WEST CARLETON – It’s starting to look, and feel, a lot like Christmas out there. Bah, humbug.

With the early cold and snow, West Carleton is already in the Christmas spirit. We’ve had back-to-back weekends packed with Christmas craft sales, and there’s still more holiday fun to come. Here’s a brief list of parades, tree lightings and fundraising tree sales to schedule your holiday season around.

Starting Dec. 1, the Corkery volunteer firefighters will be holding their annual Christmas Tree Sale. Firefighters from Ottawa Fire Station 84 will have a whole forest of beautiful trees for sale.

Their lot is set up at the city Public Works Buidling at 2959 March Rd. and trees will be sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1, 7 and 8.

Dunrobin Tree Lighting

DUNROBIN – The Dunrobin and Area Women’s Institute will be hosting their annual tree-lighting party on Sunday, Dec. 1 starting at 6 p.m.

“Please come, everybody, and make this as good as last year,” the Women’s Institute released in a statement. “Bring your kids, and some cookies if you like, and bring your singing voice – we hope the West Carleton Glee Club can come again too.”

The tree lighting occurs at the intersection of Dunrobin Road and Thomas Dolan Parkway.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be at the corner, or at St. Paul’s church, depending on weather.

Corkery tree lighting

CORKERY – Five days later head to the Corkery Community Centre for the unveiling of another beautiful Christmas tree.

The Corkery Community Association (CCA) is holding their annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Community Centre (3447 Old Almonte Rd.) on Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“There will be cupcake decorating and a Christmas tree ornament craft,” the CCA released in a statement.

Constance Bay Santa in the Bay parade

CONSTANCE BAY – The first of West Carleton’s two Christmas parades is only two days after Corkery’s tree lighting.

The Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade is happening Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m.

The parade runs along Bayview Drive to Len Purcell Drive and winds up at the NorthWind Wireless Fibre Centre for hot dogs, Santa and hot chocolate.

Be sure to check out the Christmas Market & Craft Fair also at the community centre. Bring along a non-perishable food item for the West Carleton Food Access Centre.

Fitzroy children’s Christmas party

FITZROY HARBOUR – The Fitzroy Harbour Annual Children’s Christmas Party is set for Saturday, Dec. 7 morning.

“Please join us on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre for crafts, Christmas music, face painting, snacks and lunch for the kids, Christmas pictures and Santa,” the Fitzroy Harbour Community Association (FHCA) released in a statement Nov. 10.

Santa’s Workshop will be hosted downstairs and items will be available for purchase for $1. Children get to shop with elves, wrap their gifts and have a special surprise for their loved ones under the tree.

For parents’ eyes only: organizers are asking you to bring a gift of no greater value than $20 with your child’s name clearly written on the present so Santa can be sure to gift the right child.

Organizers are accepting donated items for Santa’s Seconds, or they can be dropped off at the community centre Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help the day of the party. If you would like to volunteer, donate an item or need more information, you can contact Brittany Droeske at 613-601-8819.

Kinburn breakfast with Santa

KINBURN – The annual Kinburn Community Association (KCA) Breakfast with Santa will be held at the Kinburn Community Centre (3045 Kinburn Side Rd.) starting at 8 a.m.

“It’s that time of year again,” the KCA released in a statement yesterday (Nov. 17). “Who’s excited to see Santa? I know I am. Come out and have breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8 starting at 8 a.m. Pictures with Santa available.”

You won’t need a clock to know when breakfast starts.

“Come on over when you hear the sirens and horns for a chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa and his firefighter elves,” the KCA said.

Photos with Santa are taken by Unique Moments Photography.

The event runs until noon and the KCA will be accepting donations to the West Carleton Food Access Centre. Breakfast options run from $5 to $10 and all proceeds go to Fire Station 61’s volunteer firefighters’ association and the KCA to support community events.

Carp Santa Claus parade

CARP – Wrap up the first half of December in Carp for the Huntley Community Association’s 11th annual Carp Christmas Parade. 

The parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 14. The parade starts at noon.

The route begins at The Diefenbunker and follows Carp Road, turning left onto Donald B. Munro, left onto Langstaff Drive, left onto Juanita Avenue, and right back on to Carp Road, finishing back at the Diefenbunker.

Both parades are still accepting floats if you would like to be a more active part of the fun.