Spirit of the Season 2026 will welcome thousands of people to the Downtown core during the first two weekends in December (4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, and 13th). Combining the Guelph Community Santa Parade, Santa Run, the Mayor & Council’s Tree Lighting, an indoor and outdoor Christmas Marketplace, and a storefront decorating contest, this spectacular festival will activate the Downtown core with entertainment, lights, and decoration, adding sparkle to a special season.

Downtown Guelph Business Association has again selected Keep Kids Fed at Home as the charity of the 2026 Spirit of the Season event. Keep Kids Fed at Home helps the most vulnerable elementary school children in the Guelph community. Sponsorship helps to support this program which targets approximately 500 elementary school children from 230 families in our community during the Christmas holiday period.