Here's where to have holiday fun in Newmarket, York Region

Holiday socials, markets, and plenty of chances to meet Santa highlight this week of fun in York Region

newmarkettoday.com
Rob Paul
Dec. 6, 2023

Wednesday, Dec. 6
Holiday Social: 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.

Society of York Region Artists Small Works, to Dec. 15: A holiday art show and sale weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 15 at the Aurora Town Hall Skylight Gallery, 100 John W. Way. There will be extended hours Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Santa’s Tiny Big Town, to Dec. 24: At Vaughan Mills, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., families can immerse themselves in the magic of the season with one-on-one time with Santa, interactive displays, festive activities and support SickKids.

Thursday, Dec. 7
Holiday Around the World, Dec. 7, 14, 21: A free evening of crafts and activities for children to honour different celebrations from around the world during the holiday season. Ages 7+ from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the East Gwillimbury Public Library Holland Landing Branch, 19513 Yonge St.

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.

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.

Friday, Dec. 8
Frozen Fridays Dec. 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, to Dec. 24: 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. 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.

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. 9
Merry Marketplace, Dec. 9 and 16: Every Saturday 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.

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.

Season of Light Christmas Concert: 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: 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.

GOC Markham Christmas Giving Fair, Dec 9 to 10: A fundraiser and outdoor Christmas festival. Attendees can drop-off toy and food donations and then enjoy themselves. There will be complimentary hot drinks and treats, entertainment and fun activities for the children, a giant inflatable slide, a Greek dance performance, visits with Santa Claus, and more. From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sts. Pateleimon, Anna, and Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church, 11323 Warden Ave.

Sunday, Dec. 10
Photo Day with Santa: Enjoy an afternoon of fun with Santa at Newmarket Veterans’ Association, 406 Millard Ave., from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be milk, cookies, colouring, and hot chocolate. From 4 to 5 p.m. pets are invited to come for an outdoor photo shoot with Santa.

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.

Christmas Pageant and Concert by St. Mark’s Church: From 3 to 5 p.m. in Whitchurch-Stouffville, St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church, 345 Glad Park Ave., will feature performances from choirs and performers. Admission is free.

Carols by Candlelight: Trinity Anglican Church in Aurora, 79 Victoria St., has two different time slots for those who would like to enjoy a choir and multi-instrumental performances. The first show is 4 to 5:30 p.m. and the second is 7:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Coming Up:
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.

Aurora’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 11: The Town of Aurora is hosting its Menorah lighting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 John W. Way. The ceremony will include traditional food and a mentalist performance.

DIY Reusable Gift Bag, Dec. 13: Create a reusable gift bag using the Cricut machine and heat press at the East Gwillimbury Public Library Holland Landing Branch, 19513 Yonge St. The workshop runs from 6 to 7 p.m.

Regenesis Holiday Party, Dec. 15: Learn how to upcycle your old clothes into holiday decorations at YSpace Markham, 169 Enterprise Blvd., from 4 to 8 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa on Main Street, Dec. 16 and 17: From 9 a.m. to noon on Main Street in Unionville, you can enjoy breakfast with Santa and his helpers at Jakes, 202 Main St., on Dec. 16 and Unionville Arms, 189 Main St., Dec. 17.