Anticipating the holidays in Ajax? Our guide will lead you to all the festive fun! Whether you're an Ajax insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's holiday soul.
Kick off the season with the Ajax Santa Claus Parade, where you can enjoy a blend of enchanting floats and joyful music. Featuring local vendors and unique handmade gifts, the Christmas Craft Show and Sale is a perfect place to find something special. And Winterfest is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a variety of winter activities and entertainment for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Ajax
- Ajax Santa Claus Parade
- Christmas Craft Show and Sale
- New Year’s Eve Family Countdown
- Jingle and Mingle Market
Ajax Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Show and Sale
What to Expect:
Handmade local crafts and artisanal products
Description:
Ajax's Christmas Craft Show and Sale spotlights the talents of local artisans and craftspeople. Rows of booths showcase unique, handmade items that can't be found in typical stores. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, offering insight into the skill and dedication behind each piece. The event has its roots in the town's agricultural past, when winter markets were essential for the community. As you browse, the scent of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, tempting you to sample local culinary delights alongside the crafts.
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Jingle and Mingle Market
What to Expect:
Night market with local vendors and live entertainment
Description:
Ajax's Jingle and Mingle Market lights up the night with a vibrant atmosphere of shopping and socializing. Local vendors offer unique gifts and treats, many of which are handcrafted or locally sourced. Live performances by local musicians create a lively backdrop for the evening's activities. The market draws inspiration from European Christmas markets, adapting the concept to reflect Ajax's diverse community. You can warm up with a cup of locally roasted coffee while browsing the stalls, each offering a distinct selection of holiday-themed goods.
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Ajax Other Holiday Activities
Ajax Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations and businesses
Description:
Ajax's Santa Claus Parade transforms the town into a lively spectacle of holiday cheer. Colorful floats, created by local organizations and businesses, wind through the streets, showcasing the community's creativity. Children can wave to their favorite characters and catch candy tossed from passing floats. This annual tradition dates back to 1954, reflecting the town's long-standing commitment to holiday celebrations. The air fills with the sound of marching bands playing festive tunes as you join your neighbors in this cherished community event.
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New Year’s Eve Family Countdown
What to Expect:
Family-friendly New Year's celebration with early countdown
Description:
Ajax's New Year's Eve Family Countdown reimagines the traditional midnight celebration for all ages. The event features an early "midnight" countdown, allowing families with young children to participate in the excitement without staying up late. Interactive science demonstrations captivate young minds, blending education with entertainment. This event reflects Ajax's commitment to family-friendly activities, a focus that has shaped the town's development since its post-World War II expansion. You'll find yourself caught up in the anticipation as the clock ticks down to the family-friendly "midnight" hour.
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New Year’s Eve Family Countdown
Nearby Events
Winterfest (Whitby)
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities and ice sculptures
Description:
Whitby's Winterfest embraces the chill of the season with a range of frosty fun. Ice sculptors transform blocks of ice into glistening works of art before your eyes. Brave the cold and try your hand at ice fishing, a popular pastime in the region since the early settlers arrived. The event features unique winter-themed games and activities, encouraging visitors to embrace the season rather than hide from it. You'll find yourself invigorated by the crisp air as you explore the various outdoor attractions, each celebrating the beauty of winter.
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Festival of Trees (Oshawa)
What to Expect:
Creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Oshawa's Festival of Trees transforms the city into a forest of creativity. Local organizations and businesses compete to create the most innovative and eye-catching tree displays. Each tree tells a unique story, reflecting the character and mission of its decorator. The festival originated as a fundraiser for local charities in the 1990s and has since become a beloved tradition. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, adding an interactive element to the experience. As you stroll through the displays, you'll discover the diverse interpretations of holiday spirit that make up the Oshawa community.
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Victorian Christmas (Pickering)
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of Victorian-era Christmas celebrations
Description:
Pickering's Victorian Christmas transports visitors to the 19th century, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and customs of the era. Visitors can participate in authentic Victorian parlor games, experiencing entertainment from a bygone age. The event takes place in Pickering Museum Village, which preserves buildings from the 19th century, providing an authentic backdrop for the festivities. As you explore, you'll gain insight into how holiday traditions have evolved over the past two centuries.
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Holiday Sing-Along (Oshawa)
What to Expect:
Community-wide caroling event with professional musicians
Description:
Oshawa's Holiday Sing-Along unites the community in a chorus of seasonal favorites. Professional musicians lead the crowd, ensuring a harmonious blend of voices. The event includes lesser-known carols alongside popular tunes, expanding participants' musical repertoires. Oshawa's rich musical heritage, dating back to its early settler days, shines through in this communal celebration of song. Large screens display lyrics, allowing everyone to join in regardless of their familiarity with the music. As voices rise in unison, you'll feel a strong sense of connection with your fellow carolers.