Moonlight Magic Christmas Event
Visitors can gather at the grandstands for the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony featuring children's entertainment, a carol sing, and a visit from Santa. Throughout the evening, guests can take complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street, listen to local choirs and bell-ringers, and take photos with surprise guest mascots. Downtown small businesses offer extended shopping hours alongside food vendors, cafes, and community donation drives.
What to Expect
Annual tree-lighting ceremony with horse-drawn wagon rides and a Santa visit.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Bowmanville
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Bowmanville BIA
Food & Drink
Event vendors and downtown restaurants and cafes offer dinner, snacks, and hot drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission and free parking.
- Hours: 5:00pm until 9:00pm; ceremony starts at 6:30pm; horse-drawn wagon rides start at 5pm; downtown businesses offer extended shopping hours until 9PM.
- Parking: Parking is free. Temperance Street is closed all day Friday; road closures begin at 4PM Friday and there is no street parking after 3PM. Parking is available in municipal lots on King Street, Silver Street, Church Street, and Division Street, and on local side streets.
Tips & Advice
- Come early to get a spot on the large grandstands in front of the stage before the tree-lighting ceremony begins.
- Park in a municipal lot on King, Silver, Church or Division Street, because Temperance Street is closed all day and street parking ends in the afternoon.
- Bring non-perishable food to drop off for Feed The Need in Durham at the corner of King and Temperance.
- Take a free horse-drawn wagon ride along the main street, or shop the late-opening stores downtown, while you wait for the ceremony.
- Look for Santa's elves in select store windows all through December as part of the FIND THE ELVES window hunt.
Special Events & Promotions
- Downtown small businesses stay open late for one night only
- FIND THE ELVES window hunt: Santa's elves peek out of select store windows from December 1 to 31
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
Parking is free in the municipal lots on King, Silver, Church and Division Streets and on the side streets. Temperance Street is closed all day.
What is there for kids?
The tree-lighting ceremony has children's entertainment, a carol sing and a visit from Santa. Before it starts, there are free horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street and photos with surprise guest mascots.
Where's the best spot to watch the ceremony?
On the large grandstands in front of the stage on Temperance Street. Come early to get a spot.
Is there food?
Yes. Vendors and the downtown restaurants and cafes serve dinner, snacks and hot drinks.
How can I donate?
Feed The Need in Durham collects non-perishable food and money at the corner of King and Temperance. There are also local food and toy drives during the evening.
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