Firefighters against police officers, with chili on the line.
On Saturday, November 21st, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., the City of Welland packs three events into one evening downtown: the Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade, the Civic Square Tree Lighting Ceremony and a Merry Chili Holiday.
The Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade
The Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade starts at 5 p.m. sharp at the corner of East Main Street and Wellington Street, then heads west along East Main Street to Civic Square.
At Civic Square
- Santa lights Welland's Christmas tree after the Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade.
- Take a photo, mail your letter to Santa and meet festive characters.
- Make a holiday craft with the Niagara Art Gallery.
- At 6:30 p.m., the Merry Chili Holiday cookoff pits Welland Fire and Emergency Services against the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Help decorate the Mitten Tree
Bring a donation to the Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade for the 2026 Mitten Tree at Civic Square. Everything must be new: mittens, hats, scarves, slippers, socks and onesies for adults and children, toiletries, towels and blankets, children's toys, and canned or boxed non-perishable food. Donations go to Community Christmas Toys.
In the know
Make an afternoon of it. The Welland Museum's Holiday Open House runs from 1 to 4 p.m. the same day at 140 King Street. Read our blog on the Welland Museum's Holiday Open House.
Questions about the Merry and Bright Santa Claus Parade go to the City of Welland's Recreation, Sport and Culture team at 905-735-1700, extension 4000. Thanks to the 2026 sponsors: Welland Hydro, Ontario Power Generation and the Niagara Health Foundation.
