A sure sign the holiday season is approaching, Sparky’s Toy Drive kicks off along with some other events for those in the giving spirit. The 51st annual Sparky’s Toy Drive is looking for donations to help those in need during the holiday season. The annual fundraiser by the Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund collects toys and cash donations to help make sure that struggling families can put gifts under the Christmas tree for children ages 0 to 13. New toys can be donated at the City of Windsor fire halls and at various commercial locations that have agreed to place donation boxes at their places of business. Click here to find the list of locations. Registration for Sparky’s Toy Drive will take place at three locations between Nov. 14-21. Here’s a look at Windsor-Essex events from Nov. 12-15. Frosty Paint & Sip at AWE Thursday November 12 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Art Windsor-Essex is mixing it up this winter! Forever in Blue Jeans – Tribute to the Music of Neil Diamond Thursday November 12 to Friday November 13 Join us at Paglione Estate Winery on Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 PM for Forever In Blue Jeans: A Tribute To The Music Of Neil Diamond. Book Launch: Colin McAdam’s Daphnis and Chloe Thursday November 12 7:00 pm Critically acclaimed Canadian author Colin McAdam will be at Biblioasis Bookshop to discuss his 2026 Giller Prize nominated novel DAPHNIS AND CHLOE Niagara IceDogs V.S. Windsor Spitfires – $5,000 Dash For Cash Thursday November 12 7:05 pm It’s raining money! Head on out to the WFCU Centre, for an exciting OHL Matchup as the Spitfires matchup against one of their rivals the Niagara IceDogs! Windsor Lancers Volleyball Friday November 13 Catch the Windsor Lancers in action as they take on McMaster at the Toldo Lancer Centre. Tinseltown Windsor Christmas Popup Friday November 13 to Thursday December 31 Tinseltown Windsor is back and just like Kevin’s parents, we’d never leave you Home Alone for the holidays. Fall Fire Fridays – Dave Wilson Friday November 13 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm They’re back! Fall Fire Fridays start October 9. Patio dinners that run a little later and a little cozier, with something to sip while the sun goes down. Live music every Friday from 5 to 8. Boots and Barrels Hoedown Fundraiser Friday November 13 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm Join us at Sprucewood Shores for a fun evening of line dancing, drinks and great company, all in support of Steve’s Dancing with Easter Seals Stars fundraising campaign! No experience necessary! O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy Friday November 13 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss… Grab your teacups! Ashwyn Singh in Windsor: The Imperfect Ally Tour (Early Show) Friday November 13 8:00 pm Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy as Ashwyn Singh brings the Imperfect Ally tour to Windsor. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 Saturday November 14 to Sunday November 15 Experience an evening of classical brilliance as pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin joins the Windsor Symphony Orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, a powerful program of depth, drama, and artistry. River Lights Winter Festival Saturday November 14 to Sunday January 3 Get ready for River Lights Winter Festival! Lakeside Market Saturday November 14 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Don’t miss the Lakeside Market! Kingsville Holiday Market Saturday November 14 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Shop and Support Local inside the beautiful Kingsville Lakeside Park Pavilion! Coffee Chat with Retired LCAF LCol Ron Holden Saturday November 14 10:30 am Join us at the Canadian Aviation Museum for a very special Coffee Chat with Ron, featuring retired RCAF Lieutenant-Colonel Ron Holden. Windsor-Essex Christmas Market Saturday November 14 11:00 am to 5:00 pm The holiday season is just around the corner, and the Windsor-Essex Christmas Market is bringing festive shopping, family-friendly activities and the spirit of giving together for a special community event Duff-Bâby House – Open Days Saturday November 14 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Following extensive restoration work by the Ontario Heritage Trust and the installation of new exhibits the Duff-Bâby House is ready to welcome visitors back Nostalgic Book Fair Saturday November 14 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Join us at Walkerville Brewery for an afternoon filled with all your favorite book fair vibes. Browse and shop from local vendors, independent bookshops, and more—all while enjoying our craft beer and cider selections. FMX World Tour Saturday November 14 2:30 pm With roaring engines, mid-air rotations, and heart-stopping landings, every moment is packed with adrenaline and intensity. Cooking Classes with Chef Vanessa – Mexican Flavours Saturday November 14 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Discover the bold flavours of Mexican-inspired cuisine at our Mexican Cooking Class at Colchester Ridge Estate Winery! River Lights Opening Night Saturday November 14 5:00 pm Come join us for a magical night to start off the holiday season. Super Santa 5K Saturday November 145:00 pm to 6:00 pm Join nearly 800 Santas Walking, Running and Wheeling Through Historic Amherstburg! The Piano Men – Dinner Show Saturday November 14 6:00 pm Enjoy the music of Billy Joel and Elton John at St. Clair Centre for the Arts. The Schmoes at the Banded Goose Saturday November 14 6:00 pm Join us in the taproom on Saturday, November 14th for a night of live entertainment with The Schmoes, all in support of the Kingsville Food Bank! Breweries Cideries & Distilleries Movie Trivia With Mack Flash at Walkerville Brewery Saturday November 14 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm From cult classics to modern blockbusters, are you ready to test your film knowledge? The Bridge: DETROIT Edition LIVE Comedy At Tipsy Toucan Saturday November 14 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Josh Adams is crossing the border with 2 of his funniest friends for his bi-monthly Detroit takeover of the Windsor Laughs Comedy Club! Concerts Josh Ross: Later Tonight Tour Live at Caesars Windsor Saturday November 14 8:00 pm The electrifying Josh Ross is set to take The Colosseum stage on his Later Tonight Tour on Thursday, September 24th at 8 PM. Christmas Crafters & Vendors Market Sunday November 15 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Start your Christmas Shopping at our Christmas Crafters & Vendors Market! Holiday Sip and Shop Sunday November 15 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Join Us for our Holiday Sip and Shop! Mark your calendars for this fun event. We’ll be hosting 6 incredible YQG made vendors showcasing their beautiful handcrafted creations from jewelry to hand crafted cards and so much more! Linocut Printing with Sandra Ellis at AWE Sunday November 15 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm Discover the art of linocut printmaking in this workshop led by Sandra Ellis. Learn how to carve your own design into a linoleum block, experiment with ink and colour, and create a series of handmade prints or cards. The Greater Windsor Concert Band FREE Fall Concert Sunday November 15 3:00 pm The Greater Windsor Concert Band performs “Autumn Celebration and Dances” featuring Margo Cole, saxophone. Saginaw Spirit V.S. Windsor Spitfires – Toy Story Sunday November 15 4:05 pm Bring the whole family for a game night inspired by iconic animated favorites. Head on out to the WFCU Centre, for an exciting OHL Matchup as the Spitfires matchup against one of their rivals the Saginaw Spirit! Music Bingo Trivia at Walkerville Brewery Sunday November 15 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm A night filled with a little bit of bingo, a little bit of trivia and a whole lot of music!
