Holiday Magic Returns to Mississippi Mills – December 5-7, 2025

Mississippi Mills is set to sparkle with festive cheer this December 5 to 7 as the community welcomes Santa Claus for a weekend packed with music, parades and joyful traditions.

Friday, December 5: Light Up the Night

The weekend kicks off with the return of the enchanting Light Up the Night concert on Mill Street in Almonte. This open-air celebration transforms the downtown core into a winter wonderland, drawing thousands for an evening of music and magic.

Emceed once again by Ottawa Valley favourite, Wayne Rostad, sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes from entertainers including Rachelle Behrens, Nelson Colt, Braiden Wyman (and more!), and watch in amazement as The Snow Queen and her Twinkle Fairies wave their magic wands to bring Santa Claus to town. Stick around after the concert for a truly magical fireworks finale to light up the night sky!

Mill Street will be closed to traffic, so arrive early to grab a drink or bite from the food vendors in Candy Cane Court (Ultramar parking lot). Warm up by the bonfire, courtesy of Troy's Property Maintenance. Vendors will be set up at 6:30 p.m. with the concert beginning promptly at 7 p.m.

For all the details on entertainment, vendors, parking and more: www.mississippimills.ca/LUTN.

Saturday, December 6: Pakenham Santa Claus Parade

The festive fun continues in Pakenham with the annual Santa Claus Parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. It will wind through the charming village streets twice to ensure no one misses the magic.

The parade leaves the Stewart Community Centre (112 MacFarlane Street) at 1 p.m. sharp and will travel to Jeanie Street (toward the fire station), then turn right onto County Road 29, and make another right on Renfrew Street, leading back to MacFarlane Street and the community centre. 

The Pakenham & District Civitan Club will be collecting food and cash donations for the Lanark County Food Bank – The Hunger Stop during the parade, so please bring your non-perishable food items. 

After the parade, the Pakenham & District Civitan Club will serve free hot dogs and hot chocolate to visitors. Families are encouraged to stick around for free public skating until 4 p.m. courtesy of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.

Sunday, December 7: Almonte Christmas Parade

Wrap up the weekend on Sunday, December 7 with the dazzling Almonte Christmas Parade, a twinkling procession of lights and music that winds through the heart of town.

The parade assembles and leaves from the Rexall parking lot (430 Ottawa Street) at 5 p.m. It will head down Ottawa Street, through Main Street to the bottom of Mill Street. It will then travel up Mill Street, turn right on Bridge Street and end at the John Levi Community Centre.

Be sure to bring along some non-perishable food items as the Almonte Scouts will be collecting food and cash donations along the route in support of the Almonte Lions Club/Almonte Civitan Club Christmas Food Hampers. 

Following the parade, join us in the upper hall of the John Levi Community Centre for free hot dogs and hot chocolate, courtesy of the Almonte Lions Club. Free public skating will also be offered, courtesy of the Municipality.

Reminder – Christmas music is encouraged on parade floats, but throwing candy or items from floats is not permitted.

For more information on the Mississippi Mills Christmas parades, visit www.mississippimills.ca/ChristmasParades. If you have questions about either parade, call the Mississippi Mills Recreation and Culture Department at 613-256-2064 or email events@mississippimills.ca.

Bundle up and bring your cheer – Mississippi Mills is ready to welcome you for a weekend of holiday joy, December 5 to 7!