Posted : November 9, 2016
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
With the holidays fast approaching, preparations for annual tree lightings and open houses are already underway. Step out with your family to take in the twinkling trees and sparkling scenery. Visit with Santa or get a head start on your shopping. Here is a chronological guide to a few of the holiday events happening throughout Southern Ontario.
Ontario Holiday Events:
Port Perry – Candlelight Walk & Tree Lighting
Port Perry’s Annual Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting Extravaganza takes place on Friday, November 18, from 6:30 to 9 pm. Pick up your candle at 6:30 in the Palmer Park Gazebo and join Santa and his reindeer in the Queen Street candlelight procession. Bring your camera to get photos with Santa and his reindeer! Stores in town are open until 9 pm during Tree Lighting to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping. Port Perry merchants offer a unique blend of ideas and holiday inspiration.
Photo by: Scugog Heritage
Learn more about the Candlelight Walk & Tree Lighting
Orangeville – Moonlight Magic & Tractor Parade of Lights
On November 18, from 6 to 10 pm downtown Orangeville kicks off the holiday season with their annual Moonlight Magic Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Town Crier and local dignitaries will usher in the season with the tree lighting, and Santa will be visiting and greeting children. Activities for the evening include Theatre Orangeville’s performance of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” the local farmers’ Tractor Parade of Lights, free horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa’s reindeer, and free face painting and caricatures in the town hall. Warm up with hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows while you shop for your special someone along Broadway Street.
Photo by: Downtown Orangeville
Learn more more about Moonlight Magic
Markham – Festival of Lights
Celebrate Markham’s 32nd Festival of Lights on Main Street on November 25, from 6 to 9:30 pm. The merriment includes jugglers, stilt walking elves, the Zero Gravity Circus, street carolers and free horse-drawn wagon rides. And, of course, Santa will be visiting as well.
The Mayor will be there to light the 30′ Christmas Tree, and fireworks will light up the night at 8 pm. Main Street shop windows will be decked out for a competition to win the best-dressed window. Make sure to fill out a ballot while you are doing some of your holiday shopping, and you will be entered to win a $100 shopping spree.
Photo by: Main Street Markham
Learn more about the Festival of Lights
Caledon – Spirit Tree Estate Cidery Holiday Open House
Stop by award-winning Spirit Tree Estate Cidery in Caledon on Saturday, November 26 from 11 am to
3 pm for their Holiday Open House. The cidery’s bakery, bistro, and farm store, will get you in the festive spirit with samples of holiday goodies and hot apple cider. You can meet local artists and food producers, select fresh greenery, or pick up your holiday wreath.
Photo by: Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
Learn more about the Holiday Open House
Georgina – Festival of Lights & Old Fashioned Christmas
Step into a 19th-century holiday celebration at the Georgina Pioneer Village’s Festival of Lights & Old Fashioned Christmas on November 26, from 5:15 to 9 pm. The lights and sounds of the season will decorate the Village buildings and Santa and Mrs. Claus will spread holiday cheer with the children. Family festivities include storytelling, carol singing, live music, crafts, historical demonstrations as well as hot chocolate, apple cider and holiday cookies.
Photo by: Snapd Georgina
Learn more about the Festival of Lights & Old Fashioned Christmas
Whether you are looking for a family friendly holiday experience such as Orangeville’s Moonlight Magic Tree Lighting Ceremony or an adult day out at the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, there are plenty of locations to get your holiday events fix this November.
Get Festive – Check Out More Holiday Events!
