Port Colborne is ready to deck the halls with a lineup of holiday events for residents and visitors to enjoy this season. From festive favourites to a new dash of fun, there are plenty of ways for the community to join the celebrations.
All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive
Residents can help brighten the holidays for neighbours in need through the City’s All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive in support of Port Cares, which runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Requested donations include:
- New, unwrapped toys and books
- New winter accessories (hats, neck warmers, socks, gloves and mittens)
- Hygiene products
- Non-perishable food items
Most-needed food items include canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat and fish, canned pasta and pasta sauce, dry soups and side dishes, rice, peanut-free granola bars, juice boxes and pull-tab canned proteins.
Donations can be dropped off at City facilities, including:
- City Hall – 66 Charlotte St.
- Fire Hall – 3 Killaly St. W.
- Engineering and Operations Centre – 1 Killaly St. W.
- Vale Health & Wellness Centre – 550 Elizabeth St.
- Port Colborne Public Library – 310 King St.
Fa La La Festive Night – Nov. 19
Kick off the holiday shopping season with Fa La La Festive Night, formerly known as Fa La La Ladies Night. Presented by the Downtown Port Colborne BIA, the event takes place Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Check a few gifts off your holiday shopping list while exploring more than 30 participating businesses in Port Colborne’s downtown core. Visit individual businesses’ social media pages for details about their promotions and activities for the evening.
Christmas Makers’ Market – Nov. 21
Shop for handmade gifts, homemade baked goods and festive finds at the Friends of Roselawn’s Christmas Makers’ Market on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roselawn Centre, 296 Fielden Ave. Admission is free, and visitors can meet Santa as they stroll through the decorated Victorian mansion.
Tugboat Santa – Dec. 5
Port Colborne’s beloved nautical tradition returns as Santa Claus sails into town! Presented by the Downtown Port Colborne BIA and sponsored by Cooper Marine, the event begins with Santa’s arrival by tugboat on the Welland Canal at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, pending Seaway traffic.
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus on West Street near the Pilot House, then join them at The Guild Hall, 72 Charlotte St., for photos, hot chocolate and crafts.
New: Holiday Hustle Elf Run – Dec. 5
New this year, the YMCA of Niagara’s Holiday Hustle Elf Run is a family-friendly three-kilometre run and walk through downtown Port Colborne leading up to the Lighted Santa Claus Parade.
Open to all ages and abilities, the event takes place Saturday, Dec. 5. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. at Port Colborne High School, 211 Elgin St., with a 5:30 p.m. start on Steele Street, south of Elgin Street.
Participants are encouraged to wear festive attire and can walk, run or stroll at their own pace, with one hour to complete the route. The Lighted Santa Claus Parade will follow.
Lighted Santa Claus Parade – Dec. 5
The City’s Lighted Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Local businesses, community groups, schools and organizations will light up downtown Port Colborne with festive floats and dazzling displays.
Help share the spirit of giving by bringing a non-perishable food donation for Port Cares. Donations will be collected along the parade route to help stock the food bank’s shelves for the holiday season.
Following the parade, spectators can vote for their favourite float in the People’s Choice Contest on the City’s Facebook page.
Grand Old Christmas Festival – Dec. 6
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas at the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum, 280 King St., on Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 4 p.m. The Grand Old Christmas Festival features carriage rides, pioneer activities, warm chestnuts, visits with Santa and more.
Ultimate Family Night at Vale – Dec. 19
Enjoy an evening of festive family fun at Ultimate Family Night at Vale on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, 550 Elizabeth St.
Hosted by the City of Port Colborne and YMCA of Niagara and presented by the Niagara Sold By Kate Team – RE/MAX, the evening includes a screening of The Polar Express at 6 p.m., a public skate from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and a public swim from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free with a non-perishable food donation in support of Port Cares.
For more event details and holiday drive donation information, visit www.portcolborne.ca/christmas