Moonlight Magic
Moonlight Magic is an annual Christmas celebration in downtown Bowmanville. The event includes a tree-lighting ceremony with entertainment and Santa Claus, complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides, and extended shop hours. Food and toy drives are part of the event.
What to Expect
Annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony with Santa and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Event Details
Duration
4 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Bowmanville
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- local choirs
- bell-ringers
Organizer
Bowmanville BIA
Food & Drink
Grab some dinner, snacks, and a hot drink from our vendors or one of the great restaurants and cafes located downtown.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, shoppers
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, charming
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (event is rain or shine)
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: FREE PARKING available in municipal lots located on King Street, Silver Street, Church Street, and Division Street, and on local side streets.
- Accessibility: Accessible parking spaces are designated in each of the municipal parking lots, as well as on Church Street near the Municipal Administrative Centre and Clarington Library. Portable washroom facilities are accessible. The festival takes place on the roadways in downtown Bowmanville so all vendor areas are accessible, but not all businesses are.
- Pets: Well-mannered dogs are welcome at our festivals but must be on a leash and owners are expected to ensure that dogs behave appropriately.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good spot on the grandstands for the 6:30 PM tree-lighting ceremony, as the event starts at 5:00 PM with activities to enjoy while you wait.
- Bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations for the 'Feed The Need in Durham' drive at the corner of King & Temperance.
- Keep an eye out for Santa's elves in select store windows from December 1st to 31st as part of the 'Find the Elves' window hunt.
- Be aware of road closures starting at 4 PM and no street parking after 3 PM on Temperance Street; utilize the designated municipal parking lots.
- Consider bringing your well-behaved, leashed dog, but be mindful of the large crowds which may be overwhelming for some animals.
Special Events & Promotions
- Annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony
- Complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides
- Extended shopping hours until 9PM
- Visit from Santa Claus
- Find the Elves window hunt
- Donations accepted for Feed The Need in Durham
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission rate?
FREE! There is no admission fee or tickets required to attend festivals in Historic Downtown Bowmanville.
Where can I park?
There are several municipal parking lots close to the festival area that offer FREE parking on Saturdays. You can also park on local side streets, just be aware of any signage prohibiting parking. Please do not park on private property or block any property access routes.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
The festival takes place on the roadways in downtown Bowmanville so all vendor areas are accessible, but not all businesses are. The buildings in our town are over 100 years old and many have one or more stairs/steps at the entry.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
All events are rain-or-shine and because the festivals are one-day only poor weather does not deter the crowds.
Are there many food options?
There are a variety of food vendors at our festivals, in addition to the many restaurants and cafes located within Historic Downtown Bowmanville.
More Christmas Events near Clarington
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.