Five fun events happening this holiday season in Lanark County

The time is here for Lanark County to light up with Christmas cheer. From joyous parades to local Christmas markets, there’s certainly no shortage of events and activities that will be held over the next couple of months.

In the spirit of the season, Lanarkist is sharing a few holiday events in the region that promise festive fun for all ages.

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade

Bundle up in your warm winter coats and grab your kids because Santa Claus is officially coming to Carleton Place on Nov. 30 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

According to carletonplace.ca, “This year’s parade will begin at Carleton Place High School (215 Lake Avenue West) at 5 pm, travel up Lake Avenue, and turn left onto Bridge Street. The parade will then travel down Bridge Street, and end at the Carambeck Community Centre (351 Bridge Street).”

For those who cannot attend the parade in person, the Town of Carleton Place will be sharing a live stream of the entire thing. To find the link, visit the Recreation & Culture Department Facebook page on Nov. 30.

Christmas in Smiths Falls Market

With over 30 local vendors, you can purchase all of your unique Christmas gifts in one place at the Smith’s Falls Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 16t from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at local Legion  Branch 95 at 7 Main Street East. 

This event, hosted by the Smiths Falls Legion, is free to attend and will showcase the best of local craftsmanship, baked goods, jewellry and more. 

Once Upon a Christmas in Perth

The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA is once again hosting “Once Upon a Christmas” in Downtown Perth on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This free event will encompass all the magic of the holiday season with expertly decorated Christmas trees, Christmas carols sung by a local choir, hot cocoa, a horse-drawn wagon ride and so much more. There will also be a variety of local vendors on site selling delicious treats and homemade goods. 

For more information on what the BIA has in store by visiting their website.

Holiday Train

All aboard! For the 26th year in a row,  the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train will be pulling into Smiths Falls on Nov. 28 from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and you’re not going to want to miss it!

The Holiday Train is once again on a mission to spread holiday cheer throughout Southeastern Ontario all while raising money to put towards combating food insecurity and supporting local food banks.

Apart from Smiths Falls, the train will be stopping at three other locations in the Lanark region earlier the same day, including: 

• Finch, Ontario from 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
• Merrickville, Ontario from 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
• Perth, Ontario from  8:00 – 8:30 p.m.

For more information and a full schedule of this year’s train route, visit their website.

Children’s Holiday Market

This holiday market is for the kids!

For the third year in a row, children in Carleton Place can look forward to the Children’s Holiday Market, a special occasion that allows kids to choose gifts for free for each family member and have them beautifully wrapped to put under the tree. The market is organized by Councillor Sarah Cavanagh, and has become a beloved event for the community.

From 1 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 23, children can bring their holiday shopping lists to the Zion-Memorial United Church in Carleton Place and friendly volunteer elves will assist them in picking out gifts, wrapping them up, and making cards for their loved ones. 

While there is no fee to participate in the event, donations of goods or cash for the Lanark County Food Bank will be welcome.