Planning your holiday adventure in Clarington? We've got everything you need to know.
During the holiday season, Clarington offers a variety of festive events. Revel in nostalgia with the Victorian Christmas at the Museum, where historical charm meets holiday delight. Enjoy the vibrant community spirit at the Christmas Parade, known for its dazzling lights and festive floats. And the Christmas Craft Show is something you definitely don't want to miss, perfect for finding unique handmade gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Clarington Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Clarington
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Christmas Parade (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Vintage sleighs and classic cars in the parade
Description:
Bowmanville's Christmas Parade transforms the streets into a moving timeline of holiday traditions. Vintage sleighs and classic cars roll alongside modern floats, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary cheer. The parade route follows the original 19th-century town plan, offering a glimpse into Bowmanville's rich history. You can join the "Best Spectator" contest by dressing up in your most creative holiday outfit. The air fills with the sound of jingle bells as the procession winds through the heart of the community.
Website:
Victorian Christmas at the Museum (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Authentic 19th-century Christmas reenactments
Description:
Step back in time at the Bowmanville Museum's Victorian Christmas celebration. Costumed interpreters bring the 19th century to life, demonstrating traditional holiday preparations and customs. The event showcases authentic decorations and activities from the era, including candle-making and caroling. You can try your hand at creating Victorian-style Christmas cards using traditional methods. The museum, housed in a restored 1847 Greek Revival-style home, provides a genuine backdrop for this historical holiday experience.
Website:
Victorian Christmas at the Museum
Christmas Craft Show (Orono)
What to Expect:
Emphasis on locally-sourced and eco-friendly crafts
Description:
Orono's Christmas Craft Show spotlights the region's artisanal talent with a focus on sustainability. Local craftspeople showcase their eco-friendly and locally-sourced creations, from hand-carved wooden ornaments to recycled glass decorations. The event takes place in the historic Orono Town Hall, built in 1892, adding charm to the shopping experience. Visitors can participate in a "green" wreath-making workshop using natural materials found in the area. The show celebrates the town's commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern environmental values.
Website:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Community-decorated tree with personalized ornaments
Description:
Bowmanville's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony centers around a unique community-decorated tree. Residents contribute personalized ornaments, each telling a story of local life and history. The ceremony illuminates not just the tree, but the town's collective spirit. You can add your own ornament to the display, becoming part of this living community artwork. The event takes place in Rotary Park, a central gathering spot since the town's founding in 1794. As the lights flicker on, they reveal a tapestry of shared memories and hopes for the future.
Website:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Market (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Fusion of international and local holiday traditions
Description:
Bowmanville's Holiday Market blends global festive traditions with local charm. Vendors offer a diverse array of holiday goods, from traditional Canadian maple treats to international delicacies. The market showcases how different cultures celebrate the season, creating a multicultural holiday experience. Visitors can join a "Holiday Around the World" tasting tour, sampling seasonal specialties from various countries. Set in the town's historic downtown, the market reflects Bowmanville's evolution from a 19th-century mill town to a diverse, modern community.
Website:
Santa Train (Uxbridge)
What to Expect:
Scenic railway journey through snow-covered landscapes
Description:
The Santa Train in Uxbridge offers a picturesque journey through Ontario's winter wonderland. Passengers travel on a heritage railway line, winding through snow-dusted forests and over historic trestles. The train itself is a moving piece of history, featuring restored cars from the early 20th century. During the ride, you can participate in a holiday sing-along led by costumed performers. The route follows the path of the original Toronto and Nipissing Railway, established in 1871, providing a unique perspective on the region's transportation heritage.
Website:
Festival of Lights (Oshawa)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations controlled by visitors
Description:
Oshawa's Festival of Lights reimagines holiday illuminations with cutting-edge technology. Visitors control interactive light installations through smartphone apps, creating ever-changing displays. The event transforms Lakeview Park into a canvas of color and motion, with light sculptures responding to movement and sound. You can design your own light show at the "Create-a-Display" station. This innovative approach to holiday lights reflects Oshawa's history as a center for technological innovation, dating back to its automotive industry roots in the early 20th century.
Website:
Santa's Village (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly North Pole replica with sustainable activities
Description:
Santa's Village in Bowmanville presents an eco-conscious twist on holiday traditions. This North Pole replica showcases sustainable practices, from solar-powered lights to reindeer care demonstrations emphasizing wildlife conservation. The village features recycled decorations and offers workshops on eco-friendly gift-wrapping. Children can join "Elf School" to learn about protecting the environment while having holiday fun. Located in the Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area, the event highlights the town's commitment to preserving natural habitats, a focus since the area's settlement in the late 18th century.
Website:
Gingerbread House Contest (Courtice)
What to Expect:
Architectural-themed gingerbread creations
Description:
Courtice's Gingerbread House Contest elevates the art of edible architecture. Participants create intricate gingerbread replicas of famous buildings and local landmarks, showcasing both baking skills and architectural knowledge. The event celebrates Courtice's development from a rural hamlet to a thriving suburb, reflected in the diverse structures on display. Visitors can vote for their favorite creation in the "People's Choice" category. The aroma of ginger and spices fills the air as contestants put finishing touches on their masterpieces, turning the venue into a fragrant gallery of sweet designs.
Website:
Christmas Lights Tour (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Guided tour of historically significant illuminated sites
Description:
Bowmanville's Christmas Lights Tour illuminates the town's rich past. This guided excursion takes visitors to brilliantly lit historical sites, each stop revealing a chapter of local history. The tour includes the illuminated facades of 19th-century buildings and modern light installations inspired by the town's heritage. You can capture the perfect holiday photo at designated "Light and History" spots along the route. As the tour winds through Bowmanville's streets, it traces the town's evolution from a mill village to a vibrant community, with each twinkling light telling a story of progress and tradition.
Website:
Holiday Choir Performance (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Multilingual choral performance celebrating cultural diversity
Description:
Bowmanville's Holiday Choir Performance celebrates the community's cultural tapestry through song. The choir presents a repertoire of holiday music in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of local residents. This unique concert blends traditional carols with lesser-known holiday songs from around the world. Audience members can join in a finale that combines elements from different cultural traditions. Held in the historic Bowmanville High School auditorium, built in 1924, the performance honors both the town's long-standing traditions and its growing multiculturalism.