The Casselman Christmas Festival wrapped up on a festive note with its much-anticipated nighttime Christmas parade, drawing residents of all ages for an evening filled with lights, holiday spirit, and community pride.
The illuminated parade got underway at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, travelling through the Richer Circle area and delighting spectators who lined the route to take in the colourful floats and seasonal displays. Known as a favourite event for both young and old, the nighttime parade once again proved to be a highlight of the annual festival.
This year, organizers introduced several changes to the parade’s staging area to improve safety and traffic flow. The adjustments were made in collaboration with emergency services and the Municipality of Casselman’s public works department.
Floats measuring 35 feet or shorter were directed to enter the staging area via Jeanne-Mance Street, turning left onto Faucher Street, where volunteers guided participants into position. Larger floats, measuring 40 feet or longer, were staged around the Richer roundabout, as in previous years. To ensure clear access for emergency vehicles, parking was restricted between the McDonald’s and Métro entrances, with volunteers on site to direct float operators.
When the parade began, each float was signalled by the parade coordinator before entering the route. For safety reasons, the distribution of candy or other items was prohibited at the starting point near the Richer–Laflèche–Faucher intersection, with spectators instead positioned farther along Laflèche Street.
Municipal councillor Francyn Leblanc, council representative for the Corporation of the Casselman Downtown Revitalization and coordinator of the 2025 Christmas Festival, praised the event’s continued success and the community support behind it.
“It was a huge success again this year! Our Christmas Festival is renowned for its authenticity and its program, which includes a wide range of cultural, artistic, and sporting activities. Our Christmas market is one of a kind. Illuminated and enchanting, it attracts tourists to our beautiful region,” said Leblanc. “Thank you to all of you, dear festivalgoers, for your participation. Thank you to our dear volunteers and sponsors.”
With another successful edition complete, organizers are already looking ahead to the Casselman Christmas Festival in 2026.
