Main Street Markham kicks off holiday season with Festival of Lights and Santa Claus parade
By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Main Street Markham will celebrate the upcoming winter holiday season with its 40th annual Festival of Lights on Nov. 28 and the 51st annual Santa Claus parade on Nov. 29.
Paul Cicchini, chair of the Main Street Markham Business Improvement Area (BIA), said this year’s Festival of Lights will feature many more attractions than last year.
The festival’s central stage will feature a multitude of acts, such as carolling, a performance from the Unionville Theatre Company, music from singer-songwriter Steph, a fireworks and tree lighting ceremony, and a fire show from NorthFire Circus and Dr. Draw.
The evening festival — which runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. —will also feature an outdoor skating rink at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church’s side parking lot. It will include free skate and helmet rentals if needed, a firepit to enjoy hot chocolate, and a sports play zone from Canlan Sports.
Additionally, visitors can find Santa’s village at the front lawn of St. Andrew’s United Church. The village will feature a trackless train, another fire pit with snacks, and Santa Claus himself, who will appear from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 9 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy food from various vendors throughout the festival, including Beavertails, 905 Hotdog Pound, Pimento Jerk, and Tiny Tom Donuts.
The Santa Claus parade — taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — will travel along Main Street from Highway 7 to 16th Avenue. Organized by the Markham Sunrise Rotary Club along with the municipal government, the parade will feature Markham-based groups such as dancers, cadets, and marching bands.
In addition, visitors can still attend the skating rink and Santa’s village that day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cicchini said both events have been a street staple for decades.
“[Christmas] is a symbol of joy and happiness for all,” he said. “And since Markham is very diverse, it brings everybody together.”
For more information, visit www.mainstreetmarkham.com.
Photo: Main Street Markham will celebrate the upcoming winter holiday season with its 40th annual Festival of Lights on Nov. 28 and the 51st annual Santa Claus parade on Nov. 29.