Wednesday, Nov. 29
Pets with Paws in support of OSPCA: Pets with Paws photos with Santa Claus is returning to Upper Canada Mall. By participating in the event, visitors support the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA.) The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 30
The Sisters Touch of Christmas, to Dec. 24: An exclusive fundraising, seasonal Christmas store at the St. Kosmas Aitolos Greek Orthodox Monastery, 14155 Caledon King Townline S., in Bolton. It features one-of-a-kind, hand-painted ornaments by “The Sisters.” In addition to festive gourmet and holiday bakery, the store is adorned with beautiful wreaths, elegant garlands, illuminated decor, seasonal linens, precious nativities and a large variety of timeless ornaments. The store will be open Thursday to Sunday all holiday season.
Winter Marketplace Holiday Celebration: From 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St., there will be a vendor market, networking opportunities, festive refreshments, and giveaways.
Friday, Dec. 1
Frozen Fridays Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22: Frozen Fridays returns to Riverwalk Commons with live DJ music, outdoor skating, train rides on the Tim Hortons Express Train (weather permitting), free hot chocolate, performances, LED Mega Tree shows, photo opportunities and more from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Free event, sponsored by Mercedes Benz Newmarket. Updates and schedules here.
Gift Wrap with Southlake, beginning Dec. 1: Gift wrap services will be available at Upper Canada Mall in Market & Co. with all proceeds going to the Southlake Foundation. A photo booth in the vicinity offers selfie fun while guests wait for their packages.
Aurora’s Christmas Market, Dec. 1 to 3, Dec. 8 to 10: Aurora’s Christmas Market will be filled with good cheer, hands-on workshops and activities, fantastic seasonal vendors, and more. It all takes place at Town Park from 5 to 9 p.m.
Magical Christmas Forest, to Dec. 23: Experience fun-filled with lights, crafts, activities, wagon rides, treats, and a visit to Santa’s cabin at the Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Dr., in Vaughan every weekend starting Nov. 24 until Dec. 23. Admission for children is $25.70 and $31.05 for adults. Learn more here.
Holiday Bricktacular, to Dec. 24: Legoland Discovery Centre, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., in Vaughan will be hosting seasonal LEGO build activities and holiday theming throughout the centre. There’s plenty of photo opportunities, including in front of the 10-foot LEGO tree with the LEGO reindeer and snowman. There will also be iconic holiday scenes of LEGO to explore.
Kleinburg Tree Lighting: The annual tree lighting a Kline House, 8 Nashville Rd., in Vaughan will include Christmas music, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, and Tim Bits all for free. The lighting is from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland: Winterfest returns for its fourth season of magical live shows, enchanting, themed areas, festive food and family entertainment. New this year, the immersive holiday event has been extended with select dates through Jan. 6 and features interactive attractions like cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, lively musical sing-a-longs, skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than 20 WinterFest rides and more. For the full list of shows and attractions, operating hours, tickets and reservations, visit canadaswonderland.com/winterfest
Saturday, Dec. 2
Merry Marketplace, Dec. 2, 9, and 16: Every Saturday from Nov. 18 to Dec. 16, step into a winter wonderland and purchase gifts from local vendors at Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. E., in Richmond Hill from 4 to 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Wreath/Holiday Workshop: The Aurora Historical Society will be hosting two wreath workshops, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., at Hillary House National Historic Site, 15372 Yonge St., in Aurora. Attendees will be able to customize their own wreath to hang at their home this holiday season. All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own accessories too. Learn more here.
Whitchurch-Stouffville Santa Claus Parade: Celebrate the holiday season on Main Street in Whitchurch-Stouffville with Santa Claus. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and goes from Ninth Line to Park Drive.
Brooks Farms Festive Nights, to Dec. 23: Every Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 23 Brooks Farms, 122 Ashworth Rd., in Mount Albert will have everything from a magically lit Christmas forest to a story time wagon ride. There will also be a craft market with local artisans.
Sutton Santa Claus Parade of Light: Santa arrives in Sutton for the annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights. Beginning at 5 p.m. in Jackson’s Point, the parade travels down Dalton Road to High Street, then along High Street ending at the fairgrounds. Register your float today at georgina.ca/events.
A Main Street Christmas: From 4 to 9 p.m. on Main Street in Schomberg, everyone is invited to get dressed up and enjoy a fun-filled family outing along historical Main Street.There are street performers, carollers, children’s entertainers, fireside readings, holiday creations, two parades, and Santa Claus. Cost for the day is $5, and children 12 and under are free.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Old-Fashioned Christmas: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum, 18974 Leslie St., enjoy an artisan vendors market, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot beverages, and don't forget to take a photo with Santa.
Tapestry Chamber Choir Gifts and Giving Concert: Enjoy an afternoon of inspiring choral music at 4:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Church Street, Newmarket. tapestrychoir.ca.
Seniors’ Christmas Social Tea, Sunday: Spend a festive afternoon enjoying music, light refreshments, tea and coffee, door prizes and a great group of friends from 2 to 4 p.m. at Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr. Register by Nov. 29 with registration code 17696 at newmarket.perfectmind.com. Members $5, non-members $6 See newmarket.ca/adults55+ for more details.
Coming Up:
Holiday Social, Dec. 6: Get ready for a festive blast at the Holiday Social from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It’s a celebration of the season with good vibes, great company, and unforgettable memories with finger foods and drinks provided in Richmond Hill at Flex Space Coworking Office & Event Space, 10225 Yonge St.
Villanova College Christmas Market, Dec 7 to 8: Villanova College in King City, 2480 15th Sdrd., is hosting its Christmas Market. Get ready for a festive extravaganza filled with holiday cheer, delicious treats, and unique gifts. Whether you're looking for handcrafted ornaments, homemade goodies, or simply want to soak up the merry atmosphere, this market has it all.
Season of Light Christmas Concert, Saturday, Dec. 9: Encore! presents a choral concert at 3 p.m. at Bethel Community Christian Reformed Church, 333 Davis Dr. (at Lorne Ave.) in Newmarket with conductor Dee Lawrence, accompanist George Vandikas and guest instrumentalists Kaipa Bharucha, flute, Jenny Liu, violin, Isaac Chan, cello. Tickets $25 adults, $20 seniors/students. Call 416-402-4409.
Unionville Olde Tyme Christmas on Main, Dec. 9: The Olde Tyme Christmas Parade on Main Street Unionville, will kick off a night of holiday activities including shopping, Santa photos, carollers, and more. Free skating will be available at the Crosby Arena.
Surprise Christmas Market, Dec. 9 to 11: Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at this surprise Christmas Market in Markham, 401 Bentley St. Discover adorable gifts, comic prints, stationery crafted by talented artists, stunning Christmas decorations, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Santa Visits the Museum, Dec. 9: Join Santa at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum and Community Centre, 14732 Woodbine Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. for a wagon ride and crafts.
A Family Christmas, Dec. 10: Hillary House National Historic Site, 15372 Yonge St., in Aurora is decorated for the holidays. Bring the whole family for some festive treats, holiday crafts, and a picture with Santa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase $5 tickets here.
Deck the Halls, Dec. 11 to 23: Take a nightly drive through the Town of Aurora and visit the best holiday lighting there is to offer. A map of the tour will be available in December by visiting here.
