holiday bin

The holidays are just around the corner, and the City of Port Colborne has a flurry of events planned along with opportunities to support neighbours in need. Whether it’s by greeting Santa Claus as he sails into the city; trying a classic Christmas pudding; or donating toys, clothing and even safety boots, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive

The City of Port Colborne will once again be hosting the All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive. Running until Wednesday, Dec. 17, the initiative will collect new unwrapped toys or books and non-perishable food for Port Cares, new and used clean coats and new mittens for Birchway Niagara, and new and gently used CSA-certified safety boots for Habitat for Humanity. Drop-off locations include:

  • The Fire Hall (3 Killaly Street W)
  • The Engineering and Operations Centre (1 Killaly Street W)
  • The Vale Health and Wellness Centre (550 Elizabeth Street)
  • City Hall (66 Charlotte Street)
  • The Port Colborne Public Library (310 King Street)

Non-perishable food items for Port Cares will also be collected at the lighted Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Most-needed non-perishable items:

  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Canned meats and fish
  • Canned pasta and pasta sauce
  • Dry soups and side dishes
  • Rice
  • Peanut-free granola bars
  • Juice boxes
  • Pull-tab canned proteins (ham, fish, corned beef, etc.)
  • Hygiene products (toilet paper, body wash, shampoo, deodorant)

 

Fa La La Ladies Night

An annual November tradition returns as the Downtown Business Improvement Area (Downtown BIA) hosts is annual Fa La La Ladies Night event Thursday, Nov. 20. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m., more than 30 participating businesses are inviting residents and visitors to come to downtown Port Colborne to sip, savour, shop and celebrate the season. Enjoy specials and discounts throughout downtown, and don’t forget to bring your non-perishable food donations for Port Cares.

Roselawn Christmas Makers’ Market

The holiday season will get into full swing on the grounds of Roselawn Centre at 296 Fielden Avenue, when the Friends of Roselawn welcome young and old to the Christmas Makers’ Market. Taking place Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event offers free admission and will feature 20 artisans and crafters, as well as coffee and tea, visits with Santa, and strolls through the Victorian estate.

Tugboat Santa

Ho Ho Hoist the anchor on Saturday Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. (Seaway traffic pending) as Santa will arrive in true marine fashion, by tugboat in the Welland Canal!

Presented by the Downtown BIA, Tugboat Santa’s first port of call is on West Street (near the Pilot House) before he and Mrs. Claus then head to the Guild Hall (72 Charlotte Street) for photos, hot chocolate and crafts.    

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

Lighted Santa Claus Parade

The December night will be set aglow when the annual Lighted Santa Claus Parade returns to Port Colborne Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Watch the streets light up as local businesses, community groups, schools and Santa guide their floats through the downtown core. Keep your eyes peeled for the winners of the Paint a Plow and Community Christmas Card contests, and bring non-perishable food donations in support of Port Cares.  

Grand Old Christmas Festival

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned Christmas event, complete with free admission, head to the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum at 280 King Street for the Grand Old Christmas Festival on Sunday, Dec. 7. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to step back in time to enjoy carriage rides, pioneer activities, warm chestnuts, visits with Santa, and more! Be sure to also visit Arabella’s Tea Room to enjoy classic Christmas pudding and sauce.

More information on the holiday events and activities taking place in Port Colborne can be found on the Christmas in Port Colborne webpage.