The holiday season is arriving early for Erie’s youngest residents, thanks to a community-spirited Toys for Tots drive that is already underway. A “Stuff the Cruiser” event listed through GoErie Events is calling on Erie-area residents to donate new, unwrapped toys to help fill police cruisers — and ultimately, the arms of local children who might otherwise go without a gift this Christmas.

Toys for Tots is a beloved national program with deep roots in communities like Erie, where neighbors have long rallied together to make sure no child is left out of the holiday magic. The “Stuff the Cruiser” format puts a local, personal spin on the effort: donors bring toys directly to collection points, and the visible presence of police cruisers serving as giant gift boxes makes the generosity of the community impossible to miss.

And if toys aren’t the only thing on your holiday list, Erie has even more seasonal cheer in store. Macaroni KID Erie has rounded up a full guide to holiday craft shows and markets happening across the region in 2026, giving shoppers and families plenty of opportunities to find unique, locally made gifts while supporting small businesses and artisans right here at home. The same local outlet has also published a guide to Christmas light displays throughout Erie, so families can plan festive evening drives to soak in the season’s glow.

Together, these community touchpoints — a toy drive, holiday markets, and twinkling light displays — paint a picture of an Erie that knows how to come together and celebrate. Whether you drop a toy in a cruiser, browse a craft fair, or simply cruise past a neighborhood light show with the kids in tow, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season in Erie.

To find out more about the “Stuff the Cruiser” Toys for Tots event, holiday markets, and Christmas light locations, check the listings at GoErie Events and Macaroni KID Erie.

Sources: Erie Times-News, Macaroni KID Erie, Macaroni KID Erie