Friday, Dec. 16
Frozen Fridays: Every week in December, Riverwalk Commons is transformed with a live DJ, outdoor skating, train rides on the Tim Hortons Express, free hot chocolate, an LED Christmas tree light show, and busker performances. The free event is presented by Mercedes Benz Newmarket. It runs every Friday in December from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Board Gaming: Join local board game enthusiasts every other Friday at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar at 200 Main St. Newmarket at 6 p.m. The games are provided and teachers are available, or you bring your games to teach others. Note from organizers: We don't tend to play a lot of 'traditional' board games such as Monopoly, Clue, Sorry! Let them know what you would like to play when you RSVP and they will bring those games.
A John McDermott Family Christmas: Tenor John McDermott will be taking to the stage at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16. This is part of his 2022 Christmas tour. The festive show features special guests the DALA Girls. Tickets can be bought online.
Niemi Christmas Market: The Niemi Family Farm's annual Christmas market runs on weekends throughout December. The farm, located at 18463 Highway 48 in Mount Albert, is transformed into Christmas land with bonfires and smores. The Polar Express takes visitors on a ride to see the animals, Santa in his workshop, and a Christmas market of vendors. Tickets are required and can be booked online. The market is open Dec. 16, 17, 20, 21, and 22.
The Distillery Winter Village: Toronto's popular distillery district is once again welcoming guests to its festive winter village this year. Along with the local shops and restaurants in the area, there will also be vendor cabins featuring a number of unique artisans. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m. but all other times you can access the village free of charge. The winter village is open until Dec. 31.
Festive Nights at Brooks Farm: Visitors are invited to experience the season of lights at Brooks Farms, at 122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert. The festive event features an enchanted forest, holiday displays, live music, a bonfire with marshmallows, holiday characters, a storytime wagon ride, a craft market with local artisans, gifts for the kids, festive foods and Santa. Tickets are required and can be bought online. Festive Nights runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 5 p.m. to Dec. 18 with two extra nights on Dec. 22 and 23.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Group Ride: Newmarket Cycles is holding a group ride from 1 to 2 p.m. There are typically 10 to 15 kilometers long but at a family-friendly leisurely pace. The goal is to explore Newmarket by bike and get more comfortable and confident riding. With the wintry weather, you are advised to dress appropriately and protect your extremities from the cold. This is a free event and no registration is required. The ride starts at NewMakeIt, at 621 Timothy St.
English Country Dance: Join the dance at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave. at Main Street, Newmarket from 2 to 4 p.m. Beginners welcome; all dances taught; you don't need to bring a partner. Admission by donation; your first class is free. Join the group on the first, third and (when there is one) fifth Saturday of the month.
Niemi Christmas Market: The Niemi Family Farm's annual Christmas market runs on weekends throughout December. The farm, located at 18463 Highway 48 in Mount Albert, is transformed into Christmas land with bonfires and smores. The Polar Express takes visitors on a ride to see the animals, Santa in his workshop, and a Christmas market of vendors. Tickets are required and can be booked online. The market is open Dec. 16, 17, 20, 21, and 22.
The Distillery Winter Village: Toronto's popular distillery district is once again welcoming guests to its festive winter village this year. Along with the local shops and restaurants in the area, there will also be vendor cabins featuring a number of unique artisans. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m. but all other times you can access the village free of charge. The winter village is open until Dec. 31.
Festive Nights at Brooks Farm: Visitors are invited to experience the season of lights at Brooks Farms, at 122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert. The festive event features an enchanted forest, holiday displays, live music, a bonfire with marshmallows, holiday characters, a storytime wagon ride, a craft market with local artisans, gifts for the kids, festive foods and Santa. Tickets are required and can be bought online. Festive Nights runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 5 p.m. to Dec. 18 with two extra nights on Dec. 22 and 23.
Sunday, Dec. 18
The Nutcracker: Dancers from York Dance Academy will be joined by professional guest artists for a performance of this Christmas classic with a contemporary twist. The show is at 2 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are available online.
Newmarket Chanukah Celebration: Chabad Newmarket is hosting a Chanukah Village on Main Street with stops at different businesses for themed activities from 3 to 4 p.m. This is followed by a grand Menorah lighting from 4 to 5 p.m featuring music, treats, and more celebrations. The events are open to anyone and free to attend but registration is required and can be completed online.
The Distillery Winter Village: Toronto's popular distillery district is once again welcoming guests to its festive winter village this year. Along with the local shops and restaurants in the area, there will also be vendor cabins featuring a number of unique artisans. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m. but all other times you can access the village free of charge. The winter village is open to Dec. 31.
Festive Nights at Brooks Farm: Visitors are invited to experience the season of lights at Brooks Farms, at 122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert. The festive event features an enchanted forest, holiday displays, live music, a bonfire with marshmallows, holiday characters, a storytime wagon ride, a craft market with local artisans, gifts for the kids, festive foods and Santa. Tickets are required and can be bought online. Festive Nights runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 5 p.m. to Dec. 18 with two extra nights on Dec. 22 and 23.
Coming up:
The Newmarket Voice Festival: The Newmarket Voice Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary and be held from February 21-25, 2023 with a Concert of the Stars on Friday, March 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at The Old Town Hall in Newmarket! Categories are offered in Musical Theatre, Pop, Classical and Speech Arts for performers of all ages! Professional adjudicators provide written and verbal feedback to each participant. The deadline for entries is January 31, 2023. Find more details online. Many scholarships are available and the adjudicators will also recommend singers and actors for the OMFA Provincial Finals in June in the Niagara region.
Visual and Performing Arts Newmarket Three for the Show concert series: VPAN's 2022-23 concert series at 2 p.m. at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket features: Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 (Old Town Hall) Young Artists Showcase; Sunday, March 26, 2023, The Quatuor Despax; Sunday, May 7, 2023, the Drew Jurecka jazz trio. To subscribe by cheque, VPAN subscription form 2022-2023.docx. To subscribe online, visit the website.
Board Gaming: Join local board game enthusiasts every other Friday at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar at 200 Main St. Newmarket at 6 p.m. The games are provided and teachers are available, or you bring your games to teach others. Note from organizers: We don't tend to play a lot of 'traditional' board games such as Monopoly, Clue, Sorry! Let them know what you would like to play when you RSVP and they will bring those games.
English Country Dance: Join the dance at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave. at Main Street, Newmarket from 2 to 4 p.m. Beginners welcome; all dances taught; you don't need to bring a partner. Admission by donation; your first class is free. Join the group on the first, third and (when there is one) fifth Saturday of the month.
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