It’s that wonderful time of year again! If you’re eager to add some festive cheer to your calendar, look no further. From delightful farm events to tree lighting celebrations, merry markets, and much more, Durham Region has plenty of reasons to celebrate the holidays! November 1 to December 23 | Santa’s Cottage, Oshawa (4405 Ritson Road North, Oshawa) Experience personalized visits with Santa at Santa’s Cottage in Oshawa by appointment only! This year, Mrs. Claus will also be available for family photos and baking fun! Jingle Mingle visits are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout November and December. This includes a visit with Santa in his official North Pole office where all the holiday magic happens! Each event features an outdoor gallery visit or can be purchased separately. The outdoor gallery provides amazing photo opportunities around the Santa’s Cottage grounds. Plus, the Christmas Barn Market is open Fridays through Sundays from November 1 to December 23-no ticket needed for entry. November 14 | Downtown Oshawa (City Hall to Memorial Park and Centre Street to John Street) Join the City of Oshawa for a kick-off celebration at the Bright and Merry Market in downtown Oshawa! Explore a holiday market filled with seasonal displays, live entertainment, buskers, and even a holiday trolley. Don’t miss snapping a photo with Santa while enjoying the tree lighting at 8 p. m. Entry is free! Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Feed the Need in Durham; donation bins will be set up at City Hall, The Robert Mc Laughlin Gallery, and Oshawa Public Libraries – Mc Laughlin Branch throughout the event.
Downtown Whitby Christmas Market
November 14 and 15 | Celebration Square, Whitby Join the Downtown Whitby BIA for two exciting days packed with festive fun at the seventh annual Downtown Whitby Christmas Market! Browse an outdoor market showcasing unique gifts, crafts, and holiday must-haves from local vendors and shops. Enjoy delicious food from various food trucks while taking in live performances or hop on board a trolley ride around the event-fun for kids and adults alike! You’ll also find carolers singing joyfully along with free activities for kids including photos with Santa and magical characters too. Admission is free-a great reason for families and friends to gather together!Santa Claus Parades
November 15 to December 13 | Locations across Durham Region Santa Claus is making his rounds this season! Bundle up tight as you soak in all things festive during one of Santa’s many parades happening across Durham Region. There’s an exciting lineup of parades designed to spread holiday cheer that also brings extra business to local shops along parade routes. It’s a beloved tradition that showcases joyful street processions-the ideal way to start your holiday season.Leaskdale Loop Christmas Crawl
November 15 and 16 | Leaskdale Loop, Uxbridge
Get ready for some Christmas spirit on this self-guided driving tour along the Leaskdale Loop Christmas Crawl-free of charge! With various small businesses and historical landmarks just minutes apart from each other-artwork, woodworking creations, pottery pieces handmade goodies like baked treats await you along the route. Between 10 a. m. and 5 p. m., shop locally or stop by our historical sites! If you can’t make it then Tindall Farm Market will also host another weekend of Christmas Markets on December 6-7.
Beaver River Christmas Market Days
November 15 & December 6 | Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society Share your love for local goods during Beaver River Christmas Market Days held from 9:30 AM - 3 PM on both days at Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society’s Meeting Place & Log Cabin (284 Simcoe Street). Discover unique vendors featuring knitting/crocheting items alongside toys/jewelry/crafts galore! On Decemberevening bake sale supporting said society will run within Log Cabin while crafts tables await exploration nearby; All funds raised contribute towards worthy community projects aimed at preserving history.1840 Vineyard’s Winter Market & Grinchmas
November 16 &29, and December 6 |1840 Vineyard, OronoJoin 1840 Vineyard for fun-filled festivities this season! On Nov. 16th, from noon until 5 PM their fourth annual Winter Market returns providing support through local vendors/makers/artisans! Then, celebrate Cookies/Cocoa day w/Santa on Nov. 29th, enjoy cookies & hot cocoa bar plus lots more! Don’t forget about Grinchmas occurring Dec. 6th between 11 AM until 3 PM where visitors get meet The Grinch himself alongside green cocoa cookies served while watching original animated movie play out cozy area outside/tickets timed per hour inside visiting space available anytime exploring remains unlimited between activity areas outdoors around fire pits too!
