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12 Festive Markets of Christmas!

Discover the Magic of the Holiday Season in the Durham Region. Shop these Holiday Markets!

Experience the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with Durham Region’s charming Christmas markets and festive events! These markets capture the spirit of the holidays, offering everything from unique gifts and seasonal treats to live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Here’s your guide to the must-visit Christmas markets in Durham Region for 2024.

Read to the very end for a special surprise holiday market 9 years in the making.

🎄 November Christmas Markets 🎄

  1. Uxbridge Farmers’ Christmas Market
    When: Sundays, November 3 - December 8, 2024, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Where: Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
    What’s Special: Shop for locally crafted treasures, from handmade candles to jewelry, in a relaxed, festive setting. Free admission makes this market ideal for early holiday shoppers looking for unique finds.

  2. Bright & Merry Market, Oshawa
    When: Friday, November 15, 2024, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
    Where: City Hall to Memorial Park, Oshawa
    What’s Special: Enjoy Oshawa’s holiday tree-lighting ceremony, browse local vendor booths, and meet Santa! With live entertainment in the crisp November air, this outdoor market is perfect for kicking off the holiday season.

  3. Downtown Whitby Christmas Market
    When: Friday, November 15, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    Where: Celebration Square, 405 Dundas St. W., Whitby
    What’s Special: This popular annual market offers unique crafts, holiday entertainment, and delicious food trucks. With free trolley rides and carolers, it’s a lively way to spend the weekend with family and friends.

  4. Christmas Market at Niemi Family Farm, Mount Albert
    When: Fridays & Saturdays, November 15 - December 21, 2024, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
    Where: 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert
    What’s Special: Inspired by Scandinavian traditions, this market includes handmade Finnish gifts, a Christmas train ride, and a visit from Santa. Entry is free, though some attractions require tickets.

  5. 13th Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, Whitby
    When: Sunday, November 17, 2024, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Where: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112, 117 Byron St. S., Whitby
    What’s Special: Explore a range of artisanal crafts, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while supporting local talent.

  6. Holiday in the Hills, Orono
    When: Opening Friday, November 22, 2024
    Where: 2 Princess Street, Orono, Ontario
    What’s Special: Step into a winter wonderland featuring Santa’s Mail Room, Elf School, and a Bear Factory. Tickets are required for this immersive holiday experience.

  7. Christmas in the Village, Brooklin
    When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
    Where: Downtown Brooklin, Whitby
    What’s Special: Enjoy small town holiday charm with a pancake breakfast, a Christmas market, carol singing, family-friendly activities, and a free community skate.

  8. Holiday Market by Community Living, Ajax
    When: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Where: 177 Dowty Road, Ajax
    What’s Special: Hosted by Community Living, this market not only provides great holiday shopping but also supports local charities through collections of food items and winter accessories.

  9. Bowmanville Christmas Market
    When: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Where: Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Center, Bowmanville
    What’s Special: Enjoy a day of festive shopping with local gifts, seasonal treats, and decorations to get you into the holiday spirit.

🎅 December Christmas Markets 🎅

  1. Pingle’s Farm Market Christmas Fest, Hampton
    When: Weekends, December 2 - 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    Where: 805 Taunton Road, Hampton
    What’s Special: This farm celebration includes live music, bonfires, wagon rides, and visits with Santa. Make sure to purchase tickets online in advance for a full day of family-friendly fun!

  2. Moonlight Magic & Christmas Market, Bowmanville
    When: Friday, December 6, 2024, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
    Where: Temperance Street, Historic Downtown Bowmanville
    What’s Special: Delight in a festive tree-lighting, children’s entertainment, and complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides. Browse unique handmade gifts while enjoying seasonal treats and extended shopping hours.

🎉 9 Years in the Making 🎊

12. 🎁 Picks & Giggles 9th Annual Holiday Market 🎁

Where: Upper level of the old Sears building, Oshawa Centre
Dates & Hours:

  • November 23 & 24: Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

  • November 30 & December 1: Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

  • December 7 & 8: Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

  • December 14 & 15: Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

What’s Special:
For the first time, Picks & Giggles’ highly anticipated Holiday Market will be hosted at the Oshawa Centre, complete with its own entrance and a massive sign facing King Street! Over four weekends, this unique market series will spotlight a diverse array of artisans, designers, and small businesses from Ontario. Each of the eight market days will showcase a rotating lineup of vendors, ensuring something new to discover each time. Alongside unique shopping opportunities, guests can enjoy live entertainment and holiday music to enhance the festive experience.

Admission: $5 per market day or $10 for an all-access pass that covers all eight days (Kids under 14 enter free).

With vendors specializing in jewelry, food, fashion, art, home, and lifestyle goods, Picks & Giggles is the perfect place to find meaningful, locally crafted gifts for everyone on your list. Don’t miss out—stay tuned to their website for updates, event announcements, and a full list of featured vendors.

Make the Season Bright in teh Durham Region

Durham Region’s Christmas markets offer more than just shopping—they’re community gatherings that capture the spirit of the holidays. Mark your calendar and join the festivities to make the most of this magical season!

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Get Ready for Festive Fun: Santa Claus Parades in Toronto and the Durham Region

Top Santa Claus Parades to Ring in the Holidays in Durham Region

The holiday season is fast approaching, and there's no better way to start the festivities than with a classic Santa Claus parade! Durham Region offers a fantastic lineup of parades, perfect for families, friends, and holiday lovers alike. These parades bring communities together with colorful floats, cheerful music, dazzling lights, and, of course, Santa himself. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate in Bowmanville, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby, Courtice, and Scugog.

1. Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade

  • Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

  • Time: 10:30 a.m.

  • Location: King Street, Bowmanville, ON

Kick off the holiday season with Bowmanville’s morning parade, known for its hometown warmth and community spirit. With festive floats, live music, and holiday characters, this parade is sure to bring a smile to every face. Be sure to arrive early to secure a great viewing spot!

2. Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights

  • Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

  • Time: 6:00 p.m.

  • Location: Bond St. W, Downtown Oshawa, ON

Experience the magic of the season in Oshawa’s Parade of Lights, an enchanting evening event that brightens downtown with sparkling floats and lively performances. This illuminated parade is a must for anyone wanting to celebrate the holidays under the stars.

3. Newcastle Santa Parade

  • Date: Saturday, November 17, 2024

  • Time: 5:30 p.m.

  • Location: Downtown Newcastle, ON

Newcastle’s parade kicks off with a fireworks display and features everything from marching bands to twinkling floats. With this year’s theme, "O Little Town of Newcastle," the night-time parade will be filled with sounds, lights, and seasonal magic. Join the tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. outside the Newcastle Town Hall before the parade begins.

4. Pickering Santa Claus Parade

  • Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

  • Time: 10:00 a.m.

  • Location: The Esplanade S, Pickering, ON

Gather with family and friends in the heart of Pickering for this morning parade, filled with lively floats, marching bands, and sightings of Santa. This family-friendly event is ideal for embracing the holiday spirit.

5. Santa’s Spectacle of Lights – Ajax Santa Claus Parade

  • Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

  • Time: 6:00 p.m.

  • Location: Bayly St. and Harwood Ave. S, Ajax

Join the festive glow at Ajax’s Santa Spectacle of Lights, featuring over 50 illuminated floats, marching bands, and local groups. After the parade, head to Town Hall and the Ajax Public Library for a tree-lighting ceremony and community celebration.

6. The Original Santa Claus Parade – Toronto

  • Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024

  • Time: 12:30 p.m.

  • Location: Starts at Christie Pitts and ends at St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, ON

Join Toronto’s legendary Santa Claus Parade, a tradition since 1905, bringing festive floats, marching bands, Celebrity Clowns, and, of course, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself to the streets! This 120th annual parade will also be streamed live on YouTube, allowing fans nationwide to experience the magic of the season.

7. Whitby Santa Claus Parade (Morning)

  • Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

  • Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

  • Location: Brock St N, Whitby, ON

The morning parade in Whitby, beginning at the Lynde House Museum, brings holiday cheer with beautifully decorated floats, music, and local entertainers. It’s a great way to kick off the day and get into the holiday spirit!

8. Whitby Santa Claus Parade (Afternoon)

  • Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

  • Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.

  • Location: Brock St N, Whitby, ON

For those who miss the morning parade, Whitby’s afternoon event offers another chance to catch Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere with your family.

9. Courtice Santa Claus Parade

  • Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

  • Time: 5:00 p.m.

  • Location: Nash Rd, Courtice, ON

The Courtice Santa Claus Parade lights up the evening with festive floats and performers. Wrap up warmly and join the community for this evening celebration filled with holiday joy.

10. Scugog Santa Claus Parade — Sideroads of Scugog

  • Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

  • Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

  • Location: Palmer Park, Port Perry, ON

End your holiday parade tour with a visit to the charming Scugog Santa Claus Parade. This evening event captures the small-town magic of the season with beautifully lit floats and festive entertainment.

Parade Day Tips

Preparing for a Santa Claus parade is all about staying comfortable and making the most of this festive experience. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the event to the fullest:

  • Dress for the Weather: Durham Region can be chilly in the winter months, so bundle up in layers, hats, scarves, and gloves to stay warm.

  • Bring Seating: Pack blankets or portable lawn chairs to secure a cozy spot along the parade route.

  • Support Local Charities: Many parades welcome non-perishable food donations. Consider bringing items to share the holiday spirit and support those in need.

  • Don’t Forget Santa’s Mail: If your kids have letters for Santa, bring them along! Many parades have a place to drop off letters, ensuring they get straight to the North Pole.

  • Pack Snacks and Warm Drinks: To keep everyone comfortable, bring along hot chocolate, coffee, and easy-to-carry snacks. They’ll help keep spirits high as you enjoy the festivities.

These simple tips can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones happy and cozy during the parade. Enjoy the magic of the season!

Enjoy the festivities

So, whether you're in Toronto or the Durham Region, these Santa Claus parades are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Bundle up, gather your loved ones, and head out to enjoy the festive floats, holiday music, and the magic of Santa himself. Make this holiday season unforgettable with the joy of a Santa Claus parade!

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