When are the 2026 holiday markets in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent?
Holiday market season runs from Saturday, November 14 to Sunday, December 13, 2026, with markets in Windsor, Kingsville, Tecumseh, LaSalle, Essex, Chatham, Blenheim, Tilbury, and Dresden.
There’s something special about wandering through a holiday market with a hot drink in hand, string lights overhead, and a bag full of gifts from local makers. Our region has some great ones, from big multi-day shows to cozy one-night markets on Main Street.
I rounded up every holiday market I could confirm for 2026 across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, so you can plan your shopping weekends and support local at the same time. Bookmark this page, because I’ll update it as more details are announced. Planning to catch a parade too? Check out my 2026 Santa Claus parade schedule.
2026 Holiday Market Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Market | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 14 | Tilbury BIA Outdoor Christmas Market | 3:00–8:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Nov 21 | Winter Wonderland Market, Chatham | Check listing |
| Sun, Nov 22 | Holiday Market and Evening with Santa, Links of Kent, Chatham | Times TBA |
| Fri–Sun, Nov 27–29 | Handmade Christmas Extravaganza, WFCU Centre, Windsor | Fri 4–8 p.m.; Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Fridays and Saturdays, Nov 27–Jan 3 | W.E. Made It Market, Bright Lights Windsor | Evenings |
| Sat, Nov 28 | Dresden Christmas Night Market | 2:00–8:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Nov 28 | Downtown Windsor Holiday Market | 5:00–10:00 p.m. |
| Sun, Nov 29 | Holiday Lights Market, LaSalle Landing | Check listing |
| Fri, Dec 4 | Very Merry Holiday Market, Tecumseh | 3:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Blenheim Christmas Market | 2:00–8:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Sons of Kent Christmas Market, Chatham | 2:00–8:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Christmas on King, Chatham | Check listing |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Downtown Windsor Holiday Market | 5:00–10:00 p.m. |
| Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6 | Fantasy of Lights Market, Kingsville | Sat 2–8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6 | Mistletoe Market, Windsor (Weekend 1) | Sat 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Sun, Dec 6 | Christmas at Red Barn Market, Blenheim | Check listing |
| Sat, Dec 12 | Christmas on King, Chatham | Check listing |
| Sat, Dec 12 | Downtown Windsor Holiday Market | 5:00–10:00 p.m. |
| Sat, Dec 12 | Santa’s Village and Market, Essex | Afternoon into evening |
| Sat–Sun, Dec 12–13 | Mistletoe Market, Windsor (Weekend 2) | Sat 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Sun, Dec 13 | Holiday Lights Market, LaSalle Landing | Check listing |
Windsor Holiday Markets
Handmade Christmas Extravaganza at the WFCU Centre
CC’s Events brings around 100 local handmade vendors and small businesses under one roof at the WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street. It runs Friday, November 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., then Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.
W.E. Made It Market at Bright Lights Windsor
Shop local vendors while you stroll the lights at Jackson Park, every Friday and Saturday from November 27 to January 3. The market runs in the evenings alongside the light displays. Last year, Bright Lights was open from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Downtown Windsor Holiday Market Series
Three Saturday evenings of local makers, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The first market is November 28 at the Pelissier Street Parking Garage, followed by December 5 and December 12 at City Hall Square.
Mistletoe Market at Water’s Edge Event Centre
The 9th annual Mistletoe Market runs over two weekends at Water’s Edge Event Centre, 2879 Riverside Drive East: December 5 and 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and December 6 and 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $4, which supports a local charity.
Essex County Holiday Markets
Fantasy of Lights Market, Kingsville
Held at the Lakeside Park Pavilion during the Fantasy of Lights festival, this market runs Saturday, December 5 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stay after dark to see the park lit up. Details are on the Town of Kingsville’s Fantasy of Lights page.
Very Merry Holiday Market, Tecumseh
The Tecumseh BIA hosts this outdoor market on Friday, December 4 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tecumseh Towne Centre Plaza, with local vendors, food, and the plaza’s shops and restaurants open for the evening.
Holiday Lights Market, LaSalle
Part of LaSalle’s Holiday Lights Heritage Nights, this indoor market takes place Sunday, November 29 and Sunday, December 13 at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing. Check the Town of LaSalle’s website for hours.
Santa’s Village and Market, Essex
On Saturday, December 12, Heritage Gardens in downtown Essex, beside the historic train station, turns into a Christmas village with vendors, crafts, live music, and treats. It’s the same day as the Essex Santa Claus Parade, so you can make a full day of it. Last year, it ran from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Chatham-Kent Holiday Markets
Tilbury BIA Outdoor Christmas Market
The season kicks off early in downtown Tilbury on Saturday, November 14 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with more than 40 vendors.
Chatham Holiday Markets
Chatham has a busy market season. The Winter Wonderland Market is Saturday, November 21 at the St. Clair College Chatham Healthplex, with 40-plus local vendors and photos with Santa. A Holiday Market and Evening with Santa follows on Sunday, November 22 at Links of Kent.
In December, the Sons of Kent Christmas Market runs Saturday, December 5 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. The new Christmas on King market takes place indoors at 100 King in downtown Chatham on December 5 and 12, with holiday decor, kids’ activities, and photos with Santa. See Visit Chatham-Kent’s Holidays in CK page for updates.
Blenheim Holiday Markets
The Blenheim Christmas Market brings more than 40 vendors to the Festival of Lights Night Market on Saturday, December 5 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., the same evening as the Blenheim Santa Claus Parade. The next day, Sunday, December 6, Christmas at Red Barn Market offers more holiday shopping in Blenheim.
Dresden Christmas Night Market
One of the biggest holiday events in the region, the award-winning Dresden Christmas Night Market fills downtown Dresden on Saturday, November 28 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with an outdoor marketplace, food trucks, holiday music, and a pop-up holiday bar. Admission is free, and proceeds support the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre. Details are on the Dresden Night Market website.
Tips for Holiday Market Shopping
- Bring cash and cards. Most vendors take cards, but cash is handy for smaller stalls.
- Bring a reusable bag. It makes carrying your finds much easier.
- Go early for the best selection. Popular handmade items can sell out.
- Dress warmly. Many markets are outdoors, so wear layers and good boots.
- Check before you go. Weather can change plans, so check the organizer’s page or social media on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest Christmas market in Windsor-Essex?
The Handmade Christmas Extravaganza at the WFCU Centre is one of the largest indoor shows, with around 100 vendors. Nearby in Chatham-Kent, the Dresden Christmas Night Market is one of the biggest outdoor holiday events in the region.
When is the Kingsville Fantasy of Lights Market in 2026?
The Fantasy of Lights Market is Saturday, December 5 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Park Pavilion in Kingsville.
Are holiday markets in Windsor-Essex free?
Most are free to attend, including the Handmade Christmas Extravaganza and the Dresden Christmas Night Market. The Mistletoe Market charges $4 admission, which supports a local charity.
Thinking About Making This Area Home?
Local markets, small businesses, and community traditions are a big part of what makes Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent such a great place to live. If you’re wondering which town fits you best, check out my guide to living in Leamington vs. Kingsville vs. Wheatley.
Thinking about a move in the new year? Reach out anytime at lindahakrrealtor.ca or call me at 519-654-6695.
Happy shopping, and cheers,
Linda Hakr, REALTOR®
JUMP Realty Inc.