The holiday spirit shone brightly in Kingsville this past weekend as Santa Claus made a special appearance, distributing candies and listening to Christmas wishes at the town's beloved Fantasy of Lights festival.
A Sweet Morning with St. Nick
Several hundred people gathered at the Lakeside Park pavilion on Saturday, December 13, 2025, for the magical Breakfast with Santa event. The jolly visitor, inspired by the legendary gift-giving of St. Nicholas, ho-ho-ho'd his way through three morning sessions, posing for countless photos with delighted children and their families.
Attendees enjoyed a hearty pancake and sausage breakfast before children unleashed their creativity at a cookie decorating station. Supplied with colourful royal icing, sprinkles, and candies, young participants decorated take-home sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees and ornaments. Five-year-old Cora Gagnier was among those who joyfully took part in the festive activity.
Community Spirit on Full Display
The event was powered by community volunteers, including newcomers Byron Lazarus and Laura Miller. The couple, who immigrated to Canada from London, U.K., in June and settled in Kingsville, were on hand to serve up the delicious breakfast.
"We're just volunteering for Kingsville," said Lazarus. "To be part of the community." Miller echoed the sentiment, stating their motivation was to meet people and integrate into their new hometown. The pair have volunteered at several town events since their arrival.
Fantasy of Lights: A Dazzling Local Tradition
The breakfast was a highlight of Kingsville's Fantasy of Lights, an annual holiday tradition that transforms Lakeside Park into a winter wonderland. The festival, which continues through January 6, 2026, features over 50 lit-up displays that families return to see year after year.
On weekends, visitors can enhance their experience with a ride on the Kingsville Express Train. Operated by volunteers and subject to good weather, the train runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Rides are affordable, costing $2 per person, $5 for a family of four, or simply a donation.
The installations, crafted and curated over many years, have become a cherished part of the local holiday season. Families like the Maillet-Watsons—parents Corey and Alison with daughters Mabel, 5, and Ruby, 7—seized the opportunity to create lasting memories, capturing a photo with Santa during the festive morning.
Kingsville's Fantasy of Lights offers a perfect blend of community warmth and sparkling spectacle, ensuring the holiday magic lingers well into the new year.
