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Winter Break 2025–2026: Family-Friendly Activities in Windsor-Essex
Make this winter break unforgettable with a mix of festive lights, outdoor adventures, and indoor fun. Enjoy these family-friendly activities from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
More Fun Things to Do During Winter Break
See Holiday Lights
The holiday season brings magical light displays and festive cheer across the region. Explore captivating attractions and events that brighten the season and create lasting memories for all ages.
- Kingsville Fantasy of Lights: Discover dazzling light displays throughout the Town of Kingsville during the Fantasy of Lights event. Each location offers unique themes, showcasing vibrant colors and festive cheer.
- Amherstburg River Lights: Experience the wonder of Amherstburg’s River Lights festival. Enjoy whimsical displays at Jones Park, where playful themes delight children and the young at heart. For a more traditional vibe, visit the serene King’s Navy Yard Park, where timeless holiday scenes evoke warmth and nostalgia.
- Bright Lights Windsor: Jackson Park will shine with thousands of dazzling lights and vibrant displays, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. Featuring a global theme, this event highlights diverse traditions, from menorahs of Hanukkah to the vibrant colors of Kwanzaa, uniting all through the beauty of light.
- LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights: Immerse yourself in a magical outdoor wonderland with stunning holiday and light displays. Highlights include a magnificent forty-foot-tall walk-through Christmas tree and countless ornamental decorations.
Visit Local Attractions
- Art Gallery of Windsor: A cultural gem that highlights Canadian art through its diverse collection and rotating exhibits.
- Fort Malden National Historic Site: Discover Canada’s history through exhibits and reenactments at this well-preserved 19th-century military fort in Amherstburg.
- Point Pelee National Park: A paradise for nature lovers, this park offers birdwatching, scenic beaches, and trails.
Exciting Indoor Entertainment
Indoor entertainment in Windsor-Essex offers endless opportunities for fun and connection. With activities ranging from brain-teasing puzzles to delicious dining and energetic adventures, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences to enjoy.
- Adventure Bay Water Park: This indoor water park, featuring over 35,000 square feet of wild water fun with five giant waterslides, FlowRider, wave pool, splash zone, lazy river, and more, is open throughout the holidays.
- Hidden Trail Escape Rooms: Challenge your mind with immersive and exciting puzzle-solving experiences.
- The Fort Fun Center: Enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant, unwind with drinks at the bar, and dive into exciting activities like bowling and arcade games.
- M Chapter Board Game Cafe: M Chapter Café Lounge offers a cozy atmosphere with free-to-play PS5 gaming (with purchase) and an extensive library of board games. Enjoy refreshing bubble teas, fruit teas, smoothies, hot and cold coffee, and freshly made light snacks.
New Year’s Eve Activities
Ring in the New Year with exciting celebrations for all ages. Choose from family-friendly events, runs, and festive parties to welcome 2026 in style.
Live Music and Theatre
- WSO Holiday Pops on December 20 – 21, 2025, at The Capitol Theatre
- The S’Aints – Sleighing Hunger on December 20 – 21, 2025 | 8:00 PM at Chrysler Theatre
- Concerts by Candlelight – Christmas Classics on Saturday, December 20, 27, 2025 | 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church
- Need A Little Christmas – Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Bloomsbury House
You may like: Christmas & Holiday Activities in Windsor
Family-Friendly Events
The Windsor-Essex region offers a festive array of events and experiences to celebrate the holiday season. Explore historical sites, meet holiday icons, and create lasting memories.
- Holiday Tours: Tour Willistead Manor all decked out in its holiday finest, tours of the new Coach House Historical Exhibition, and access to the Friends of Willistead’s holiday display. Various dates, December 3 – 28, 2025
- Breakfast With Santa: Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, explore the manor’s main floor with a self-guided tour, and share a special visit with Santa. Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM at Willistead Manor.
- Santa’s Winter Woodland: Visit Santa’s Winter Woodland in Centre Court in front of Hudson’s Bay! November 16 – December 24, 2025, at Devonshire Mall
- A Heritage Christmas: Experience the magic of Christmas past at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, featuring 1800s-era buildings transformed for the holiday season. Enjoy stories with Mrs. Claus, Elf School, nightly entertainment, s’mores-making, and a festive marketplace. December 6 – 7, 13, 20 – 21, 2025
- SantaCon Windsor: Throw on your Santa suit and join us on Drouillard for a full-day crawl through the bars of Ford City on Saturday, December 20, 2025
Sports
Windsor Express at WFCU Centre
Get ready for high-energy basketball action with the Windsor Express at the WFCU Centre!
- vs. KW Titans on Friday, December 28, 2025 | 3:00 PM
- vs Saginaw Spirit on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 2:05 PM
Windsor Spitfires at WFCU Centre
Catch the Windsor Spitfires in action at the WFCU Centre for two exciting games this season! On New Year’s Eve, ring in the New Year with hockey! Countdown to midnight with in-game entertainment, party favors, and a celebratory atmosphere you won’t forget.
- vs Saginaw Spirit on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 2:05 PM
Outdoor Winter Adventures
**Weather Dependent Activities**
- Skiing: Skiing is a fantastic way to embrace the beauty of winter. Cross-country trails throughout the region offer scenic landscapes, perfect for skiers of all skill levels. It’s a fun, active pursuit for individuals and families alike, combining outdoor exploration with fitness.
- Skating at Lanspeary Lions Outdoor Rink: The rink provides a welcoming space for skaters of all levels, although skate aids and non-skating guardians are not allowed on the ice during public skating. Helmets and gloves are highly recommended for safety.
- Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a simple and enjoyable way to explore winter trails. This easy-to-learn activity combines exercise with the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes. Strap on snowshoes, venture into the great outdoors and relish the tranquillity and crisp air of the season.
- Tobogganing: Slide into fun with tobogganing at popular spots like Malden Park and Optimist Memorial Park. These locations offer excellent slopes for an exhilarating day outdoors. Grab a sled, dress warmly, and enjoy the thrill of racing down snowy hills.
- Geocaching: Geocaching turns winter into an exciting treasure hunt! Using a mobile app or GPS device, search for hidden caches scattered throughout the region. This family-friendly activity combines exploration, mild exercise, and a touch of adventure.
- Winter Walks: A winter walk is a wonderful way to appreciate the season’s beauty. Whether it’s a brisk hike or a stroll, the crisp air and snow-covered scenery make for a refreshing experience.
- Bird Watching: Winter birding is a captivating activity for nature lovers. Look out for seasonal species and observe their unique adaptations to the cold. Equipped with binoculars and a bird ID app, challenge yourself to identify as many birds as possible. Participate in a Christmas Bird Count or enjoy birdwatching from the warmth of your home with a feeder.
- Visit Provincial and National Parks: Provincial and National Parks transform into winter wonderlands, offering activities like skating, snowshoeing, skiing, and even camping. Experience the charm of overnight stays in cozy yurts, available at select parks. If you’ve visited in warmer months, winter unveils a completely different and magical perspective of these natural treasures.
UrbanAir is in Sudbury, that’s a 7 hour drive… kinda far from something to do in Windsor-Essex isn’t it?