christmas Parade (Port Lambton)
What to Expect:
Riverside parade route with nautical elements
Description:
Port Lambton's Christmas Parade incorporates the town's riverside location into its festive celebration. Floats often feature nautical themes, paying homage to the St. Clair River's importance to the community. Watch the parade from the scenic riverfront, where boats adorned with lights sometimes join the procession. This unique parade reflects Port Lambton's rich maritime history, which dates back to its founding as a port town in the 1820s.
Website:
Forest Christmas Market (Forest)
What to Expect:
Indoor-outdoor market with focus on local products
Description:
Forest's Christmas Market combines indoor and outdoor spaces to create a diverse shopping experience. Local farmers, artisans, and food producers showcase their wares in cozy indoor halls and festive outdoor stalls. Sample regional specialties as you browse for gifts and decorations. This market highlights Forest's agricultural roots and the town's ongoing commitment to supporting local producers, a tradition that has endured for generations.
Website:
Corunna Santa Claus Parade (Corunna)
What to Expect:
Parade culminating in community gathering at local park
Description:
Corunna's Santa Claus Parade winds through town before culminating in a festive gathering at Centennial Park. The parade features local school bands and community groups, showcasing the town's talent. Join fellow spectators in the park for hot chocolate and caroling after the procession. This event, which has evolved over decades, reflects Corunna's strong community bonds and its tradition of coming together to celebrate the holiday season.