When are the 2026 Santa Claus parades in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent?

Parade season runs from Saturday, November 21 to Friday, December 18, 2026, starting with Kingsville and Amherstburg and wrapping up in Thamesville.

There’s nothing like standing on a cold curb with a hot chocolate, waiting for the first lights of the parade to come around the corner. Every town in our corner of southwestern Ontario does it a little differently, and many families make a point of catching more than one.

I pulled together every Santa Claus parade I could confirm for 2026 across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, plus one of the best Christmas markets in the region, so you can plan your weekends, bundle up the kids, and pick your spot early. Bookmark this page, because I’ll update it as new dates are announced. Looking for holiday markets too? See my 2026 holiday market guide.

2026 Santa Claus Parade Schedule at a Glance

Essex County Parades

Kingsville: Saturday, November 21, 5:00 p.m.

Kingsville kicks off the season with its Fantasy of Lights Parade, followed by Flip the Switch at Lakeside Park, when the whole park lights up for the holidays. The Fantasy of Lights festival runs into the first week of January, with train rides, a holiday market, and visits with Santa. Full details are on the Town of Kingsville’s Fantasy of Lights page.

Amherstburg: Saturday, November 21, 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Amherstburg hosts its parade the same night as Kingsville, so if you’re feeling ambitious, you can catch both. This year’s theme is “A Super Hero Christmas.” Amherstburg’s River Lights displays make it worth staying after the parade for a stroll.

Leamington: Saturday, November 28, 6:00 p.m.

The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce presents this year’s Christmas Parade, themed “Step Into a World of Christmas Magic.” The parade starts at Georgia Avenue and Erie Street, heads north through town to Wilkinson Drive, and finishes at the Leamington Fairgrounds. Erie Street fills up fast, so plan to arrive early for a good spot.

Windsor: Saturday, December 5, 6:00 p.m.

The Windsor Santa Claus Parade is the biggest in the region, drawing crowds downtown with floats, bands, and plenty of holiday spirit. This year’s theme is “A Super Hero Christmas.”

Essex: Saturday, December 12, 6:30 p.m.

Essex closes out the Essex County parade season along Talbot Street, also with a “Super Hero Christmas” theme. Come early for Santa’s Village and Market at Heritage Gardens the same day.

LaSalle: Holiday Lights Instead of a Parade

LaSalle doesn’t hold a Santa Claus parade, but it celebrates the season with Holiday Lights Heritage Nights at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing, starting November 27. There’s also a Breakfast with Santa and the Mayor on December 5.

Chatham-Kent Parades

Chatham: Friday, November 27, 6:00 p.m.

The Downtown Chatham BIA’s parade rolls through the downtown core on a Friday night, and this year’s theme is “Retro Christmas.” As someone who grew up in Chatham, I can tell you this one is a hometown favourite.

Tilbury: Friday, November 27, 7:00 p.m.

Tilbury holds its parade the same night as Chatham, and it also kicks off the Tilbury Lions Christmas Light Festival in Memorial Park, which runs into January.

Blenheim: Saturday, December 5, 5:30 p.m.

Blenheim’s parade lines up with the opening of its Festival of Lights, which runs into early January. The Blenheim Christmas Market runs the same day from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., so you can shop before the parade.

Wheatley: Saturday, December 5, 6:30 p.m.

Wheatley’s parade is small-town Christmas at its best, with neighbours lining the streets and local groups pitching in. It’s my own town, and it’s one of my favourite nights of the year.

Ridgetown: Saturday, December 12, 1:00 p.m.

Ridgetown is the only afternoon parade on the list, making it a great pick for families with little ones who can’t stay up late.

Dresden: Saturday, December 12, 6:00 p.m.

Dresden’s evening parade rolls through its downtown on the same day as Ridgetown’s, so you could catch both.

Thamesville: Friday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.

Thamesville wraps up the parade season just a week before Christmas. See the full Chatham-Kent schedule on Visit Chatham-Kent’s Holidays in CK page.

Bonus: Dresden Christmas Night Market

If you love a good Christmas market, mark Saturday, November 28 on your calendar. The Dresden Christmas Night Market runs from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in downtown Dresden, with a huge outdoor marketplace, holiday music, food and dessert trucks, a pop-up holiday bar, and downtown shops and restaurants open late.

Admission is free, and all proceeds support the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre. It’s the same day as the Leamington parade, so plan it as an afternoon outing. Details are on the Dresden Night Market website.

Tips for Parade Night

• Arrive early. The best curbside spots go 30 to 45 minutes before the start.
• Dress for the weather. Parades go ahead rain, snow, or shine, so bring blankets, hats, and mitts.
• Bring a donation. Many local parades collect non-perishable food or toys for area food banks and toy drives.
• Bring folding chairs. Parades can run an hour or more, and little legs get tired.
• Check before you go. Weather can change plans, so check each town’s social media pages on parade day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Leamington Christmas Parade in 2026?

The Leamington Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. It starts at Georgia Avenue and Erie Street and ends at the Leamington Fairgrounds.

What is the first Santa Claus parade in Windsor-Essex in 2026?

Kingsville and Amherstburg both hold their parades on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Kingsville starts at 5:00 p.m. and Amherstburg at 6:00 p.m.

Is there a daytime Santa Claus parade in Chatham-Kent?

Yes. Ridgetown’s parade starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2026, making it the only afternoon parade in the region.

Thinking About Making This Area Home?

Community traditions like these are a big part of why people fall in love with Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. 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. I’d be happy to help you find your spot, on the parade route and beyond.

Merry Christmas, and cheers,
Linda Hakr, REALTOR®
JUMP Realty Inc.