There is nothing like the holiday magic in Windsor – just a quick trip across the bridge or through the tunnel! We’re welcoming our American visitors with open arms – and we can’t wait to get you in the festive spirit!
Whether its twinkling of millions of lights, historic house tours, night markets, cozy cocktails or being greeted with warm foccacia and arancini at your favourite Italian restaurant as soon as you walk in the door, we’re ready the help plan your next weekend escape.
AND we’re easy to get to, and your dollar goes more in Canada with the favourable exchange rates, awesome hotel prices, and some exclusive offers! Check out the details below and start planning your holiday road trip to Windsor Essex!
WE’RE EASY TO GET TO
It just takes two easy steps.
- Take the Detroit-Windsor tunnel and get from downtown Detroit to down Windsor in 5 minutes!
- You need a valid passport or enhanced drivers license to cross the border.
Additional border crossings available at the Ambassador Bridge. We’ve created an easy-to-read resource to start your planning at crossingmadeeasy.com.
FOUR FREE LIGHT FESTIVALS!
Plan a trip over the border and explore our light festivals – all for free! We have four light festivals all within a short driving distance of the border – perfect for making family memories and a great instagram opportunity!
Bright Lights Windsor
NOVEMBER 28th, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Location: Jackson Park, Windsor (5 minutes from the border)
The annual Bright Lights Windsor festival offers a spectacular backdrop of thousands of lights and stunning displays, along with vendor markets and programming – a Windsor wonderland to share with family and friends. Check out the W.E. Made It: Bright Lights Market every Thursday through Sunday – your chance to support local and shop from artisans and makers each week! Bright Lights Windsor also features extra-special events and theme-nights to make the holidays more memorable.
- W.E. Made It: Artisan Market each Thursday through Sunday
- Santa appearance every Friday & Saturday
- Libro Express Holiday Train every night 6-8pm
- Sensory Nights every Tuesday
<< Click here for more details
Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival
- November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Location: King’s Navy Yard Park, Amherstburg (25 minutes from the border)
LaSalle Holiday Lights & Heritage Nights
- November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Location: LaSalle Civic Centre, LaSalle (15 minutes from the border)
Kingsville Fantasy Of Lights
- November 15, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Location: Lakeside Park, Kingsville (35 minutes from the border)
Your Holiday To Do List
Looking for more holiday excitement? Check out what’s happening in Windsor Essex all season long!
W.E. Made It Market At Bright Lights Windsor
Every Thursday through Sunday November 28th through January 4th
Explore local artisans and makers and get a unique souvenir that is Made In Windsor! Check out nightmarkethop.ca for more details and a list of all night markets in the City.
The Elf On The Bar Shelf
Meet Hops – our Elf on the Bar Shelf! Download your free digital pass to guide you to 11 stops across Windsor and Essex County and get rewarded as you visit our breweries, cideries & distilleries! Click barrelsbottlesbrews.ca/hops for more details!
Willistead Manor Holiday House Tours
Tour the historic manor just 5 minutes from the border – each room decked out in Christmas splendor. Tours occur every Sunday and Wednesday in December (select dates). Click here for more details.
Our Holiday Gift Guide
If you’re looking to find something unique & totally Windsor when you visit, check out our 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide packed with 250+ gifts, events, boutique shops, local attractions and more!
More Travel Tools!
Celebrate the Holidays at Caesars Windsor
Check out our Caesars Windsor Holiday Giveaway – every week were giving away tickets to holiday-themed shows inside the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor!
Click here and enter today for your chance to WIN! Contest runs through December 18th, 2025.
Check Out Of Official Visitor Guide
Check out our Official Visitor Guide by clicking here – packed with info and tips on the best things to see & do when you plan your trip. It’s your #1 resource when you’re planning a trip to Windsor – featuring itineraries, must-do lists, partner listings and more.
You can also click here to request a print version to be mailed directly to you.
Move Value for your $$$ Dollar
Your dollar goes farther in Windsor. $1 US = approximately $1.40 in Canada (rate varies on exchange rate of the day), so your trip to Windsor will cost even less! In addition, we have some great value added ways to make your trip affordable. Check out some of the options by clicking the icons below.
Our Holiday Event Guide
Parades, concerts, light festivals, markets and more! Flip through our holiday event guide to see what’s happening in Windsor and across Essex County all season long as you plan your winter road trip!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
Sometimes the best way to learn about what is happening is from people that have already visited! Check out our blogs and reels from people that have visited Windsor before – telling authentic stories of our region and what makes us the perfect road trip or weekend escape! You can use their blogs and reels to help craft your own itinerary, or use our Official Visitor Guide for more trip inspiration.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
WHAT’S GOING ON
Looking to find out what’s happening when you plan your visit? We got you covered! Check out our list of curated Buyable Experiences. These will take you behind the scenes to offer you some of the best sights, sounds and tastes of Windsor – from foodie finds to arts & crafts to Santa sightings to unique cultural adventures!
MORE TRIP INSPO – 50 MORE REASONS TO VISIT WINDSOR
DYK when you come to Windsor you’re gonna enjoy some of Canada’s best! Check out some of the TOP reasons to visit Windsor – sorted into Top 5’s!
-
- Windsor-style Pizza – a legendary local favorite, known for shredded pepperoni, canned mushrooms, and Galati cheese.
- The Chicken Delight from the Penalty Box – a massive, flavor-packed chicken sandwich with the most delicious secret sauce.
- Pierogies – soft, pillowy dumplings stuffed with savory fillings, a comforting Eastern European classic.
- Cinnamon Donuts & Peach Juice at Colasanti Tropical Gardens – a warm, sugary treat paired with refreshing peach juice, a Colasanti’s tradition.
- Follow The Flavours Multi-cultural Foot Trail – a delicious journey through Windsor Essex, celebrating diverse global cuisines.
-
- Adventure Bay – a splash-filled indoor waterpark with slides, a wave pool, and endless family fun.
- Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens – a unique destination with a petting farm, mini golf, tropical plants, and famous cinnamon donuts.
- Big Time Entertainment – the ultimate fun zone featuring arcade games, bowling, axe throwing, and go-karts.
- Point Pelee National Park – a breathtaking natural escape, home to diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and mainland Canada’s southernmost point.
- Sketch Pottery + Clay & Urban Surf Co. – a creative and adventurous duo offering hands-on pottery experiences and paddleboarding fun.
-
- Willistead Manor – a grand historic mansion offering a glimpse into Windsor’s elegant past.
- Musem Windsor – Chimczuk Museum – a hub of local history, featuring exhibits on Windsor’s rich heritage and culture.
- Street Car No. 351 – a beautifully restored piece of Windsor’s transit history, soon to welcome visitors aboard including a full service patio and food stop.
- Amherstburg Freedom Museum – a powerful tribute to Black history, highlighting the region’s role in the Underground Railroad.
- Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village – a fascinating journey through time with vintage vehicles and a recreated pioneer village.
-
- Caesars Windsor – a premier casino resort offering luxury accommodations, top-tier entertainment, and world-class gaming.
- Double Tree by Hilton Windsor – a stylish waterfront hotel known for its warm hospitality and signature chocolate chip cookies.
- Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront – a comfortable and modern stay with stunning views of the Detroit River.
- Best Western Leamington Hotel – a family-friendly retreat near Point Pelee, featuring an indoor atrium and fun amenities.
- Holiday Inn Express Windsor-East Lakeshore – a convenient and contemporary hotel perfect for business and leisure travelers.
-
- Pelee Island Winery – Canada’s southernmost winery, offering award-winning wines and a taste of island life.
- Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery – Ontario’s only beachfront winery, perfect for sipping wine with stunning lake views.
- North 42 Degrees Estate Winery + Bistro 42 – a charming winery with handcrafted wines and a farm-to-table dining experience.
- Oxley Estate Winery – a cozy, rustic winery known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food pairings.
- Viewpointe Estate Winery – a scenic lakeside winery offering breathtaking views and expertly crafted wines.
-
- Walkerville Brewery – a historic craft brewery rooted in tradition, serving up bold and flavorful small-batch beers.
- Wolfhead Distillery – a unique craft distillery offering premium spirits and locally inspired cocktails.
- Sandwich Brewing Co. – a cozy microbrewery in Windsor’s oldest neighborhood, known for its creative craft beers.
- Banded Goose Brewing Co. – featuring innovative small-batch beers with local flair.
- Chapter Two Brewing Co. – a community-focused brewery crafting approachable and well-balanced beers in the heart of Windsor.
-
- Devonshire Mall – Windsor’s premier shopping destination with top retailers, dining, and entertainment.
- Walkerville District – a vibrant historic neighborhood known for its charming boutiques, cafes, and craft breweries.
- Cindy’s Home & Garden – a one-stop shop for home décor, fashion, gifts, and a delightful garden center.
- Downtown Amherstburg – a picturesque waterfront district filled with unique shops, dining, and rich history.
- Kingsville – main street Kingsville is packed with boutique shops and quanit restaurants.
-
- Wilderness Retreat + Nordic Spa – a serene escape with outdoor saunas, hot tubs, and nature-inspired relaxation.
- Estetica Day Spa – a luxurious spa offering rejuvenating facials, massages, and body treatments.
- Pure Day Spa – a tranquil oasis specializing in wellness therapies, skincare, and relaxation experiences.
- Lungovita Beach Retreat – a lakeside retreat combining wellness, nature, and relaxation for a peaceful getaway.
- Estate of Health – a holistic wellness center offering spa treatments, yoga, and mindful healing experiences.
-
- The Grove Hotel Kingsville – a trendy boutique hotel blending modern charm with historic character in the heart of Kingsville.
- Lungovita Beach Retreat Harrow – a peaceful lakeside escape focused on wellness, relaxation, and nature.
- A Hidden Gem Bed & Breakfast Windsor – a cozy and charming B&B offering personalized hospitality and a homey atmosphere.
- The Grove Motel Colchester – a stylish and comfortable stay just minutes from wineries and Lake Erie.
- Hotel STRY Amherstburg – a boutique hotel experience in historic Amherstburg, combining elegance with modern amenities.
-
- Ariius Nightclub – a high-energy nightlife destination with VIP experiences and top DJs.
- Maiden Lane Wine & Cocktail Bar – a stylish and intimate spot for craft cocktails and fine wines.
- Blind Owl – a hidden speakeasy serving expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
- Caesars Windsor Casino – a world-class gaming and entertainment hub with slot machines, table games, and live shows.
- Bull and Barrel Urban Saloon + Disco Inferno – choose your adventure (or do both!) a country-themed bar next door to a retro dance party.
