Discover the best holiday events in Oshawa with our detailed guide. Whether Oshawa is your home or your holiday destination, our guide brings you the top festive events.
Start your holiday season with a visit to the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade, a cherished local tradition filled with vibrant floats and merry music. Celebrate the season's charm with cozy gatherings and artisan crafts at Christmas in the Village. And the Toronto Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful mix of holiday shopping and festive entertainment. 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 Oshawa Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Oshawa
See these and even more events listed below!Oshawa Other Holiday Activities
Oshawa Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local flair
Description:
Oshawa's streets come alive with the annual Santa Claus Parade, a cherished tradition since 1957. Local businesses and community groups showcase their creativity with elaborately decorated floats. Children can participate in the "Letters to Santa" program, writing their wishes directly to the North Pole. The parade route winds through historic downtown Oshawa, highlighting the city's architectural heritage. Spectators are treated to the melodious sounds of marching bands playing holiday tunes.
Website:
Nearby Events
Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
What to Expect:
European-inspired outdoor market with international flair
Description:
Toronto's Distillery District transforms into a bustling European-inspired Christmas market. Visitors can explore over 100 artisanal vendor cabins, offering unique gifts and treats from around the world. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. You'll have the opportunity to witness traditional German dance performances. This market pays homage to the area's rich history as a former whiskey distillery, blending old-world charm with modern holiday cheer.
Website:
Christmas in the Village (Whitby)
What to Expect:
Historical village recreation of Victorian-era Christmas
Description:
Step back in time at Whitby's Christmas in the Village. This immersive experience recreates a Victorian-era holiday celebration in a meticulously restored 19th-century village. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and customs. Visitors can try their hand at candle-making using authentic methods. The event honors Whitby's rich colonial history, showcasing how early settlers celebrated the season. Horse-drawn sleigh rides transport guests through the snow-covered grounds, creating a picturesque scene.
Website:
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Night-time parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Bowmanville's Santa Claus Parade illuminates the night with a dazzling procession of light-adorned floats. This evening spectacle creates a unique atmosphere, transforming the town into a glowing wonderland. Spectators can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate served along the route. The parade culminates in a special "Santa's Village" where children can meet the jolly old elf himself. This event has been a cornerstone of Bowmanville's holiday celebrations for over 60 years.
Website:
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
Durham Region Holiday Craft Show (Whitby)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and handmade goods
Description:
The Durham Region Holiday Craft Show spotlights the talents of local artisans and craftspeople. Over 200 vendors display their handcrafted wares, from intricate jewelry to custom woodworking. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques. The event celebrates the region's rich artistic heritage, dating back to early settler communities. You'll discover one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local creators and small businesses.
Website:
Durham Region Holiday Craft Show
Newcastle Christmas Festival (Newcastle)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm with a focus on community involvement
Description:
Newcastle's Christmas Festival embodies small-town charm with a strong emphasis on community participation. Local choirs perform carols in the historic town square, their voices echoing off century-old buildings. Residents compete in a friendly "Best Decorated House" contest, transforming the town into a twinkling tableau. Visitors can join in decorating the community Christmas tree with handmade ornaments. This festival has been bringing Newcastle together for over 50 years, fostering a strong sense of local pride.
Website:
Ajax Holiday Market (Ajax)
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday market celebrating diversity
Description:
Ajax's Holiday Market celebrates the town's cultural diversity with an international flair. Vendors represent holiday traditions from around the world, offering unique gifts and cuisine. Visitors can participate in cultural workshops, learning about different holiday customs. The market showcases Ajax's commitment to inclusivity, reflecting its history as a welcoming community for immigrants. Live performances feature music and dance from various cultural backgrounds, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Website:
Scugog Island Light Show (Scugog)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display on an island setting
Description:
Scugog Island transforms into a twinkling paradise with its annual light show. This unique drive-through experience takes advantage of the island's natural beauty, with displays reflecting off Lake Scugog. Visitors tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The show pays homage to the island's Indigenous heritage with light sculptures depicting local legends. You'll encounter over a million lights arranged in elaborate scenes, creating a truly immersive experience.
Website:
Whitby Holiday Trolley Tour (Whitby)
What to Expect:
Guided trolley tour of historic Whitby's holiday sights
Description:
Whitby's Holiday Trolley Tour offers a unique perspective on the town's festive decorations. Passengers board a vintage trolley for a guided journey through historic neighborhoods. The tour highlights Whitby's architectural gems, many dating back to the 19th century, adorned with holiday finery. Visitors learn about local holiday traditions and the town's history from knowledgeable guides. The trolley makes a special stop at Lynde House Museum, allowing guests to explore this restored 1812 homestead.
Website:
Sunderland Santa’s Workshop (Sunderland)
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's workshop experience for children
Description:
Sunderland's Santa's Workshop brings the North Pole to life with an interactive experience for children. Young visitors can assist elves in toy-making workshops, using child-safe tools and materials. The workshop is housed in a historic barn, reflecting Sunderland's agricultural heritage. Kids can feed Santa's reindeer and learn about their care. This hands-on event encourages creativity and teamwork while immersing children in the spirit of giving.
Website:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Clarington)
What to Expect:
Community tree-lighting with local history focus
Description:
Clarington's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony blends holiday cheer with local history. The event takes place at the historic Bowmanville Museum, surrounded by heritage buildings. As the tree illuminates, local historians share stories of past holiday celebrations in the area. Visitors can contribute to a community time capsule, to be opened in 50 years. The ceremony features a performance by the Clarington Community Choir, singing both traditional carols and original compositions about the town's history.
Website:
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Greenwood Winter Fest (Greenwood)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly winter festival with focus on sustainability
Description:
Greenwood's Winter Fest stands out for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The event features eco-friendly activities, such as creating ornaments from recycled materials. Visitors can learn about winter wildlife conservation from local naturalists. The festival takes place in Greenwood Conservation Area, showcasing the natural beauty of the region in winter. You'll have the opportunity to participate in a guided snowshoe hike through pristine forest trails.
Website:
Ajax Winterfest (Ajax)
What to Expect:
Winter sports and activities festival
Description:
Ajax Winterfest celebrates the joys of outdoor winter recreation. The event transforms Ajax's waterfront into a hub of winter sports activities. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting under the guidance of professional artists. The festival pays tribute to Ajax's naval history with a special ice-boat racing demonstration on Lake Ontario. You'll find an array of winter activities, from snowshoeing to curling, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Website:
Columbus Christmas Trail (Columbus)
What to Expect:
Self-guided holiday trail through rural countryside
Description:
The Columbus Christmas Trail offers a self-guided journey through the picturesque rural landscape of Columbus. This driving tour takes visitors past beautifully decorated farms and homesteads, each showcasing unique holiday displays. The trail highlights the area's agricultural heritage, with many stops featuring antique farm equipment adorned with lights. Visitors can warm up with locally-produced apple cider at designated stops along the route. This event allows you to experience the charm of country Christmas at your own pace.
Website:
Christmas in Bowmanville Park (Bowmanville)
What to Expect:
Nature-focused Christmas celebration in a park setting
Description:
Christmas in Bowmanville Park brings holiday cheer to a natural setting. The event emphasizes the beauty of winter flora, with guided walks highlighting native evergreens and winter-blooming plants. Visitors can participate in a winter bird count, contributing to local conservation efforts. The park's historic bandstand hosts performances of traditional folk music, celebrating the area's cultural heritage. You'll find creative decorations made entirely from natural materials found in the park, showcasing sustainable holiday practices.