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Whether it’s seeing Santa on a tugboat, visiting the Grand Old Christmas Festival, or giving back through a city-wide holiday drive, there’s something for everyone during the holiday season in Port Colborne.
All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive
This year, the City of Port Colborne will be hosting a holiday drive in support of Port Cares and Gillian’s Place. The All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive will collect new unwrapped toys or books, non-perishable food, used clean coats, and new mittens. Drop off locations include:
- The Fire Hall (3 Killaly Street W)
- The Engineering and Operations Centre (1 Killaly Street W)
- The Vale Health & Wellness Centre (550 Elizabeth Street)
- City Hall (66 Charlotte Street)
- The Port Colborne Public Library (310 King Street)
The City will also be collecting non-perishable food items at the upcoming lighted Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Roselawn Christmas Makers’ Market.
The seasonal events will begin Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Roselawn Christmas Makers’ Market.
Presented by the Friends of Roselawn, the Christmas Makers’ Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 296 Fielden Ave. The event is free and will feature 20 artisans and crafters, coffee and tea, and visits with Santa.
Grand Old Christmas Festival
On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum will host its annual Grand Old Christmas Festival. Taking place from noon to 4 p.m., the festival will feature Christmas pudding and sauce, carriage rides, pioneer activities, warm chestnuts, Christmas shopping and, of course, Santa.
Tugboat Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 will see the return of a nautical tradition presented by the Downtown Business Improvement Area that marks the Christmas season in Port Colborne each year. At 1 p.m. (pending seaway traffic), Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in Port Colborne via tugboat in the canal. Stop by
West Street (near the Pilot House) to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and then join them in a walk to the Guild Hall (72 Charlotte Street) for photos, hot chocolate and crafts presented by St. James and St. Brendan Anglican Church.
Lighted Santa Claus Parade
The streets will be glowing on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 7, as the traditional Lighted Santa Claus Parade returns. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. local businesses, community groups and schools will guide their floats through Port Colborne's downtown core. Among the festive fun on display will be the winners of the Paint a Plow contest as well as the winners of the annual Community Christmas Card Contest. The finale will feature the guest of honour, Santa Claus. To help keep everyone warm, fair trade hot chocolate will be offered by Villages Port Colborne inside the Guild Hall.
Home for the Holidays Decorating Contest
Port Colborne residents are invited to PORTicipate in their very own home decorating contest.
Winners are chosen by the community and will receive a $200 gift card to a Port Colborne grocery/food store of their choice. They will be chosen from two categories:
- Best lawn display/house lights
- Best balcony/door display
Entries must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 9 to eventservices@portcolborne.ca. Voting will take place on the city’s Facebook page.
Port Colborne Business Lighting Contest
Local businesses and storefronts across the city are invited to decorate their location and help light up Port Colborne for the Christmas season in a contest hosted by the Main Street and Downtown Business Improvement Areas.
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.
Christmas lights and decorations must be installed by Friday, Dec. 13. To enter the contest, businesses must submit a picture to eventservices@portcolborne.ca
Prizes will be awarded to the three businesses with the most votes.
More information on all of the holiday events and activities taking place in Port Colborne can be found on the Christmas in Port Colborne webpage.
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