Schedule of Events

2pm - 9pm: Santa’s Village Essex Opens

The festivities kick off at 2:00 PM sharp, with vendors, the food court, and most activities ready to welcome you! For all the details and our schedule of events, be sure to check it out below. We can't wait to share the joy of the season with you!

Enjoy Main Stage Entertainment by DJ Grinchy Grinch from Rhythm Unlimited!!!!


2pm: Jon Brett’s Local Christmas Comedy Music Show

Located on the Main Stage - Sponsored by Val Mechanical

Live on the MAIN STAGE, listen to our own Essex music performer, Jon Brett. He will be singing a number of fun Children’s Christmas songs, along with some comedy of course, for all to enjoy. For all ages!


400pm - 600pm: Experience the Magic with Ron the Magician

All happening at Santa’s Village & Market on 34th Street in the Downtown District - SPONSORED BY NO FRILLS ESSEX!!!

Get ready for a magical journey with Ron, a seasoned magician whose enchanting journey into the world of magic began in his teens. What started as a hobby has blossomed into captivating performances at festivals, trade shows, corporate events, and resorts.

But Ron isn't just a magician; he's a philanthropist with a heart of gold. Despite his busy schedule, he dedicates time to volunteer for numerous charities, particularly Children's Hospitals. His impactful work has earned him recognition in articles from Windsor Star, Vancouver Sun, and Ottawa Citizen, and he's proudly received the Friends of the Center Award from the John McGivney Children's Centre.

Ron's performances are more than just tricks; they're carefully crafted experiences tailored to the guests and the venue. Each show is a testament to his commitment to go above and beyond, waking up on the day of the performance with excitement and dedication to his motto: "Let's Make Magic Happen."


2pm-6pm: Come Ride the Polar Express Train

The Loading Area is located in the Train Station Parking Lot - Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Essex

Hop on our version of the "Polar Express" train, a special trackless train. You and your friends will be in for a treat as you journey through Santa’s Village & Market, taking in the sights and spreading holiday cheer. And guess what? This ride is free for all of our little explorers thanks to the Optimist Club of Essex! LOCATED NEXT TO THE HISTORIC TRAIN STATION (AKA Santa’s Workshop)


2pm-9pm: Santa’s Reindeer Range - Petting Zoo

Located next to our Historic Train Station - Sponsored by BrokerLink

Santa Claus is bringing some of his magical North Pole animal friends to Santa's Village & Market in Essex, just for you! You can come say hello, give them gentle pats, and even share some holiday wishes. It's a day of wonder and joy where you can explore, play, and make new furry friends. Santa can't wait for you to join the fun, so get ready for a magical adventure right here in Essex! Located next to the Historic Train Station.


2pm-9pm: Magical Reindeer Food Tent

Sponsored by Peavey Mart Essex

This is where the magic begins, and you get to help Santa's reindeer fly on Christmas Eve. Here, you can mix up your very own reindeer food to leave on your lawn. It's like leaving them a tasty treat for when they land. So, grab some stardust and sprinkles, and let's make sure those reindeer are ready to zoom through the sky and deliver presents to kids all around the world! Santa and his reindeer will be so grateful for your help! Check the map to locate this event tent. This event is sponsored by Peavy Mart Essex.


2pm-5pm: ESSEX LEGION Warming Centre and Character Entertainment

Located in the Essex Legion: Sponsored by Essex Legion Branch 201

Welcome to Santa's Warming Centre at Essex Legion Branch 201!

When the chill sets in, come on over to our cozy haven in Santa's Village & Market. Here, you'll find heartwarming activities, Fantastic Fathers Group's delightful characters, and maybe a snack or two to keep you going.


2pm: Jason Baclig Live Christmas Acoustic Under the Coldwell Banker Pavilion

Play times are 2pm, 3pm, 4pm - Located under the Pavilion - Sponsored by Canadian Tire Essex

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment at Santa's Village & Market!

We are thrilled to announce that Jason Baclig, with generous support from Canadian Tire Essex, will be gracing our event with his incredible musical talent. Jason's love for music is bound to create a memorable experience for all in attendance, whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy some fantastic tunes.

Jason's musical journey has taken him across the globe, from playing Music and Hockey in five different countries to finding his way back to Canada in May 2021 to be with his family. Since his return, he has become a regular performer at many popular venues throughout Windsor/Essex County, including weddings and special events.

Jason is an internationally experienced artist with a wide-ranging repertoire, featuring over 300 songs. With his sweet vocal range and captivating guitar/percussion looping skills, he delivers a full, vibrant sound suitable for any occasion. From setting the mood with soothing background melodies to getting the crowd up and singing along, Jason ensures a good time is had by all.

But that's not all - we have something special to look forward to in the future as well. Jason will soon be releasing some of his own original music, adding his unique touch to the world of sound.

Don't miss this exceptional performance and the chance to groove to Jason's music at Santa's Village & Market. It's an experience you won't want to miss!


230pm-545pm: Santa’s Meet & Greet in the Train Station

Located in our Historic Train Station - Sponsored by Canadian Tire Essex - Decorated by Essex Home Hardware

Santa's arriving around 215pm at the Historical Essex Train Station, located at 87 Station Street in Heritage Park Gardens (Santa's Village). The line starts at the front doors and exits out the back. Santa's got special gifts, so don't forget your camera for photos (we do not have a photographer)! It's all FREE, thanks to our sponsor Canadian Tire Essex.
NOTE: Santa takes a short break every hour. Get ready for a jolly time at Santa's Village!


5pm - 530pm: The Essex Vocal Express - Christmas Acapella Singing

Located on the Ideal Real Estate Brokerage MAIN STATE: Sponsored by the St. Clair College Alumni Association

Prepare to be sent back in time by the melodious voices of the Essex Vocal Express Barbershop Chorus. This outstanding singing group, comprised of 40 music enthusiasts from Windsor and Essex County, is all set to bring holiday cheer with heartwarming Christmas carols.


3pm-4pm - Evermore Princess Party Show - On the Main Stage

This event takes place on the Main Stage - This event is sponsored by Paul Davis Essex

We're delighted to announce that Evermore Princess Parties, a local gem from Windsor, Ontario, is making a special appearance at Santa Village Essex! Join us between 3 pm and 4 pm on the Main Stage. Evermore Princess Parties is no ordinary company; they're an award-winning team of professional performers with training in theatre, dance, and vocals. Their mission? To craft authentic, unforgettable experiences and create magical memories that last a lifetime.


530pm - 630pm Sensory Hour at Lola’s Roundtable

This event is sponsored by Lola’s Round Table located at 41 Talbot Street North in Santa’s Village Essex Downtown District

Discover the magic of the holiday season with our special Sensory Hour event at Santa's Village & Market in the heart of Essex Downtown District, hosted at Lola's Round Table located at 41 Talbot Street N.

What to Expect:

  • Meet Santa Claus: A heartwarming opportunity for children with special needs to visit Santa in a calm and sensory-friendly environment.

  • Christmas Ornament Making: Engage in the joy of crafting by creating beautiful Christmas ornaments to cherish and take home.

  • And More: Join us for a range of activities designed to provide a delightful and inclusive holiday experience.

    Join us for a heartwarming and inclusive celebration of the holiday season at Santa's Village & Market. We look forward to creating magical memories together!


3pm-6pm - Horse Carriage Rides in Santa’s Village Downtown District

Located across from DollarTree on Wilson Ave - Sponsored by Sun Parlor Exterior (weather permitting)

All Aboard the Santa's Village Horse Carriage Rides!

Step into a winter wonderland at Santa's Village & Market in downtown Essex and make unforgettable memories with our delightful horse carriage rides.

The loading area for these enchanting rides is conveniently situated right across the street from Dollar Tree on Wilson Avenue. Our horse-drawn carriages will whisk you away on a magical journey through the heart of Santa's Village Downtown District.

A heartfelt "Thank You" goes out to Sun Parlor Exteriors, our generous sponsor, for making these memorable horse carriage rides possible.

Please note that the rides are weather permitting, so keep an eye on the forecast to ensure you don't miss this charming experience. We'll do our best to bring you this special activity and create moments of holiday joy for all to enjoy.


330pm-430pm - Kobbler Jay Entertainment located in the North District

Located across from Red Apple on 34th Street in Santa’s Village & Market’s North District - SPONSORED BY KEN KNAPP FORD ESSEX!!!

Get ready for a spellbinding experience with Kobbler Jay, a seasoned entertainer with nearly two decades of captivating audiences around the globe. His classic variety-style circle show combines juggling mastery, fire manipulation, and a dash of fresh wit to enchant audiences of all ages.

Whether he's wowing children with mesmerizing stunts, tickling teenagers' funny bones with saucy humor, or having adults in stitches, Kobbler Jay's comedy is "off the wall" yet perfectly tailored to each audience.

With an impressive track record of performing in over 10 countries and for 89 cities and towns in Ontario alone, Kobbler Jay has graced renowned festivals like the ScotiaBank Toronto Busker Festival and the Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival. He brings a world of entertainment experience to Santa's Village & Market!

Originally from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Jason currently calls Windsor, Ontario home, where he resides with his wife and daughter. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of Kobbler Jay at our event!


4pm: Jon Brett’s Local Christmas Comedy Music Show

Located on the Ideal Real Estate Brokers Main Stage - Sponsored by Val Mechanical

Live on the NEW Main Stage located at 34th Street and the Main Entrance to the Vendor Alley (Beside the NEW food court) will be our own Essex music performer, Jon Brett. He will be singing a number of fun Children’s Christmas songs, along with some comedy of course, for all to enjoy. For all ages!


630pm - 730pm The Annual Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade

This event is sponsored by the Essex Business Improvement Area

THE ESSEX BIA SANTA CLAUS PARADE Join us in Essex for the Annual Santa Claus Parade, presented by The ESSEX BIA. The parade kicks off at 6:30 pm sharp. Visit the parade website for all the details. Viewing locations area along Talbot Avenue, between Fairview and Maidstone Avenue. If you'd like to participate, visit the parade website.


730pm: The Essex Vocal Express - Christmas Acapella Singing

Located on the Ideal Real Estate Broker Main Stage - Sponsored by the St. Clair College Alumni Association

STARTING AROUND 730pm, right after the parade, prepare to be sent back in time by the melodious voices of the Essex Vocal Express Barbershop Chorus. This outstanding singing group, comprised of 40 music enthusiasts from Windsor and Essex County, is all set to bring holiday cheer with heartwarming Christmas carols under The Hallmark Movie Pavilion.


730pm - 9pm: Santa’s Meet & Greet in our Historic Train Station (Santa’s Workshop)

Located in our Historic Train Station - Sponsored by Canadian Tire Essex - Decorated by Essex Home Hardware

Santa returns from the parade to the Historical Essex Train Station, located at 87 Station Street in Heritage Park Gardens (Santa's Village). The line starts at the front doors and exits out the back. Santa's got special gifts, so don't forget your camera for photos (we do not have a photographer)! It's all FREE, thanks to our sponsor. NOTE: Santa takes a short break every hour. Get ready for a jolly time at Santa's Village!


730pm - 815pm: Essex Community Concert Band

Located in our Coldwell Banker Hallmark Pavilion - Sponsored by Schinkels Meat Market

The Essex Community Concert Band has been striking the perfect chord since its inception in the Fall of 2012. What began as a gathering of talented and enthusiastic high school musicians at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex soon evolved into a vibrant musical community that extended far beyond the school halls. Under the baton of conductors Dee Shaw and Chris Ingratta, the band took its first harmonious steps.

Over the years, this musical ensemble has continued to flourish, drawing in local musicians who bring their unique talents and passion for music to the forefront. The collaborative efforts of both past and present members, local organizations, community individuals, and fellow musical groups have played a pivotal role in the band's growth and success.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Essex Community Concert Band remains resilient. With unwavering dedication, they have continued to practice and perform, and now they are ready to hit the stage once again at Santa's Village and Market.

As the band continues to grow and make beautiful music, we look forward to enjoying their incredible talents during our festive event. Join us in celebrating the magic of the season with the Essex Community Concert Band at Santa's Village & Market!


9pm: Santa’s Village & Market Closes Down for 2023


Please check back frequently as we are editing the schedule weekly up until the day of the event.