This weekend, Amherstburg celebrates twenty years of holiday lights, festive traditions, and community celebrations with a kickoff to the holiday season on Saturday evening.

Celebrations begin at 5:00pm with the Super Santa 5K Run/Walk/Wheel, starting on Richmond Street. At 5:30pm, the Walker Gingerbread Warming House opens in Toddy Jones Park, and holiday entertainment in the Amherstburg Waterfront Festival Plaza gets everyone in the festive spirit.

The excitement continues with Opening Ceremonies at 6:00pm in the Amherstburg Waterfront Festival Plaza, followed by the lighting of the new municipal tree at 6:10pm in the new park. A cannon firing at 6:15pm and fireworks over the river at 6:20pm will add to the evening’s festivities. Music entertainment will return at 6:45 pm in the park.

Free hot chocolate and cookies will be served after the ceremonies, while supplies last, courtesy of Chartwell Amherstburg.

The holiday magic doesn’t end on Opening Night. River Lights Winter Festival continues through January 3rd, 2027, with six weeks of festive light displays throughout downtown Amherstburg.