The town of Kingsville officially ushered in the holiday season with its annual Fantasy of Lights Parade, drawing crowds to the streets on an unseasonably warm Saturday evening. The festive event, held on November 15, 2025, created a magical atmosphere for families and marked the beginning of Christmas celebrations across the Windsor-Essex region.
A Parade of Festive Delights
Residents lined the parade route to witness a spectacular collection of floats and characters. Santa Claus made a memorable appearance, riding atop a local fire truck to the delight of children and adults alike. The Windsor Optimist Youth Band filled the air with holiday tunes, while participants from the URSA Major Community Support Program joined the procession. A variety of brightly decorated vehicles, icicle trees, and snowmen captivated the audience, and children eagerly collected candies handed out by parade participants. Even pet puppies joined their human friends in the festive fun, adding to the community spirit.
Regional Holiday Celebrations Begin
Following the parade, the holiday spirit continued as the annual lights display at Lakeside Park was officially switched on. This dazzling exhibition will run from November 15, 2025, through to January 6, 2026, providing weeks of festive enjoyment for visitors. The parade and lights ceremony represent just the beginning of holiday festivities throughout the region, with several other municipalities launching their own seasonal events.
Windsor-Essex Lights Up for the Holidays
The same Saturday saw Amherstburg launch its River Lights Winter Festival, with downtown riverside displays running through January 4. Looking ahead, LaSalle will illuminate on November 21 for Holiday Lights at the LaSalle Civic Centre, with a second display beginning at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing on November 28 for weekend programming. Leamington will hold its Christmas parade on November 29, concluding with Santa lighting the municipal building and a fireworks show. Tecumseh's Christmas Parade is scheduled for November 21 at 6 p.m. at Tecumseh Town Centre Park, while Lakeshore plans its Moonlight Madness event on November 28 in downtown Belle River.
The successful Kingsville parade, captured in photographs by Brian MacLeod of the Windsor Star, demonstrated the strong community spirit and excitement that characterizes the holiday season in southwestern Ontario. With multiple municipalities coordinating their festive launches, residents across Windsor-Essex have numerous opportunities to enjoy holiday lights, parades, and community gatherings throughout November and December.
