As the holiday season approaches, the vibrant community of Port Colborne comes alive with a variety of festive events that bring warmth, joy, and togetherness. This lakeside town, known for its rich maritime history and strong sense of community, embraces the holiday spirit with a range of activities that capture the magic of Christmas for residents and visitors alike. From creative contests to festive parades and markets, Port Colborne’s Christmas celebrations have something for everyone.
2024 Christmas Event Highlights
Annual Community Christmas Card Contest
Submission Deadline: October 18, 2024
The Annual Community Christmas Card Contest invites the creative talents of Port Colborne’s youth to shine. Open to children from kindergarten to grade 8, this contest encourages participants to design a Christmas card that captures the essence of the holiday season in their own unique way. The winning design is proudly featured as the official Port Colborne Christmas card, sent to residents, local businesses, and dignitaries. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to express their creativity while contributing to the town’s festive atmosphere.
Submissions may be painted with fingers or brushes, or drawn with pencils, crayons, pastels, or markers on a standard white sheet of paper, 8 ½” X 11” in vertical or horizontal format. Remember that deep, dark colours produce a better illustration. Time is of the essence: to be chosen and reproduced for printing in time for the holiday season, all submissions must be received at the Mayor’s Office in City Hall, 66 Charlotte St., Port Colborne ON L3K 3G8 by Friday, October 18, 2024, at 4 p.m. Please include the child’s name, address, and telephone number on the back of the artwork.
Lighted Santa Claus Parade
December 7, 2024 | 6:30 pm | Port Colborne’s Downtown
A beloved tradition in Port Colborne, the Lighted Santa Claus Parade is a dazzling nighttime event that brightens the streets with illuminated floats, marching bands, and, of course, the star of the show—Santa Claus. The parade winds through the heart of the town, delighting spectators of all ages as colourful lights twinkle on the winter night. Families line the streets to enjoy the spectacle, while Santa and his helpers wave from their festively decorated sleigh, spreading holiday cheer to all who attend.
Tug Boat Santa
December 7, 2024 | 1 pm
Port Colborne’s maritime roots are celebrated through the unique tradition of Tug Boat Santa. In a nod to the town’s connection to the Welland Canal, Santa makes a grand entrance aboard a festively adorned tugboat. As he sails into the harbour, children gather to greet him, their faces lighting up with excitement. This fun and distinctly Port Colborne event is a favourite among locals and visitors, adding a nautical twist to the traditional holiday festivities.
Santa will once again arrive in true marine fashion, by tugboat at 1 p.m. (Seaway traffic pending) on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Stop by West Street (near the Pilot House) to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and then join them at The Guild Hall (72 Charlotte Street) for photos, hot chocolate and crafts.
Food Drive in Support of Port Cares
Amid the holiday joy, the spirit of giving is at the heart of Port Colborne’s Christmas celebrations. The annual food drive, in support of Port Cares, encourages the community to come together to help those in need. Residents and local businesses are invited to donate non-perishable food items, which are then distributed to families facing financial hardship during the holiday season. The food drive is a reminder that Christmas is a time for compassion, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a warm and joyful holiday.
Drop-off locations include Fire Hall (3 Killaly Street W); Vale Health & Wellness Centre (550 Elizabeth Street); City Hal (66 Charlotte Street); and the Port Colborne Public Library (310 King Street) during operating hours. Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services will also be collecting non-perishable food items at the upcoming lighted Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December. 7, 2024.
Christmas at the Museum
December 8, 2024 | 12-4 p.m.
For a dose of history and holiday charm, Christmas at the Museum is a must-visit event. The Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum opens its doors to showcase the town’s past while celebrating the Christmas season. Visitors can explore festive exhibits, enjoy hot chocolate, and participate in holiday crafts. The museum grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland, where families can learn about the town’s rich heritage while immersing themselves in the holiday spirit.
Port Colborne Business Lighting Contest
The Port Colborne Business Lighting Contest encourages local businesses to brighten up their storefronts and spread holiday cheer throughout the town. Businesses of all sizes participate by decorating their facades with twinkling lights, garlands, and festive displays, creating a festive atmosphere for shoppers and passersby. The contest adds a vibrant touch to Port Colborne’s streets, and the winning business is recognized for its creativity and holiday spirit.
All businesses that participate, will be entered into a light display contest with the winner being chosen by the community, with voting taking place on the city’s Facebook page.
Home for the Holidays Decorating Contest
Port Colborne residents also get into the holiday spirit with the annual Home for the Holidays Decorating Contest. Homeowners are invited to transform their properties into glowing winter wonderlands, with twinkling lights, festive inflatables, and creative holiday scenes. As houses light up across the town, the community comes together to celebrate the best and brightest displays. The contest fosters friendly competition and brings neighbors closer, as families drive through the town to admire the festive decorations.
With the following categories: Best Lawn Display/House Lights and Best Balcony/Door Display. Entries must be submitted by Monday, December 9, 2024, to eventservices@portcolborne.ca. The winners are chosen by the community, with voting taking place on the city’s Facebook page. The winners in each category receive a $200 gift card to a Port Colborne grocery/food store of their choice.
Roselawn Christmas Makers’ Market
November 23, 2024 | 10 am to 4 pm | Roselawn Centre
For those looking for unique holiday gifts and handcrafted treasures, the Roselawn Christmas Makers’ Market is the place to be. Hosted at the historic Roselawn Centre, this market features local artisans and vendors offering a variety of handmade goods, from festive ornaments and jewelry to delicious baked treats. Visitors can browse the stalls, sip hot cocoa, and take in the festive ambiance of this holiday market, all while supporting local businesses and artisans.
Final Thought
Christmas in Port Colborne is a time of celebration, creativity, and giving back. Whether it’s the glow of the Lighted Santa Claus Parade, the excitement of Tug Boat Santa’s arrival, or the generosity of the community’s food drive, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With festive contests, markets, and decorations lighting up the town, Port Colborne truly embodies the magic of the holiday season. Visitors and residents alike are sure to leave with their hearts warmed and their spirits lifted as they embrace the Christmas joy that fills this lakeside community.
