'Tis the Season for hot cocoa, snowmen, carolers and rosy cheeks. With Christmas just around the corner, we're busy planning a few activities that are sure to delight. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events and activities.
Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest!
The City of Port Colborne is inviting local elementary school students to get creative for the 2026 Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest!
Students are encouraged to design a festive Christmas card, with the winning artwork featured as the official 2026 Mayor’s Christmas Card and shared throughout the community and beyond.
The winning artist will also be invited to join the City of Port Colborne’s float in this year’s Lighted Santa Claus Parade.
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Each entry must:
Be created by an elementary school student in Port Colborne.
Be completed on standard 8.5" x 11" paper, in portrait or landscape orientation. Students may use markers, pastels, pencil crayons, crayons, paint or other art materials.
Include the artist’s full name, grade and school clearly on the back.
Be submitted to City Hall, 66 Charlotte Street, by 4 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Please ensure the student’s full name, grade and school are included on the back. Entries without this information cannot be considered.
We look forward to seeing the creativity and holiday spirit of Port Colborne’s young artists!
The City of Port Colborne’s Lighted Santa Claus Parade returns to the downtown core on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season as local businesses, community groups, schools and organizations light up downtown with festive floats, dazzling displays and holiday spirit.
Bring your family and friends, bundle up and enjoy this much-loved Port Colborne tradition! After the parade, visit the City’s Facebook page to vote for your favourite entry in the People’s Choice Awards.
Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food donation in support of Port Cares.
The Lighted Santa Claus Parade is proudly sponsored by Peters Construction Group.
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In 2026, the parade staging area is located along Fielden Avenue and Elgin Street, near Port Colborne High School and the Niagara Regional Police Station. Starting at Elgin Street, the parade proceeds south along Steele Street, east along Clarence Street, north along West Street, and west along Charlotte Street, finishing in the vicinity of City Hall, with Market Square being used as a de-staging area. Road closures will be in place along all accompanying streets involved in the parade.
Ensure that each member of your group completes the mandatory digital Waiver and Release of Liability Form.
All parade entries must submit a Certificate of Insurance that includes the following:
Minimum coverage of $2 million.
Additional insured: The Corporation of the City of Port Colborne, 66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3C8.
Event details: The Lighted Santa Claus Parade" and the event date.
Participant coverage: Confirmation that insurance extends to all members of your group participating in the parade, whether driving, walking, riding on a float or participating in any other capacity.
Important: Entries that do not provide the required Certificate of Insurance will not be permitted to participate in the parade.
Additional requirement for vehicles: Entries involving a vehicle must also submit proof of valid automobile insurance.
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.
This event is presented by the Downtown Port Colborne BIA.
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All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive
Help support local organizations this holiday season through the City of Port Colborne’s All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive.
Donations of food, toys, books, winter clothing and safety boots will be collected at City facilities until Friday, December 18, 2026, in support of Port Cares, Birchway Niagara and Habitat for Humanity.
Non-perishable food donations for Port Cares will also be collected during the Lighted Santa Claus Parade.
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Port Cares
New, unwrapped toys and books
Non-perishable food
Hygiene products
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.
Birchway Niagara
New or clean, gently used coats
New mittens
Habitat for Humanity
New or gently used CSA-certified safety boots
Donations can be dropped off at:
City Hall – 66 Charlotte Street
Fire Hall – 3 Killaly Street W.
Engineering and Operations Centre – 1 Killaly Street W.
Vale Health and Wellness Centre – 550 Elizabeth Street
Port Colborne Public Library – 310 King Street
Grand Old Christmas Festival
The Historical and Marine Museum hosts their Grand Old Christmas Festival the first Sunday of December from 12-4 p.m.
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.
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Christmas Makers' Market
The Friends of Roselawn invite you to the Christmas Makers’ Market at the Roselawn Centre on Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy free admission and shop for handmade gifts, homemade baked goods and festive finds. Visit with Santa and take a stroll through the beautifully decorated Victorian mansion while enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
