Your Borderland Events Round‑Up: Dec 11–17
From kettle bells and carols to handmade markets and a helpful wellness lunch‑and‑learn, the Borderland’s got your holiday plans covered. Let’s dive into what’s happening in Fort Frances, Atikokan, and the Rainy River District.
Fort Frances
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign
Date: November 13 – December 23
Time: 10AM – 6PM or Open Hours
Where: Walmart, The Place, and Safeway in Fort Frances
Give your coins a purpose! Ring in the season by dropping a donation at the kettles, tiny gestures that make a big local impact.
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign – Your Borderland
CMHA Lunch & Learn – Blue Christmas
Date: Tuesday December 17 (register by Dec 15)
Time: 11AM – 1PM
Where: Emo Seniors’ Centre
A supportive, practical session from CMHA Fort Frances Branch about Seasonal Affective Disorder and staying well over the holidays, lunch included with pre‑registration. Perfect midday reset if the winter blues are creeping in. (Info/Registration: Debbie – 807‑271‑1289)
CMHA Lunch & Learn – Blue Christmas – Your Borderland
Atikokan
Letters to Santa
Date: December 1 – 25
Time: Open Business Hours
Where: The Progress Office
Drop off your child’s wish list and help Santa’s mailroom hit peak efficiency. Pro tip: for a chance to be featured in the Atikokan Progress, submit by Dec 16. Ho‑ho‑hurry! Can’t make it during business hours? You can or email to progress@nwon.com
Letter’s to Santa – Your Borderland
Ecumenical Christmas Songfest
Date: December 13
Time: 7PM
Where: Riverview United Church
A cozy, community carol‑along where harmonies fill the pews and the spirit of the season does the rest. Bring your best singing voice (or just your best smile), it’s the feel‑good concert your weekend needs.
Ecumenical Christmas Songfest – Your Borderland
Rainy River
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign
Date: November 13 – December 23
Time: 10AM – 6PM or Open Hours
Where: Beaver Mills Market
Give your change a job. Pop it in the kettles and it’ll work wonders right here at home
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign – Your Borderland
Handmade Holidays
Date: December 16
Time: 4PM – 7PM
Where: Rainy River District
A cozy maker market with one‑of‑a‑kind gifts, warm drinks, and all the small‑shop charm. If you want presents with a story (and zero big‑box stress), this is your stop.
Handmade Holidays – Your Borderland
Songfest Saturday in Fort Frances, Handmade Holidays Tuesday in the district, Blue Christmas on Tuesday in Emo, and kettles ringing daily. Bundle up, shop small, and spread the cheer.
Want to see what else is happening in Your Borderland?
Check out the full community calendar and stay in the loop with upcoming events, festivals, and local happenings.
Hosting an event?
Submit your own listing and help spread the word! Whether it’s a fundraiser, concert, workshop, or seasonal celebration, we’d love to include it.
