Celebrating the Season in Goderich
Goderich Comes alive this time of year, with so many great activities taking place! Be sure to get out an enjoy the lights or take a self-guided tour of Goderich – there’s so much going on, you won’t find yourself wishing for much this holiday season!
Goderich Tour of Lights 2024
To add your home or business, fill out this form
To view the 2024 Angel Tree names, please click on the logo.
November
Christmas Craft Show
Saturday, November 2, 2024
9 AM – 5 PM
Goderich District Collegiate Institute
Admission $4
The Christmas Craft Show to kick-start the holiday season! This huge Christmas show welcomes over 100 vendors under one roof and has a treat or treasure for everyone! Don’t be surprised if you not only start your holiday shopping here, but finish it as well!
2024 Annual Textile Show & Sale
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Noon – 4 PM
Huron County Museum
The Goderich Quilters’ Guild presents quilts and quilted items of various sizes in our Annual Show and Sale. Our partners, the Huron Tract Spinners and Weavers, will also offer a variety of spinning, weaving, beading, knitting and felting.
IODE Maple Leaf Chapter House Tour
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Sunday, November 10, 2024
11 AM – 4 PM
Various Locations, Goderich
Admission $25
The annual IODE, Maple Leaf Chapter’s Christmas House Tour will take place on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 from 11 am-4 pm in Goderich.
There will be five beautiful homes, decorated for Christmas by local businesses for guests to tour. Complimentary cider and cookies will be available at the Huron County Museum.
Tickets are $25 (cash) and can be purchased at the IODE Opportunity Shop, Fincher’s, and All Around the House in Goderich, as well as Lucknow Pharmasave and by EFT at iodemapleleaf@gmail.com.
Proceeds from this event will support the Huron Hospice Bender House in Central Huron.
Homemade Holidays
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
6 PM
Goderich Library
November 12: Cookie sheet Christmas Countdown
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
BIA Ladies Night
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Noon – 8 PM
Downtown Goderich
Goderich is for the gals! Grab your girlies and head to beautiful downtown Goderich for an evening of spectacular deals, giveaways, and more.
PA Day Movies at the Museum: The Adventures of Tin Tin
Friday, November 15, 2024
10:30 AM – 12 PM
Huron County Museum
FREE
Drop into the Museum each PA Day this school season to watch a family-friendly movie in the Museum theatre! Movies are included with regular admission or FREE with a Museum membership or Huron County Library card.
Day camps also available on PA days: check out the museum’s website for details!
Holiday Bazaar
Friday, November 15, 2024
10 AM – 2 PM
Goderich Place
You’ll be sure to cross a few more people off of your shopping list at the Holiday Bazaar hosted by Goderich Place. A variety of one-of-a-kind items and hard-to-find treasures will be the order of the day!
Christmas Karaoke
Friday. November 15, 2024
5 PM
Goderich Legion
What better time to belt out your favourite Christmas carol than at the Christmas Karaoke at the Goderich Legion?!
Angel Tree Ceremony
Friday, November 15, 2024
7 PM – 8 PM
Lions Harbour Park
Each year, this quiet remembrance in Lions Harbour Park helps us to make time in a very busy season to pause and reflect on those unable to be with us this time of year. Join volunteers as they light the Angel, MADD, and Alzheimer’s Trees, followed by light refreshments in the pavilion.
To see a list of the 2024 Angel Tree names, please click on the image below.
Homemade Holidays
Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:30 AM
Goderich Library
November 16: Holiday Coasters
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
Huron County Author Talk & Book Fair
Saturday, November 16, 2024
12 PM – 5 PM
Huron County Museum
The Huron County Museum & Huron County Library welcome local writers across genres, styles and publishing methods, writing in or about Huron County. Between author panels, there will be mingling, refreshments, and a bookfair hosted by Bayfield Village Booskhop. Start your holiday shopping for the book-lover in your life, and get your copies signed by the authors! Includes something for everyone: young adult, children’s, science fiction, romance, mystery, & local history.
Writers’ workshops offered on Sunday, November 17th.
Festival of Lights: Lighting of the Lights & Outdoor Concert
Saturday, November 16, 2024
6:30 PM – 7 PM
Courthouse Square Performance Stage
Every year, snow or shine, Goderich counts down the lighting of the lights in beautiful downtown Goderich!
Join us at 6:30 pm as Laura Gagnon kicks off the night with some holiday classics, while the Salvation Army serves up some delicious hot chocolate, compliments of Tim Horton’s Goderich.
Festival of Lights: Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 16, 2024
7:15 PM – 8 PM
Parade Route
Make sure you find your spot along the parade route and join in on all the holiday fun!
Festival of Lights: Christmas Concert ft. Laura Gagnon
Saturday, November 16, 2024
8 PM – 10 PM
Goderich Legion (upstairs)
FREE
Immediately following the parade, Laura Gagnon will continue the festivities upstairs at the Goderich Legion. This free concert is available for all to enjoy thanks to the Goderich Legion Branch 109, the Goderich BIA, and Goderich Tourism.
Homemade Holidays
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
6 PM
Goderich Library
November 19: Winter Scene Frame
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
Yeehaw Presents: Canadian Fiddle Champion, Scott Woods
Monday, November 18, 2024
7 PM
Lakeshore United Church
Reminiscent of the iconic TV show, experience the best in Country music, trick fiddling, award-winning step dancing, humour and so much more! Visit SCOTTWOODS.CA
Tickets $45/ea
Call 1-855-726-8896 or visit scottwoods.ca
Collage Workshop
Sunday, November 24, 2024
1:30 – 4:30 PM
Huron County Museum
Create your own collage with Kelly Stevenson, artist and creator behind the temporary exhibit, beyond ana. Learn about the history of collage and its role as an artform that’s been used as a form of accessible self-expression, and as a social and political tool. We will discuss using art and art making as a way to safely express sometimes difficult emotions and thoughts.
No experience necessary, all materials provided. Suggested ages 11+. $5 or FREE for museum members. Space limited.
Sound of Goderich featuring the Goderich Laketown Band and Meghan De Jager
Sunday, November 24, 2024
3 PM
Lakeshore United Church
A tradition of the holiday season in Goderich, is the Sound of Goderich concert. This afternoon of beautiful music will surely help you find your Christmas spirit!
Huron County Christmas Bureau
November 25 – 29, 2024
10 AM – 5 PM
St. George’s Anglican Church
Donations are gratefully accepted throughout November 25 to 29 at St. George’s Anglican Church.
Homemade Holidays
Sunday, November 30, 2024
10:30 AM
Goderich Library
November 30: Knotty Gnome Ornament
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
Christmas Market & Luncheon
Sunday, November 30, 2024
11 AM – 2:30 PM
Goderich Lakeshore United
The Lakeshore United Church Women invite you to their Christmas Market & Luncheon on Saturday, November 30, 2024
Doors open from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Luncheon served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ~ Mac & Cheese or Chilli, Veggies, Apple Crisp, Tea/Coffee – $12.50
Come, bring friends, browse, enjoy:
- Bake Sale
- “Pie Shoppe” Pies
- Christmas Outdoor Arrangements
- Vintage Christmas Treasures
- Book Authors’ Corner
Enter through the south door and go downstairs. Elevator available.
Dads & Kids: Pets of the Past
Thursday, November 28, 2024
6 PM – 7 PM
Huron County Museum
For dads & male caregivers plus kids! Explore photos of pets in our collection and talk about our favourite pets of the past. Imagine a mythical or imaginary pet and make it out of craft materials.
Register with Rural Response for Healthy Children to participate: Dads & Kids | Rural Response for Healthy Children (rrhc.on.ca)
Bach Walk
Saturday. November 30, 2024
2 PM – 4 PM
Knox Presbyterian, Lakeshore United, & St. George’s
Travel on a classical musical journey – a tribute to J.S. Bach presented through instrumental, choral singing, and storytelling. Freewill donations will be gratefully received at each location, supporting Music Ministry.
Presentation #1: 2 – 2:30 PM
Knox Presbyterian Church
Presentation #2: 2:45 – 3:15 PM
Lakeshore Untied Church
Presentation #3: 3:30 – 4 PM
St. George’s Anglican Church
Christmas Photos for Pets
Saturday. November 30, 2024
11 AM
Peavey Mart
Make sure your pet has their best holiday sweater on and head to Peavey Mart in Goderich for your Christmas portrait. It’s fido’s favourite time of year too, why not capture it in your matching Santa hats?
December
BIA Open House
Sunday, December 1, 2024
11 AM – 4 PM
Downtown Goderich
Join us in beautiful downtown Goderich to kick off your holiday shopping season. Local business owners will be offering up amazing deals and products all while helping you get into the holiday spirit!
Holiday Open house
Sunday, December 1, 2024
1 PM – 4 PM
Huron County Museum
Celebrate the holiday season at the Huron County Museum with live music, sweet refreshments and family activities. FREE admission for all.
Homemade Holidays
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
6 PM
Goderich Library
December 4: Leather Gift Card Pouches
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
December 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 @ 8 PM
December 8 & 15 @ 2 PM
The Livery Theatre
Written by Kate DiCamillo, adapted by Dwayne Hartford
Directed by Jennifer Cousteils
Sponsored by Orr Insurance & Investment
On an ocean voyage, a toy rabbit named Edward Tulane, is accidentally thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea, and thus his journey begins. Edward meets many unique people in different situations on his journey: Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beautiful novel of the same name, the play is a theatrical tour de force for an ensemble of actors, artists, and musicians.
Homemade Holidays
Saturday, December 7, 2024
10:30 AM
Goderich Library
December 7: Winter Ceramics
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
Christmas at the Huron Gaol
Saturday, December 7, 2024
1 PM – 3 PM
Huron Historic Gaol
A guided tour of the Huron Historic Gaol and attached Governor’s House. Visit this national historic site during the off-season and hear true stories about what the holiday season was like for its inmates and staff between 1841 and 1972. Hear true stories of escape attempts, holiday meals behind bars and why the jail was nicknamed a “winter resort.”
Includes hot cider and holiday treat. Pre-registration required: spots limited.
Christmas at the Huron Gaol
Sunday, December 8, 2024
2 PM – 4 PM
Huron County Museum
Film screening in partnership with Lakeshore United Church, Goderich.
Where Olive Trees Weep (2024) offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons. Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its own cruelty?
Runtime: 1h 44m
Attending the film is FREE, but seating in the museum theatre is limited. You can find more information and reserve your spot on Kinema.
Breakfast with Santa
December 14, 2024
8 – 11 AM
Christian Reform Church
Join the jolliest elf for breakfast and get involved in generations of fun and tradition!
One of the longest running Christmas events in Goderich, this seasonal favourite is truly a special event to take part in. Santa and his list will be there to ensure your wee one has their special ask in for this year!
Homemade Holidays
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10:30 AM
Goderich Library
December 14: Book Ornament
Join us at the Goderich Branch for Homemade Holidays, a festive crafting adventure where teens and adults create beautiful high-quality holiday decorations, gifts, and more!
Walking Scrabble Coffee Social
Thursday, December 19, 2024
10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Huron County Museum
Don’t miss out on your walk just because of ice, snow, slush, rain or cold temperatures! The museum hosts indoor walking in the winters. Enjoy the exhibits while you get your steps in! Three Museum laps = approximately 1km. Grab a scrabble tile for each loop to participate on the board and spell your best word! Once a month, walkers can enjoy complimentary coffee, word games, and a prize for the month’s winning word.
Dads & Kids: Sharp-Dressed Dads
Thursday, December 19, 2024
6 PM – 7 PM
Huron County Museum
Fashion and style has changed over the years! Look at men’s styles from different eras in historical photographs. Design or build an outfit for your dad and pick from past hairstyles, facial hair, hats, bow ties, and more!
Register with Rural Response for Healthy Children to participate: Dads & Kids | Rural Response for Healthy Children (rrhc.on.ca)
Christmas Family Skate
Thursday, December 19, 2024
6 PM – 8 PM
Maitland Recreation Centre
The Goderich Ringette Association invites you to a Christmas Family Skate at the Maitland Recreation Centre on December 19th.
See you there!
6 PM – 7 PM Ice Time – Helmets Required
6 PM – 8 PM Crafts & goodies in the Sky Harbour Lounge
Multilingual Movie Night
Thursday, December 19, 2024
7 PM – 9 PM
Huron County Museum
Enjoy a film in another language with complimentary snacks in the museum’s theatre! December’s film is about a young boy’s love of film in Gujarat, India. Included with regular admission or FREE with your Huron County Library card.
2024 Country Christmas Tour
Thursday, December 19, 2024
8 PM
Goderich Livery
Hosted by Hill Mcgraw and Epic Live Concerts at the Livery Theatre in Goderich. Enjoy an evening of country music mixed with some Christmas songs and charity food drive.
Tickets available at www.sooblaster.com/tc-events/country-hill-mcgraw
Joe Friday’s Friday Night Live Christmas Bash ft. Sal’s Alley
Friday, December 20, 2024
9 PM – 1 AM
Joe Friday’s
You’ve already got your ugly Christmas sweater on, so grab your cousins and head to Joe Friday’s!
Sal’s Alley will rock into the night, helping you fight off those turkey naps, and you might even be able to dance off that second piece of pie…
2024 Santa Claus Parade – REGISTER BY NOV 8
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2024 PARADE
Missed the registration deadline? Not to worry!
On Saturday, November 16th, late entries should head to the corner of Elgin Avenue and South Street (no later than 6:30 PM) where parade marshals will find you a spot!
It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were joining together to celebrate Canada Day, but now we are looking forward to our Festival of Lights, and I know many are eager to start planning their entries for the Santa Claus Parade. This year, the parade will take place on;
Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at 7:15 PM
During the 2024 Festival we welcome parade entries that demonstrate that celebration in any way that you see fit. This might be carol singing, dolled up vehicles, holiday decorations, music, etc. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Keep in mind, this is a NIGHT PARADE so the more lights you can incorporate, the better.
A seasonal concert will begin at 6:30 pm on the Courthouse Performance Stage which will be followed by the Lighting of the Lights at 7:00 pm. The parade will begin immediately after that.
NO THROWING CANDY FROM FLOATS, HANDING OUT IS ACCEPTED
WHEN: Saturday, November 16, 2024
MARSHALLING: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Elgin Avenue West)
PARADE: 7:15 PM Start
ROUTE START: Wellington Street and West Street
Traveling East up West Street to Courthouse Square
Moving clockwise around Courthouse Square to South Street
ROUTE END: South Street and Elgin Avenue West
Angel Tree Ceremony
Friday, November 15, 2024
Lions Harbour Park
7:00 PM
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING NAMES FOR THE 2024 LIST.
WE WILL OPEN THE 2025 LIST IN OCTOBER OF 2025.
Each year, on the eve of the Santa Claus Parade, friends and family gather in Lions Harbour Park to remember all those who are not here to celebrate with us at this time of year.
The tradition of this night comes from Rose and Tom Heinbuch, who in 1992, tragically lost their daughter at birth and wanted a way to commemorate her death, and those of other children, in a meaningful way.
On this quiet night we light the Angel Tree, MADD, and Alzheimer’s Trees to remember those who have gone before us. Join us in a beautiful evening in Lions Harbour Park and take pause in this busy season.
If you would like to donate to this cause, you can do so HERE.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!
He’s made his list.
Checked it. Twice.
And the Goderich Parade Route is where you can find out if you’ve been naughty or nice!
This Saturday, November 16th is the official kick-off to the 2024 Festival of Lights and Santa Claus Parade!
Join us downtown Goderich on Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 PM at the Courthouse Square Performance Stage where Laura Gagnon will kick off the festivities with a free outdoor concert! To help make the evening extra special, the Goderich Salvation Army will be there to help serve up some complimentary hot chocolate from Tim Horton’s of Goderich.
At 7:00 PM the Festival of Lights will kick off! Mayor Bazinet will help us count down to the official lighting of the lights. These beautiful displays will be lit in the evenings throughout the holiday season and will remain on into the new year.
After the lights are on, it’s time to welcome the jolliest old elf to Goderich! Immediately following the lighting of the lights, the 2024 Santa Claus Parade will kick-off at the corner of West Street and Wellington.
Floats from businesses all over Huron County will be lit up and on display as our Santa Claus Parade makes it way up West Street to Courthouse Square, around Courthouse Square clockwise to South Street, south on South Street where it will disperse at Elgin Avenue.
Be sure to bring your non-perishable food items as a couple of floats in the parade will be gathering donations for our local food banks.
Once the parade has completed, the fun will carry on at the Goderich Legion where Laura Gagnon and her band will be performing a FREE Christmas Concert upstairs. All are welcome to share in the holiday spirit, as you enjoy a cup of cheer at the Legion. A special thank you to the Goderich BIA and Goderich Legion Branch 109 for making this event possible.
Goderich is known for its show-stopping fall colours and spectacular summer days, but it is the Festival of Lights where we Goderich folks shine. In all types of weather, we stick together… to welcome the holidays to our beautiful Town!
To see a complete list of events taking place throughout the Festival of Lights, head to EXPLOREGODERICH.CA to get your most up-to-date collection of holiday activities.