Illustration of Santa ringing a bell on a decorated outdoor stage while families gather on the snowy lawn (Illuminate the Season with ARCH)
Christmas Markets

Illuminate the Season with ARCH

Visitors can experience a festive showcase of holiday décor, featuring decorated trees, wreaths, and planters available to bid on alongside a local silent auction. Families can visit Santa's workshop, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, and head outside to the rink under the roof to skate. Guests can also honour cherished memories of loved ones by dedicating an ornament on the Memorial Tree.

Nov 19 – Nov 22, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Thu 8 PM - 10 PM; Fri 12 PM - 10 PM; Sat 10 AM - 9 PM; Sun 10 AM - 4 PM.

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and treats are available at Santa’s workshop.

Location

The Machine Shop · 83 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Plan your visit for Saturday or Sunday if the kids want to skate, since Rock Around The Rink and Skate with Santa run on the weekend.
  • Dress the whole family in your warmest clothes, because the rink under the roof at The Machine Shop is outdoors.
  • Have the kids write their letters to Santa before you come, because he makes stops on the ice to collect every one of them.
  • Businesses that sponsor a tree or wreath get two VIP event tickets, and self-decorated artisan trees and wreaths must be dropped at the venue on Monday, November 16.
  • Tree and wreath sponsors should email their description form to events@archhospice.ca by Monday, November 9, so ARCH can share their story with supporters.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Rock Around The Rink on the ice on Saturday, November 21
  • Skate with Santa on Sunday, November 22, when Santa collects letters on the ice
  • The Cocoa 5K & Marshmallow Mile returns and takes place during Illuminate the Season this year
  • VIP Take 5 event on Thursday, November 19, for VIP ticket holders
  • New this year: buy a memorial ornament to place a commemorative ornament on the Memorial Tree

Links & Contact

Run by ARCH Hospice

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Illuminate the Season with ARCH for?

It's for people of all ages. Adults can bid on decorated trees and browse the silent auction, and kids can visit Santa's workshop and skate with Santa under The Roof.

What is there to see and do?

There's a showcase of festive décor, with decorated trees, wreaths and planters up for bidding. A silent auction features donations from local businesses, and each day brings local talent.

Is there food and drink?

Santa's workshop serves hot chocolate and treats for the kids.

What should we wear for skating with Santa?

Bundle up in your warmest clothes. The rink is outdoors, under the roof at The Machine Shop. Bring the kids' letters for Santa, because he stops on the ice to collect each one.

How can I honour a loved one at the event?

Buy a Christmas ornament in memory of a loved one, and ARCH will place a commemorative ornament on the Memorial Tree.

Browse Christmas in Sault Ste. Marie

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

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