Here is where to experience holiday fun in York Region

In the next few weeks, York Region is jam-packed with holiday events from Santa Claus Parades to festivals of lights

Newmarkettoday.ca
Nov. 22, 2023
Rob Paul

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Pets with Paws in support of OSPCA, Nov. 22 and 29: Pets with Paws 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. 23

The Sisters Touch of Christmas, Nov. 16 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.

Ontario SPCA Holly Jolly Holiday Auction, Nov. 16 to 26: Santa-Paws is coming to town! Get ready to sleigh on over to the annual Holly Jolly Holiday Auction, starting Nov. 16. With the holidays just around the corner, why not start crossing names off of your list and support animals in need at the same time? Grab a "pawsome" gift for every member of the family (including those furry friends). Bidding starts Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. Bidding ends Sunday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. Bookmark the auction here: https://can.givergy.com/HolidayAuction2023.

Light Up the Village: Get ready to sparkle and shine as the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Light’s Up the Village this holiday season. The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Main Street.
Friday, Nov. 24

Magical Christmas Forest, Nov. 24 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.

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

Festival of Lights: Experience the magic of the holiday season at Markham’s much-anticipated Festival of Lights on from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street.

Saturday, Nov. 25

Newmarket Farmers' Market Annual Christmas Market, Nov. 25: Enjoy the farmers' market as it embraces the holiday season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Newmarket Community Center and Lions Hall, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. Learn more here.

Holiday Art Show & Sale, Saturday, Nov. 25: Newmarket Group of Artists hosts a holiday art show and sale at the Old Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Amica Newmarket Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 25: Featuring over 60 artisan vendors at Amica Newmarket, 275 Doak Ln., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with money raised going towards Helping Hand Charity. Reserve a spot here.

Markham Santa Claus Parade, Nov. 25: The 49th annual Markham Santa Claus Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Main Street and Highway 7 in Markham. Learn more here.

Trinity Newmarket Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 25: Trinity United Church is hosting a free bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a bake sale, crafts, books vendors, and a roast beef lunch at 461 Park Ave.

Christmas on the Farm -- Willowgrove, Nov. 25: A day of festive fun at the farm begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. It includes crafts, games, play in the hayloft, campfire signing, and more. Tickets are $15 per person. Learn more here.

Old Fashioned Christmas and Festival of Lights, Nov. 25: Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of an Old Fashioned Christmas at Georgina Pioneer Village. Experience the enchantment of a traditional 19th-century Christmas with festive twinkle lights, a meet and greet with Santa, a sing-a-long with the Georgina mayor and members of council, and free hot chocolate and cookies. Admission is $1 for anyone 15 and under, and $2 for anyone aged 16+. The festivities continue with the Festival of Lights. The kick-off is at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 and the lights will continue to shine until Jan. 2, 2024. For more information visit georgina.ca/events.

Merry Marketplace, Nov. 25, December 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.
Sunday, Nov. 26

Movie Night at the Brewery, Nov. 26: From 5 to 8 p.m. enjoy a viewing of The Grinch in the Main Street Music Hall above Old Flame Brewing Co., 140 Main St. S. Treats will be available for purchase, as well as seasonal holiday brews. The movie is free to attend.

Keynotes Christmas Concert, Sunday, Nov. 26: Join the Keynotes Ceniors’ Choir as they present their Sounds for the Season concert. Enjoy familiar favourites, seasonal selections, novelty numbers, sacred choral works, and toe-tapping rhythms, as well as a guest musician or two providing

some musical cheer. Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place hosts the free concert at 2 p.m., pre-registration is not required.
The Link Winter Market, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10: The Link Winter Market is back on Sunday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy this popular one-of-a-kind shopping experience right in the heart of Georgina. Find gifts and treasures from local artisans, chefs, farmers and more. A great Sunday outing including live music, food demos and more.
Coming Up:

Winter Marketplace Holiday Celebration, Nov. 30: 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.

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.

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 Aurora Town Hall, 100 John West Way, from 5 to 9 p.m.

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.

Sutton Santa Claus Parade of Light, Dec. 2: 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.

Tapestry Chamber Choir Gifts and Giving Concert, Dec. 3: 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, Dec. 3: 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.

Old-Fashioned Christmas, Dec. 3: 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.

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.

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.