Upcoming Santa Claus Parades bring families together across local communities

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: As the holiday season approaches, communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes are gearing up to welcome Santa Claus, with festive parades and family-friendly events. From Fenelon Falls to Sunderland, towns and villages are alive with the holiday spirit, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

These celebrations kicked off, on Saturday, November 29th, with Fenelon Falls Santa Day and the Beaverton Santa Claus Parade. Both communities saw awesome crowds lining downtown sidewalks. The evening in Fenelon Falls concluded with fireworks. The next day, families gathered for the Kirkfield Lions Tree Lighting Event, brightening the festive spirit in the community in attendance.

This weekend, Christmas in the Village, in Kinmount, runs from December 4th to 6th. The festivities begin with a tree lighting at the train station, on Thursday, December 4th, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a full day of activities, on Saturday. Christmas at Ken Reid, on Saturday, December 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer: visits with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, a scavenger hunt, Kids’ Craft Corner, story walks, and live music. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed, to support future programming. Meanwhile, Ken Reid’s Illuminated Forest will transform the trails into a glowing, white-light wonderland, from December 12th to 28th.

Santa Claus parades are set to fill communities with holiday cheer in the coming weeks. Port Perry will host its parade on the evening of Saturday, December 6th, followed by Omemee at 1 p.m., the same day, from Scott Young Public School. Coboconk and Pontypool will host their parades on Sunday, December 7th, with Coboconk’s parade kicking off at 1 p.m., along Highway 48, and Pontypool beginning at 6 p.m., at the Fire Hall.

Little Britain’s parade takes place Friday, December 12th, while Bobcaygeon and Sunderland celebrate on Saturday, December 13th. Washburn Island and Woodville will hold their parades on Saturday, December 20th, with Washburn Island collecting non-perishable food donations for the Little Britain Community Food Bank. The season wraps up with the Dunsford Lions Christmas Parade, on Sunday, December 21st.

Kawartha Lakes Mayor, Doug Elmslie expressed his excitement for the season, “Our communities truly shine during this time of year. The parades and holiday events are a chance for families to come together and celebrate the joy of the season.”

Local MP, Jamie Schmale added, “These events not only bring a lot of smiles but also strengthen the bonds in our towns and villages. It’s wonderful to see the community spirit come alive.”

Residents are equally enthusiastic. “We look forward to the Port Perry parade every year,” said Michelle Lee, a longtime resident. “It’s such a special way to enjoy the holiday season with the kids.” Another attendee, at Fenelon Falls Santa Day, Curtis Robertson, noted, “The fireworks were incredible and the parade brought the whole community together. It really makes you feel the [wonder] of Christmas.”

With so many events planned, families across Kawartha Lakes and the surrounding area are encouraged to bundle up and enjoy the festive celebrations.