This magical time of year is often filled with wondering: where and when are the Christmas events near me? It can be hard to keep track of everything.
That’s why we’re doing it for you. We’ve compiled a list of events happening in the Kemptville area from pre-Christmas to New Year’s Eve.
Family-Friendly Events
Christmas is a time for family, and there are some Christmas events for kids that you shouldn’t miss.
Kemptville Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
When: November 18, 1PM – 4PM
Where: Downtown Kemptville
Santa Claus is coming to Kemptville to spread a little pre-Christmas cheer! This year’s parade theme is ‘Christmas Movies’ and will start at Holy Cross promptly at 1PM.
During the parade, the North Grenville Fire Service will be collecting cash donations, the Royal LePage Team Realty will be collecting toys, and the Rotary Club of Kemptville will be collecting food donations. The best part? All the donations stay 100% local, benefiting those in need in the Kemptville area.
Following the parade, join Santa at the North Pole (which is actually the North Grenville Public Library), where you can write your Christmas letter and enjoy some post-parade treats!
The Very Big Christmas Show
When: November 19, 10AM – 4PM
Where: Cornwall Civic Contest, 100 Water Street East, Cornwall
The Very Big Christmas Show certainly lives up to its name. Everywhere you look, there’s something going on. There are prize draws every 15 minutes, gift-wrapping stations, games for kids, and you might even see Santa!
Every child registered with an adult gets a present, and if you get your tickets early enough, you could be entered to win a big screen television!
Partial proceeds from this event will go towards the Optimist Club of Cornwall Toy Drive.
St. Michael’s Christmas Craft Show
When: November 25, 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Where: 2755 County Road, 43, Kemptville, ON
Craft shows are some of the most popular local Christmas events, and St. Michael’s is one of the best.
“This has become so much more than a fundraiser for St. Michael Catholic High School. It is a large-scale, highly-anticipated, annual attraction with vendors and visitors coming from across Eastern Ontario,” says craft show coordinator Charmaine Crockett. “We are so very proud of our student volunteers and our talented vendors.”
This fair has a little bit of everything according to Charmaine. “You can choose from a diverse range of original Christmas gift ideas. You can select from a variety of delicious snacks or a full lunch in our food court, visit with Santa, get your family Christmas photos taken and be entertained by highland dancing shows accompanied by bagpipes. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season!”
Stanley’s Christmas Village
When: December 2 through December 23, Saturdays and Sundays,
Where: 2452 Yorks Corners Road, Edwards
Please note: You MUST pre-register for this event
It turns out that Stanley’s Olde Maple Farm has a neighbouring elf village, and they’ve invited them to make use of the farm for Christmas!
This village is perfect for a family-Christmas-fun day, and features:
- Horse-drawn carriage/sleigh rides
- A meeting with the Chief Elf Officer (who will personally make sure Santa gets your letters)
- A village tour which includes the Wrapping Warehouse, Candycane Daycare, and the Reindeer Stables.
While you’re there, you could even pick up a Christmas tree! Tickets are available now – don’t wait to see some real-live elves!
Kemptville Christmas Farmer’s Market
When: December 3 and December 10, 12PM – 4PM
Where: 200 Sanders Street, Kemptville
If you thought the Farmer’s Market was over, you’re in for a surprise! There will be two special indoor markets where you can get some great gift ideas – and fresh baked goods!
Adults Only
You aren’t just looking for Christmas events near you. You’re also looking for New Year’s plans. With that in mind, we found a couple events that offer you some kid-free fun.
New Year’s Eve – a Great Gatsby Affair
When: December 31 10PM – January 1, 2018 1AM
Where: Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert Street
It’s once again time for the Sheraton’s annual Singles and Friends event, and this year the theme is Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby himself would be blown away by the splendor that’s in store.
This event includes:
- Elegant grandeur in the form of exceptional decorations (and sequins, obviously)
- Cocktail hour
- A 3 course dinner, plus appetizer tables
- A dance floor and DJ
- Door prizes
- Midnight Champagne Toast
Needless to say, this is one of the best places to be ringing in the New Year!
New Year’s Eve Charity Auction and Ball
When: December 31, 2017, 6PM – January 1, 2018, 1:30AM
Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Road
This is Ottawa’s final Canada 150 event, and it’s going to be a big one! Throw on your tails and gowns and head to the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre to support children with autism.
This event will feature:
- Cocktails
- A 4 course meal
- Live entertainment by the Steve Berndt quartet
- A dance floor with DJ
- A Las Vegas-style Charity Casino
- A live auction
- The chance to win a Grand Vacation Door prize valued at over $10,000
- Midnight champagne toast
This event is the definition of style, and who doesn’t want to ring in the New Year in style?
What Else is Happening Near You?
Feature Photo: northgrenville.ca