Excited for the holidays in St. Catharines? Our guide has all the festive happenings you need! Whether you're deeply connected to St. Catharines or just making connections, this guide illuminates the seasonal offerings.
The Winter Festival of Lights brightens the city with stunning light displays and festive cheer. Experience the magic of the season with this spectacular visual treat. The cherished Santa Claus Parade brings joyous holiday floats and marching bands to the streets, creating memorable moments for all ages. And the Port Dalhousie Christmas Events offer delightful activities and a charming holiday atmosphere you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in St. Catharines
- Santa Claus Parade
- Gingerbread House Competition
- Holiday Musical Performances
- Santa 5K Fun Run
- Holiday Artisan Market
- Community Christmas Dinner
St. Catharines Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Artisan Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of locally-made artisanal gifts and crafts
Description:
St. Catharines' Holiday Artisan Market spotlights the region's creative talent and craftsmanship. This curated marketplace features handcrafted items ranging from fine art to artisanal foods, all produced by local makers. Visitors can interact directly with artisans, learning about their techniques and inspirations. The market emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly products, reflecting the community's commitment to environmental consciousness. You'll discover unique gifts that capture the essence of Niagara's cultural and natural landscape. This event has become a cornerstone of the local maker movement, supporting small businesses and fostering creative entrepreneurship.
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St. Catharines Holiday Giving Opportunities
Community Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Large-scale volunteer-driven dinner serving thousands
Description:
St. Catharines' Community Christmas Dinner embodies the spirit of holiday giving on a grand scale. This volunteer-driven event serves thousands of meals to community members, ensuring no one spends the holiday alone. The dinner brings together people from all walks of life, breaking down social barriers and fostering community connections. Guests enjoy a traditional holiday feast prepared by local chefs and served by volunteers. You can participate in group activities and entertainment, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. This event has grown from a small church gathering to a city-wide tradition, reflecting St. Catharines' strong sense of community.
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St. Catharines Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Musical Performances
What to Expect:
Diverse range of musical styles in historic venues
Description:
St. Catharines' Holiday Musical Performances showcase a rich tapestry of musical genres in the city's most iconic venues. From classical orchestras in grand theaters to intimate jazz ensembles in historic churches, the event caters to diverse musical tastes. Performers range from local talents to internationally acclaimed artists, highlighting the region's vibrant music scene. You can experience the acoustics of St. Catharines' architectural gems while enjoying seasonal melodies. These performances continue a long-standing tradition of holiday concerts in the city, dating back to the early 20th century.
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St. Catharines Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
St. Catharines' Santa Claus Parade illuminates the night with a procession of twinkling floats and costumed performers. This evening spectacle brings a unique twist to the traditional daytime parade format. Spectators line the streets, their faces aglow from the passing lights. The parade showcases local community groups and businesses, fostering a sense of civic pride. Children can write letters to Santa, which are collected along the route. This cherished tradition dates back over 50 years, evolving from a small community gathering to a major regional event.
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Gingerbread House Competition
What to Expect:
Architectural gingerbread creations inspired by local landmarks
Description:
St. Catharines' Gingerbread House Competition elevates the art of edible architecture. Participants craft intricate gingerbread replicas of local landmarks and imaginative structures, pushing the boundaries of this traditional holiday craft. The competition showcases the region's culinary talent and creativity, with entries judged on detail, difficulty, and adherence to theme. Visitors can marvel at the elaborate constructions, each a testament to hours of painstaking work. This event has its roots in European gingerbread-making traditions dating back to the 16th century.
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Santa 5K Fun Run
What to Expect:
Costumed charity run through downtown streets
Description:
The Santa 5K Fun Run in St. Catharines turns the city streets into a sea of red and white. Participants don Santa suits, creating a visually striking spectacle as they dash through the downtown core. The event combines physical activity with charitable giving, supporting local community initiatives. Runners of all ages and abilities participate, fostering a sense of inclusive holiday spirit. The run culminates in a festive after-party, complete with hot chocolate and holiday treats. This event has grown from a small local run to a major regional attraction, drawing participants from across Ontario.
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Nearby Events
Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls)
What to Expect:
Largest free outdoor light festival in Canada
Description:
The Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a dazzling spectacle of illumination. Spanning 8 kilometers, this free outdoor light festival is the largest of its kind in Canada. Visitors can stroll through glowing tunnels and admire innovative light sculptures that reimagine holiday themes. The festival's roots trace back to 1982, showcasing the region's commitment to winter tourism. You'll encounter captivating light displays that blend artistry with cutting-edge technology, creating an unforgettable visual experience.
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Port Dalhousie Christmas Events (Port Dalhousie)
What to Expect:
Lakeside holiday celebrations in a historic port town
Description:
Port Dalhousie's Christmas events blend maritime charm with holiday cheer. This historic port town on Lake Ontario comes alive with seasonal activities set against a backdrop of 19th-century architecture. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides along the waterfront, offering picturesque views of the decorated harbor. The events pay homage to Port Dalhousie's rich nautical heritage, incorporating maritime themes into holiday decorations. Local shops and eateries participate, creating a community-wide celebration that captures the essence of a small-town Christmas by the lake.
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Port Dalhousie Christmas Events
Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight Stroll (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
What to Expect:
Candlelit walk through a historic 19th-century town
Description:
Niagara-on-the-Lake's Candlelight Stroll transports participants to a bygone era. This intimate evening event bathes the town's 19th-century streets in the warm glow of candlelight. Carolers in period costumes serenade strollers, their voices echoing through the crisp winter air. The event supports local charities, continuing a tradition of community giving that spans decades. You'll discover hidden historical gems as you wander through the town, each corner revealing a new facet of Niagara-on-the-Lake's rich past.
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Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight Stroll
Victorian Christmas at McFarland House (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
What to Expect:
Authentic Victorian-era Christmas experience in a historic home
Description:
McFarland House in Niagara-on-the-Lake opens its doors to showcase a genuine Victorian Christmas. This meticulously preserved Georgian-style home, built in 1800, is adorned with period-accurate decorations and furnishings. Visitors can participate in traditional Victorian parlor games, gaining insight into 19th-century holiday customs. The house's history as a field hospital during the War of 1812 adds a layer of historical significance to the experience. Authentic aromas of spiced cider and freshly baked gingerbread permeate the air, evoking the essence of a Victorian yuletide celebration.
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Victorian Christmas at McFarland House
Pelham Christmas Light Tour (Pelham)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborately decorated homes
Description:
Pelham's Christmas Light Tour invites visitors to explore a winter wonderland of residential light displays. This self-guided adventure showcases the town's most elaborately decorated homes, each competing for top honors in various categories. Participants can vote for their favorites, fostering a spirit of friendly competition among homeowners. The tour originated as a grassroots community initiative, growing into a beloved annual tradition. You'll witness creative displays ranging from classic elegance to whimsical designs, reflecting the diverse personalities of Pelham's residents.
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Festival of Christmas Traditions (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
What to Expect:
Multicultural celebration of global holiday traditions
Description:
The Festival of Christmas Traditions in Niagara-on-the-Lake embraces the diversity of holiday celebrations worldwide. This unique event brings together customs from various cultures, offering visitors a global perspective on the holiday season. Participants can learn traditional dances, sample international holiday cuisines, and create culturally-specific crafts. The festival highlights the town's commitment to inclusivity and cultural exchange. You'll gain insights into how different communities around the world mark this special time of year, broadening your understanding of global holiday traditions.
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Festival of Christmas Traditions
Christmas Illuminations at Ball's Falls (Lincoln)
What to Expect:
Light displays in a 19th-century industrial hamlet
Description:
Christmas Illuminations at Ball's Falls transforms a preserved 19th-century industrial hamlet into a luminous holiday spectacle. The event blends historical preservation with modern light artistry, creating a unique atmosphere. Visitors can explore illuminated heritage buildings and nature trails, discovering the site's rich industrial past. The falls themselves become a canvas for light projections, creating a mesmerizing natural display. This event highlights the conservation efforts of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, which has maintained Ball's Falls since 1970.
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Christmas Illuminations at Ball's Falls
Niagara Falls Christmas Show (Niagara Falls)
What to Expect:
Theatrical production incorporating the natural wonder of Niagara Falls
Description:
The Niagara Falls Christmas Show integrates the majestic falls into a spectacular theatrical production. This unique performance blends live music, dance, and storytelling with the natural backdrop of illuminated waterfalls. The show celebrates the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage, weaving local legends into a holiday narrative. Audiences experience a multisensory performance, with the mist from the falls adding an immersive element. You'll witness acrobatic feats and elaborate costumes that bring holiday characters to life against the backdrop of one of the world's most famous natural wonders.
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Christmas in the Village (Chippawa)
What to Expect:
19th-century village comes alive with period-accurate celebrations
Description:
Christmas in the Village transports visitors to a 19th-century yuletide celebration in Chippawa. This living history event recreates the sights, sounds, and activities of a Victorian-era Christmas in a charming village setting. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories of holiday customs from the 1800s. Visitors can participate in period games and activities, gaining hands-on experience of historical holiday traditions. The event highlights Chippawa's significant role in early Canadian history, including its connection to the War of 1812. You'll step back in time, experiencing the simplicity and charm of a bygone era's Christmas celebrations.