Eager for the festive season in North Bay? Check out our guide for all the holiday events! Whether you're a North Bay regular or a one-time guest, this guide helps you navigate the festive offerings.
One of the must-see attractions is the Santa Claus Parade, which fills the streets with holiday spirit and cheer. Another highlight is the Holiday Craft Show, showcasing unique handmade gifts and holiday decorations. And the Winter Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an enchanting experience complete with twinkling lights and festive music. 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 North Bay Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in North Bay
- Santa Claus Parade
- Holiday Craft Show
- Winter Wonderland
- Gingerbread House Contest
- Christmas Caroling Night
- Toy Drive Fundraiser
- Polar Plunge
- Holiday Ice Skating
- Christmas Charity Auction
- Christmas Craft Scavenger Hunt
North Bay Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Showcases exclusively handmade items from local artisans
Description:
North Bay's Holiday Craft Show celebrates the talent of local artisans with a curated selection of handmade treasures. This event, held in the historic Capitol Centre, transforms the venue into a bustling marketplace of creativity. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, offering a glimpse into the skilled work behind each unique piece. The show pays homage to the region's artistic heritage, featuring items that reflect Northern Ontario's natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Website:
North Bay Holiday Giving Opportunities
Toy Drive Fundraiser
What to Expect:
Includes a "Toy Hospital" where donated toys are repaired and refurbished
Description:
North Bay's Toy Drive Fundraiser goes beyond collection, featuring a unique "Toy Hospital" where volunteers breathe new life into gently used donations. This innovative approach ensures that more children receive quality gifts while promoting sustainability. Visitors can contribute by donating toys or volunteering their skills in toy repair. The event showcases the community's commitment to giving, a tradition that dates back to the city's founding years. Local schools compete in friendly rivalry to see which can collect the most toys.
Website:
Christmas Charity Auction
What to Expect:
Auctions experiences and services rather than physical items
Description:
North Bay's Christmas Charity Auction takes a novel approach by offering experiences and services instead of tangible goods. Bidders compete for unique opportunities like a private concert by a local musician or a guided tour of the city's hidden gems. This event fosters community connections while raising funds for local causes. Visitors can place bids or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the auction. The auction's format reflects North Bay's emphasis on community engagement and shared experiences, a value that has been part of the city's fabric for generations.
Website:
North Bay Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Largest parade in Northern Ontario with over 100 floats
Description:
North Bay's Santa Claus Parade illuminates the city with over 100 dazzling floats. This cherished tradition, dating back to 1947, brings the community together in a spectacular display of holiday spirit. Marching bands fill the air with joyful tunes as you marvel at the intricate designs and creative themes. Children can write letters to Santa, which are collected along the parade route. The event showcases the city's rich history, with some floats featuring local landmarks and cultural icons.
Website:
Christmas Caroling Night
What to Expect:
Combines traditional carols with original songs by local musicians
Description:
North Bay's Christmas Caroling Night harmoniously blends time-honored carols with original compositions by local musicians. This musical event echoes through the streets, creating a symphony of voices that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Participants receive songbooks featuring lyrics to classic carols alongside new works inspired by North Bay's culture and landscape. You can join in the singing or simply enjoy the melodious atmosphere. This event, which began as a small gathering in the 1960s, has grown into a beloved city-wide tradition.
Website:
Silent Night Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Utilizes wireless headphones for a "silent" outdoor singing experience
Description:
North Bay's Silent Night Sing-Along employs cutting-edge technology to create a unique outdoor caroling experience. Participants don wireless headphones, allowing them to sing in unison without disturbing the peace of the winter night. This innovative approach creates a surreal atmosphere as voices blend in harmony against a backdrop of silent snowfall. You can join in the singing or simply listen to the ethereal music. The event pays tribute to North Bay's long-standing tradition of community singing, reimagined for the modern era.
Website:
North Bay Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculpture garden with lighting effects
Description:
North Bay's Winter Wonderland event features a breathtaking ice sculpture garden that comes alive with dynamic lighting effects. This innovative attraction showcases the work of skilled ice artists who transform blocks of ice into intricate masterpieces. Visitors can explore the garden's winding paths, discovering new sculptures at every turn. The event also includes an ice-carving competition, where you can witness artists at work. Rooted in the city's long history of winter celebrations, this event embraces North Bay's frosty climate in a truly artistic way.
Website:
Gingerbread House Contest
What to Expect:
Community-wide competition showcasing architectural creativity with edible materials
Description:
North Bay transforms into a sugary architectural showcase during its annual Gingerbread House Contest. Bakers and builders unite, crafting intricate edible structures that push the boundaries of confectionery construction. The sweet aroma of gingerbread permeates the air as you explore the miniature village of spice-infused dwellings. Visitors can vote for their favorite creation, contributing to the People's Choice Award. This event harkens back to the 16th-century German tradition of elaborately decorated gingerbread houses. North Bay's contest celebrates both culinary skill and artistic vision, fostering a sense of community through friendly competition.
Website:
Polar Plunge
What to Expect:
Participants plunge into Lake Nipissing through a hole cut in the ice
Description:
North Bay's Polar Plunge challenges brave souls to dive into the icy waters of Lake Nipissing through a specially cut hole in the frozen surface. This invigorating event tests participants' mettle while raising funds for local charities. Spectators cheer on the plungers from the shore, creating an atmosphere of excitement and community spirit. You can join the plunge or support from dry land. The event pays homage to the city's long-standing relationship with its namesake body of water, Lake Nipissing.
Website:
Holiday Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Features a frozen trail through a illuminated forest instead of a traditional rink
Description:
North Bay's Holiday Ice Skating event replaces the conventional rink with a winding, frozen trail through an illuminated forest. This unique experience allows skaters to glide beneath twinkling lights and snow-laden branches, immersing themselves in nature. Along the trail, visitors encounter artistic ice installations and cozy warming stations. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site. This innovative approach to ice skating draws inspiration from the region's abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreation traditions.
Website:
Christmas Craft Scavenger Hunt
What to Expect:
Combines crafting activities with a city-wide scavenger hunt
Description:
North Bay's Christmas Craft Scavenger Hunt merges creativity with exploration, guiding participants through the city to complete craft projects at various locations. This innovative event transforms the entire city into an interactive crafting workshop. Participants follow clues to find craft stations, where they create a piece of a larger collaborative art project. You can join as an individual or form a team. The hunt highlights North Bay's artistic community and historic sites, weaving together creativity and local heritage.
Website:
Christmas Craft Scavenger Hunt
Community Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Incorporates dishes from diverse cultural backgrounds represented in North Bay
Description:
North Bay's Community Christmas Dinner celebrates the city's cultural diversity through a multicultural feast. This inclusive event brings together traditional holiday fare with dishes representing the various communities that call North Bay home. Volunteers from different cultural backgrounds share their culinary traditions, creating a truly global holiday table. Visitors can savor flavors from around the world and learn about different holiday customs. This dinner embodies North Bay's spirit of inclusivity and community, which has been a hallmark of the city since its early days as a railway hub.