Experience the warmth and wonder of the holiday season in Chatham-Kent. Wander festive markets, enjoy holiday treats and cozy drinks, capture the perfect seasonal photo, and set out on our Christmas Tree Trail to find a fresh-cut tree straight from the farm.
From festive family traditions and dazzling displays to holiday shopping and seasonal events, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. Browse our curated roundup of holiday happenings throughout November and December and start planning your next festive escape to Chatham-Kent.
"U-cut" Christmas Trees
Check out our Christmas Tree Trail!
- Blacksmith and Tin - Visit the Christmas Tree Farm and Christmas store, with unique holiday ornaments, decor and gifts, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 4pm, mid-November until sold out. Watch for updates on their Facebook page.
- Puddleford Tree Farm - Cut your own Christmas Tree starting mid-November on this family owned and operated farm located 20 minutes east of Chatham on Scane Road.
- Sloan's Christmas Village - Cut your own tree and step into a winter wonderland of activities for the whole family from mid-November through to December 23. This year there are two full villages for you to enjoy with a variety of fun activities and attractions for the whole family. Both villages offer something different, so visit their website for details and pricing.
- Watson Christmas Trees - Visit the Christmas Tree Farm, located just 5km west of Chatham in a peaceful setting along the Thames River. All tree prices include shake and bail, saws and trolleys. Operating hours are daily, mid-November to December 24 from dawn until dusk.
2026 Santa Claus Parades
- Chatham: November 27
- Tilbury: TBD
- Blenheim: Saturday, December 5, 7pm
- Wheatley: TBD
- Ridgetown: TBD
- Dresden: TBD
- Thamesville: TBD
2026 November Holiday Activities & Events
November 7, Discover Art, Christmas in Blenheim
- Enjoy a day of travelling around our town of Blenheim and discover what the artists, makers & creators will be offering with many hand-made gifts to be found. Public restrooms and food tents will be available at the park. Artists and crafters will be open from 9am - 2pm for you to visit.
November date TBD, Ridgetown Christmas Night Market
- Bring the whole family for a night of local artisans, holiday shopping and door prizes in the 4H building beside Tim Horton's in Ridgetown. This event runs 5pm-9pm.
November 13-15, 20-22, Chatham Armouries Holiday Market
- Join in the holiday fun us for an unforgettable holiday experience! Shop, enjoy delicious food and unique crafts.
November 14, Tilbury BIA Outdoor Christmas Market
- An outdoor Christmas market for all to enjoy awaits in Tilbury. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with more than 40 vendors on-site for holiday shopping and merriment. The market runs 3pm - 8pm in downtown Tilbury.
November 14, Wheatley Winter Sale
- Enjoy this self-guided, drive-around event as you pop in to various local crafters, artisans, bakers, and businesses to start your Christmas shopping. Maps available online and the day of at the Village Resource Centre and the Briar Patch Studio. Enjoy the event from 10am - 3pm.
November date TBD - January 1, Dresden Shines Illumination Tour
- Enjoy the stunning lights across Dresden as they light up the skies starting at dusk daily from late November through January 1. You'll find great photo opportunities under the lights at Rotary Park, the Czech Hall Gardens, Weese Gardens, the Dresden Arboretum and at the Dresden Splash Pad.
Dates TBD, Merry & Bright Thursday Nights, Dresden
- Enjoy a magical evening of community and holiday spirit as Dresden transforms into Christmas Town every Thursday night in Dresden! Rediscover the spirit of Christmas in a small town- reconnect with loved ones, make new memories, and find the perfect gifts for that special someone! Each week features something new and special.
November 19, Wallaceburg Frost Fest
- Explore local shops in Downtown Wallaceburg for one-of-a-kind gifts, river of lights at Civic Square Park and along James Street, local artists and vendors from 4pm - 8:30pm, horse carriage rides, and more.
November 19 - mid-March, River of Lights, Wallaceburg
- Take in the beautiful lights and sights of the winter season at the River of Lights in Wallaceburg. Wander the town after dusk to marvel at the sights along James Street and in Civic Square Park. Be sure to gaze at the spectacular Art Banners hung with care and pride.
November 25 - 27, Shop "Home For the Holidays" , Blenheim
- You don't have to call Blenheim home to enjoy their "Home For the Holidays" shopping event! Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at greatly reduced prices with expert assistance.
TBD, CKPC Holiday Train, Chatham
- The CPKC Holiday Train is back! Join in the holiday fun on Saturday, November 22, as the train stops behind the John D. Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond Street in Chatham, from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. Musical guests Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde will perform for attendees, who are encouraged to make a monetary or food donation.
TBD, Christmasland Fireworks Celebration, Chatham
- Browse through more than 50,000 sq feet of holiday magic inside Christmasland at Glasshouse Nursery & Garden Centre in Chatham. This year find life-size reindeers nestled amongst 12 foot Christmas trees along with 8-foot nutcrackers standing at attention. Then stay for the annual Fireworks Celebration as they light up the sky and the season. It's a night of live music, cozy fires, marshmallow roasting, and hot chocolate for the kids. Savor treats from local food trucks and shop late under the twinkle of holiday lights. The fireworks begin at 6 PM, with festivities starting at 4:30 PM.
November 20, Pointsettia Fest, Chatham
- Take in an evening of shopping local craft vendors while enjoying all the twinkling lights both inside and outside the greenhouse. Warm up beside the fire pits while visiting with other guests, or just enjoy the atmosphere. Eat, drink, shop, and be merry!
November 21, Winter Wonderland Market , Chatham
- Come out and get unique Christmas gifts from many local vendors. Visit and take photos with Santa all day, browse through a curated lineup of 40 plus local vendors, discover holiday treasures, and enjoy the festive atmosphere ! This event takes place at the St. Clair College Chatham Healthplex.
November 21, Thamesville Christmas Festival
- Bring the kids to visit with Santa, enjoy a tree lighting, enjoy tasty treats and shop from a variety of vendors at the Thamesville Christmas Festival.
TBD, Garden on King Christmas Market, Chatham
- Enjoy a festive beverage while you shop at 40 on-site holiday vendors both at their newly renovated event centre from 12pm - 5pm. You are invited to enjoy holiday items on the menu too in their dining room.
- *NEW* to the Chatham-Kent Holiday Market scene, this event takes place indoors at 100 King (Downtown Chatham mall). Get into the holiday spirit with holiday decor, kids' activities, photos with Santa and holiday shopping from unique vendors. Times TBA.
November 27 - January 8, Tilbury Lions Christmas Light Festival
- Come experience the excitement and wonder of holiday lights at this free outdoor event. Take a walk through the paved trail with family and friends through the park from 5:30 to 11pm nightly. There are many photo opportunities along the way, so be sure to bring your camera!
November 28, Dresden Christmas Night Market
- The town of Dresden comes alive from 3pm - 8pm with lights, music, holiday shopping, incredible entertainment, and so much more! This year, enjoy not only the tasty food and drink from the various vendors, but the pop-up bar right in the heart of it all.
2025 December Activities & Events
December 5 - early January, Festival of lights Blenheim
- Walk through the beautiful holiday light display at Talbot Trail Park in Blenheim. These lights are turned on each evening, where you can also enjoy the musical light show by tuning your car radio into 87.9FM at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
December 5, Blenheim Christmas Market
- Holiday shopping is back at the Festival of Lights Night Market in Blenheim with more than 40+ vendors from 3:00pm-8:00pm. Come by early afternoon for shopping or come in the evening to see the beautiful transformation of the park lit up.
TBD, Christmas in the Square, Bothwell
- Celebrate the holiday season in the Bothwell Town Square! Enjoy local vendors, free hot chocolate and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hop on the horse and wagon sleigh ride too. This event runs from 6pm - 8pm.
December 5 and 12, Christmas on King, Chatham
- *NEW* to the Chatham-Kent Holiday Market scene, this event takes place indoors at 100 King (Downtown Chatham mall). Get into the holiday spirit with holiday decor, kids' activities, photos with Santa and holiday shopping from unique vendors. Times TBA.
December 5, Sons of Kent Christmas Market, Chatham
- Get into the holiday spirit at the Sons of Kent Christmas Market on Saturday, December 5th from 2PM–8PM! The backyard will be transformed into a festive Christmas market featuring local vendors, a live petting zoo, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy live acoustic music from Kenny & Joel Acoustic Show while you shop local and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Warm up with festive beverages, grab something delicious from one of the food trucks, browse unique gifts from local vendors, and enjoy a day out with family and friends.
December 6, Christmas at Red Barn Market, Blenheim
- Join in the fun of this pop-up holiday market hosted by Locally Unique Co. at Red Barn Brewing Co. Sip on some craft beer while you shop unique finds from local businesses.
TBD, Holiday Market, Links of Kent, Chatham
- Enjoy holiday shopping with 30+ vendors at Links of Kent in Chatham. A variety of items will be for sale between 3 and 7pm.
