Get an overview of the festive season in Welland. Our guide includes all the key events and activities to ensure you don’t miss out on any holiday fun. Whether you're a familiar face in Welland or a fresh visitor, our guide unlocks the festive magic.
One of the highlights is the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, where dazzling displays will light up your holiday spirits. Experience the unique charm of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight Stroll, featuring glowing candles and historic sites. And the Port Colborne Santa Claus Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss with its vibrant floats and merry performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Welland
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls)
What to Expect:
Illuminated displays along an 8km route
Description:
The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights transforms the already stunning landscape into a dazzling spectacle. Stretching over 8 kilometers, the illuminated route showcases innovative light displays that blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the falls. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, marveling at the intricate designs that pay homage to local wildlife and culture. This longstanding tradition, dating back to 1982, has evolved to incorporate cutting-edge technology while preserving its community roots. The gentle roar of the falls provides a soothing backdrop to the visual feast.
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Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight Stroll (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
What to Expect:
Historic town illuminated by candlelight
Description:
Niagara-on-the-Lake's Candlelight Stroll bathes the historic town in a warm, flickering glow. As darkness falls, thousands of candles illuminate the 19th-century streets, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. Strollers can pause to admire the heritage buildings adorned with period decorations, each telling a story of the town's rich past. The event, rooted in community spirit, began in 1989 as a way to extend the holiday season. Local choirs stationed along the route fill the air with melodious carols, adding to the nostalgic ambiance.
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Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight Stroll
Port Colborne Santa Claus Parade (Port Colborne)
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed Santa Claus parade
Description:
Port Colborne's Santa Claus Parade brings a unique maritime twist to holiday celebrations. Floats adorned with nautical elements glide through the streets, paying homage to the town's rich shipping heritage. The parade route winds along the Welland Canal, offering picturesque views of the waterway that has shaped the community's history. Children can spot Santa arriving not on a sleigh, but aboard a festively decorated ship. This event, which has been a local tradition for over 50 years, showcases the town's strong connection to its maritime roots.
Website:
Port Colborne Santa Claus Parade
Pelham Outdoor Christmas Market (Pelham)
What to Expect:
Open-air market in a rural setting
Description:
Pelham's Outdoor Christmas Market embraces the crisp winter air, offering a refreshing alternative to indoor shopping. Set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment, this open-air bazaar showcases local artisans and farmers in a charming rural setting. Visitors can browse handcrafted goods while sipping on warm apple cider pressed from local orchards. The market reflects Pelham's agricultural heritage, which dates back to the early 19th century. Demonstrating traditional crafts, artisans bring the area's rich cultural history to life.
Website:
Pelham Outdoor Christmas Market
Holiday Train (Various Towns)
What to Expect:
Traveling holiday concert on a decorated train
Description:
The Holiday Train rolls through various Canadian towns, bringing music and merriment on rails. This brightly decorated locomotive serves as a moving stage for live performances, featuring talented musicians who entertain crowds at each stop. As the train pulls into view, it illuminates the night sky with thousands of LED lights. The event, which began in 1999, has become a cherished tradition that not only spreads joy but also raises food and money for local food banks. You can contribute to this cause while enjoying the unique spectacle of a concert on a train.
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Niagara Santa Claus Parade (Niagara Falls)
What to Expect:
Parade route along the Niagara Parkway
Description:
Niagara's Santa Claus Parade marches along the scenic Niagara Parkway, offering breathtaking views of the Niagara River. This procession combines holiday cheer with the natural beauty of the region, creating a unique backdrop for the festive floats. Spectators can catch glimpses of the mist rising from the nearby falls as marching bands and colorful characters pass by. The parade, which has been a local tradition for decades, showcases the community's creativity with handcrafted floats that often incorporate themes from the area's rich history and diverse culture.
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Mistletoe & Snow Christmas Artisan Market (St. Catharines)
What to Expect:
Artisan market focused on handmade, locally-crafted items
Description:
The Mistletoe & Snow Christmas Artisan Market in St. Catharines celebrates local craftsmanship and creativity. This curated event showcases the talents of Niagara region artisans, offering a diverse array of handmade goods that reflect the area's artistic heritage. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the skill and dedication behind each unique piece. The market, held in a historic venue, pays homage to St. Catharines' long-standing tradition of supporting local arts and crafts, which dates back to the early settlers of the region.
Website:
Mistletoe & Snow Christmas Artisan Market
Christmas Open House (Fort Erie)
What to Expect:
Historic home tours with period decorations
Description:
Fort Erie's Christmas Open House invites visitors to step back in time and experience holiday traditions of the past. Historic homes open their doors, revealing interiors adorned with authentic period decorations that span different eras of the town's rich history. Guests can explore rooms that showcase the evolution of Christmas celebrations in Canada, from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. This event, which began as a way to preserve local heritage, allows you to immerse yourself in the customs and decor of bygone eras.
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Holiday Makers' Market (St. Catharines)
What to Expect:
Market featuring emerging local artists and makers
Description:
St. Catharines' Holiday Makers' Market shines a spotlight on the next generation of local artisans and creators. This vibrant event showcases innovative and contemporary handmade goods, offering a fresh take on holiday shopping. Visitors can engage with emerging artists, learning about their creative processes and the inspiration behind their unique works. The market, held in a repurposed industrial space, reflects the city's ongoing transformation and commitment to nurturing new talent. It's a celebration of St. Catharines' evolving artistic landscape and its rich cultural heritage.
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Festive Friday Night (Lincoln)
What to Expect:
Evening of holiday activities in historic downtown
Description:
Lincoln's Festive Friday Night transforms the historic downtown into a hub of holiday cheer as twilight falls. The event combines shopping, entertainment, and community spirit, breathing life into the charming streets after dark. Local shops extend their hours, offering special promotions and warm hospitality. Street performers and musicians add to the lively atmosphere, their performances echoing off the heritage buildings. This celebration, which began as a way to revitalize the downtown core, has become a beloved tradition that highlights Lincoln's close-knit community and rich history.
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Annual Festival of Trees (Grimsby)
What to Expect:
Showcase of creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Grimsby's Annual Festival of Trees presents a forest of creativity, with each tree uniquely adorned by local businesses, schools, and community groups. This event transforms a local venue into a gallery of holiday expression, where traditional decorations mingle with innovative and sometimes whimsical designs. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, adding an element of friendly competition to the festivities. The festival, which originated as a fundraiser for local charities, reflects Grimsby's strong sense of community and philanthropic spirit that has been a hallmark of the town since its founding.
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Christmas in the Village (Ridgeway)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed holiday celebration
Description:
Ridgeway's Christmas in the Village transports visitors to a Victorian-era holiday celebration. The historic village comes alive with period-costumed characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, and traditional crafts demonstrations. Shops and homes are decorated in authentic 19th-century style, creating an immersive experience that reflects the village's rich heritage. Visitors can participate in old-fashioned holiday games or watch a blacksmith at work, gaining insight into the daily life of early settlers. This event, which began as a way to preserve local history, showcases Ridgeway's well-preserved Victorian architecture and its commitment to honoring its past.