Christmas in Port Colborne

The City of Port Colborne is once again excited to announce the 2026 Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest!

• Be created by an elementary school student in Port Colborne.
• Be completed on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper in either portrait or landscape orientation. Students may paint, draw or colour their festive designs using materials such as markers, pastels, pencil crayons or crayons.
• Clearly and legibly include the artist’s full name, grade and school on the back of the drawing.
• Be submitted to City Hall, located at 66 Charlotte Street, by 4 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The City of Port Colborne is excited to welcome the return of our traditional Lighted Santa Claus Parade to the downtown core!

Held annually on the first Saturday in December, the parade is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the magic of the season.

Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. and watch as the streets of downtown Port Colborne come alive with dazzling lights, festive floats, and holiday spirit. Local businesses, community groups, schools, organizations, and more will light up the night as they make their way through the parade route.

Bring your family and friends, bundle up, and join us for this much-loved Port Colborne holiday tradition! And be sure to vote on the People's Choice Awards hosted right after the parade, via the City's Facebook page. 

Interested in entering a float in the parade?

• Please read through our Participation Requirements, Float Requirements and Safety Information.
• Please complete the Parade Application.
• Ensure that each member of your group completes the mandatory digital Waiver and Release of Liability Form, which will be send to you upon acceptance. 
  
• Additionally, each entry must be accompanied by a Certificate of Insurance, listing the following:
• $2 million insurance policy and;
• Name the Corporation of the City of Port Colborne, 66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne Ontario, L3K 3C8, add additional insured;
• Event date and "The Lighted Santa Claus Parade";
• And clearly state that coverage applies to all participants of your group, be they driving, walking, sitting, etc. 

Please note, failure to provide insurance will disqualify participants from the parade.

Those entries which include a vehicle are also required to submit proof of Automobile Insurance.

For those interested in volunteering for the parade, please email Kennedy Stock, the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@portcolborne.ca

Are you interested in sponsoring the parade or another community event? Please contact communications@portcolborne.ca, or simply download our Sponsorship Package.

Please be sure to submit your application by Friday, November 13 at 4:30 p.m. If you do not have access to e-mail, you can mail or drop off your application to:

City of Port Colborne, Attn: Event Services, 66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3C8 

Santa will once again arrive in true marine fashion, by tugboat at 1 p.m. (Seaway traffic pending) on Saturday, December 5, 2026.

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.    

For more information, email downtownportcolborne@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page for updates as the event draws near. 

Stay tuned for details on how you can celebrate Christmas the old-fashion way, with traditions we have all come to love, on Sunday, December 6, 2026.

For more information, visit the museum's website.