Festivales y eventos

Jean-Talon Market hosts a holiday market with live music and free family workshops on three weekends, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20, 2026 (Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), on the mezzanine and in the second floor Panorama Room. Activities include letter writing workshops with an elf and visits from Santa on Sundays. Food and market goods cost money.

North End Jewish Folk Choir presents: Songs for Everyone: a free concert at Winnipeg Public Library, Millennium Library (Carol Shields Auditorium). When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A free concert by the North End Jewish Folk Choir, a historic Winnipeg community ensemble. Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.

Constance and Buckhams Bay Santa Claus Parade: a free street parade, listed by CTV News Ottawa. When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 (it started at 5:00 PM in 2025; check the time). The Constance and Buckhams Bay community's Santa night parade, along Bayview Drive to Len Purcell Drive and the community centre. Free to watch. More details on the CTV News page.

Richmond Santa Claus Parade: a free street parade, listed by CTV News Ottawa. When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 (it started at 5:30 PM in 2025; check the time). Richmond village's annual Christmas parade with Santa, a long running tradition for local families. Free to watch. More details on the CTV News page.

Family Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas: a free program at Surrey Libraries, Semiahmoo Branch (1815 152 Street, Surrey, BC V4A 9Y9). When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A free movie screening at the library. For: children. Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.

Family Movie: Penguins of Madagascar: a free program at Surrey Libraries, Clayton Branch (7155 187A Street, Surrey, BC V4N 6L9). When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. A free movie screening at the library. For: children. Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.

Denver's 52nd Parade of Lights: lit floats, giant balloons and marching bands through downtown. Free to watch from the street; grandstand and VIP seats cost money. Check the time.

Klyde Warren Park's free annual tree lighting: a day of holiday activities and entertainment in downtown Dallas, ending with the lighting of The Mayor's Tree. Check the time.

Phoenix's 39th APS Electric Light Parade: floats, bands and walkers covered in holiday lights roll through central Phoenix. Free to watch from the street; grandstand seats may cost money.

Illumination du sapin de Noël de Pierrefonds-Roxboro: a free Christmas tree lighting for everyone at Bibliothèque de Pierrefonds, in Montreal (Pierrefonds Roxboro), listed by the City of Montreal. When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. In French on the City's page: Le 5 décembre, laissez-vous emporter par la magie des Fêtes et venez assister à l'illumination du sapin de Noël de Pierrefonds-Roxboro!

Tomball's free Christmas celebration at the Depot: real snow, Santa, the tree lighting and the town's first holiday drone show.

Houston's free holiday celebration at City Hall: the city tree lighting with live music by En Vogue, MAJOR and Jessica Sanchez.