If home is where the heart is, then residents of the City of Welland will light up for the City’s new, special outdoor event, A Hometown Christmas.

The marque event to this year’s slate of holiday-themed happenings takes place December 18, from 3-7:30 p.m. in Merritt Park (151 King Street) and the Farmers Market (70 Young Street). The event will include:

• Market
• Christmas Market extended into the evening
• Live Entertainment
• Crafts, hot chocolate and photobooths
• Merritt Park + Amphitheater
• Live entertainment
• Ice carving demonstrations and snow taffy
• Mailbox to send letters to Santa
• Santa concludes the night with a reading of a Christmas classic

Also happening this year:

Mitten Tree – now until December 11.

Already underway, donations are available at four locations in the city, including Civic Square, Wellness Complex, Farmers’ Market, and the Niagara Centre YMCA. Acceptable items include mittens, scarves, socks, and onesies. Toiletries, towels, blankets, children’s toys, canned/boxed non-perishable food items. Donations will go to the Community Christmas Toys.

Tree Lighting/Movie Night – November 26

The City of Welland’s official Christmas Tree will be lit in support of Niagara Health Foundation’s Celebration of Lights. The evening includes viewing Shrek the Halls and The Grinch on the big screen. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own chair, social distancing protocols in effect.

Welland Winter Lights – Nominate by November 26; Self-guided tours Dec. 8 and 9

Do you have a beautifully decorated house in your neighbourhood? Nominations are accepted at recreation@welland.ca or the Welland Community Wellness Complex (145 Lincoln St). https://www.welland.ca/Leisure/eventsinfo/wellandWinterLights.asp