Goderich Festival of Lights 2026: Holiday Magic, Santa Claus Parade & Christmas Markets

November 20 & 21, 2026

A Season of Holiday Magic Awaits in Downtown Goderich!

There is something magical about an Ontario community coming together to celebrate the holiday season. In Goderich, that magic shines brightly as the 2026 Goderich Festival of Lights welcomes residents and visitors to experience festive traditions, sparkling lights, music, holiday shopping and community celebrations.

Known as Canada’s Prettiest Town, Goderich offers a beautiful setting for making holiday memories, with its historic downtown and Courthouse Square providing the backdrop for seasonal festivities.Goderich Festival of Lights

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a holiday shopping excursion or a festive getaway, Goderich has plenty to discover!

Festival of Lights — November 20 & 21, 2026

The holiday celebrations begin with the Candlelight Ceremony on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 PM, setting the stage for a festive weekend.

On Saturday, November 21, the excitement continues with the much-anticipated Lighting of the Lights celebration. Goderich Festival of Lights

Lighting of the Lights — Saturday, November 21

Musical entertainment begins at 6:30 PM on the Performance Stage.
The Lighting of the Lights celebration brings the community together for a festive countdown.

Imagine Courthouse Square glowing with colourful lights as music and holiday cheer fill the downtown!

Santa Claus Is Coming to Goderich!

Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 7:15 PM

A favourite holiday tradition returns as the Goderich Santa Claus Parade brings festive excitement to downtown streets.

The parade begins at the corner of West and Wellington Streets, travels east along West Street, continues clockwise around Courthouse Square and proceeds down South Street before dispersing at Elgin Avenue. Goderich Festival of Lights

Families and visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as the community welcomes Santa Claus!

Santa is Coming to Goderich

Discover More Holiday Experiences in Goderich

The festivities extend beyond the Festival of Lights weekend, creating even more reasons to explore downtown Goderich.

Ladies’ Night — Thursday, November 19 | Noon to 8 PM

Kick off your holiday shopping with a special downtown shopping experience presented by the Downtown Goderich BIA. Discover local businesses and enjoy an opportunity to get an early start on finding those special gifts. Goderich Festival of Lights

Outdoor Christmas Market — December 5 & 12 | 3 PM to 7 PM

Visit the South Plaza at Courthouse Square for Goderich’s Outdoor Christmas Market. Goderich Festival of Lights

Discover holiday market vendors, seasonal shopping, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more festive experiences in the heart of downtown.

Outdoor Christmas Market

Make Goderich Part of Your Ontario Holiday Adventures!

Ontario’s communities offer some of the most memorable holiday experiences, and Goderich’s seasonal celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to discover local traditions, explore downtown businesses and create lasting memories. Goderich Festival of Lights

From the glow of festive lights to the excitement of a Santa Claus Parade and the charm of outdoor Christmas markets, Goderich invites visitors to experience the spirit of the season.