Showing verified activity listings.
STEMSouth Durham
2026 Durham Climate Forum — Family Science & Resilience
Explore climate preparedness with hands-on displays, practical environmental learning, expert demonstrations and local community organizations at Durham Region's family-friendly forum.
- Location
- Whitby — Durham Region Headquarters, 605 Rossland Road East
- Who
- Families and school-age children; no specific minimum age stated
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 am–2 pm
- Cost
- Free admission, according to the official Town of Ajax listing
Before you go: The official calendar does not specify advance registration; check the organizer before travel. EV test-drive eligibility and any optional extras are not stated as child activities.
ArtsSouth Durham
Ajax Superstar — Youth Talent Showcase
An evening of live performances by local young people, including bands, dance crews, vocalists and solo acts, hosted by the Town of Ajax.
- Location
- Ajax — Ajax Centre for the Arts, 78 Church St. S.
- Who
- Families; performers are local youth (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 6–9 pm
- Cost
- Free
Before you go: No registration is listed; seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early.
STEMSouth Durham
Coding & Engineering Workshop with Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University's Engineering Outreach Team introduces coding, robotics, circuits and design thinking through child-focused problem solving. No previous experience is required.
- Location
- Pickering — Central Library Auditorium, One the Esplanade South
- Who
- Registrants ages 6–9 (program title references Grades 1–4)
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10:30 am–noon
- Cost
- Event fee is not stated on the official library page; confirm with the library
Before you go: Registration is required and closes November 13 at 2 pm; confirm your child's eligibility and that spaces remain before travelling.
FestivalSouth Durham
Downtown Whitby Christmas Market
Downtown Whitby’s seasonal community market at Celebration Square, listed in the official Whitby tourism calendar.
- Location
- Whitby
- Who
- Families
- When
- November 13, 2026, 4–9 pm; November 14, 2026, 10 am–8 pm
- Cost
- See organizer for admission and purchases
Before you go: Check the organizer’s event page nearer the date for vendors, accessibility and schedule changes.
AnimalsSouth Durham
Little Paws — Stories with an Animal Guest
Songs, stories and a visiting animal guest, offered by Oshawa Public Libraries with Oshawa Animal Services.
- Location
- Oshawa — McLaughlin Branch, 65 Debwewin Miikan
- Who
- All ages (family program)
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 2:30–3:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer guide (no cost listed); registration required
Before you go: Register at oshawalibrary.ca/signup. The guide carries an allergy alert, so check before bringing children with animal allergies.
FestivalSouth Durham
Winter Nights, City Lights — City of Pickering
Pickering's annual winter celebration of lights and fireworks with live entertainment, food vendors, art installations, photo opportunities, a vendor market and roaming characters.
- Location
- Pickering — Esplanade Park and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 (2026), 5:30–8:30 pm; tree lighting and pyro-musical fireworks 6 pm each night
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Evening outdoor event with fireworks: dress warmly, arrive before 6 pm for the tree lighting, and leave dogs that dislike crowds or loud noises at home.
STEMSouth Durham
Family Maker Magic — Oshawa Public Libraries
A drop-in evening of hands-on family maker activities at Oshawa's McLaughlin Branch, listed in the library's fall 2026 family programs.
- Location
- Oshawa — McLaughlin Branch, 65 Debwewin Miikan
- Who
- All ages (family program)
- When
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6–7:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer guide (no cost listed)
Before you go: Drop-in, no registration needed; arrive early for the full 90 minutes.
MarketSouth Durham
Bright and Merry Market — City of Oshawa
Downtown holiday kickoff with a market, seasonal displays, buskers, a holiday trolley, photos with Santa, children's activities at the McLaughlin Branch library and a tree lighting at the City Hall North Parkette.
- Location
- Oshawa — City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) to Memorial Park
- Who
- Families; several activities described as for all ages
- When
- Friday, November 20 (2026), 5–9 pm; tree lighting 8:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (the City describes its public events as open and free)
Before you go: An evening outdoor event: dress warmly and check the event page on the day, where the City posts updates including severe weather changes.
FestivalSouth Durham
Brooklin's Christmas in the Village — Town of Whitby
A small-town holiday celebration in Downtown Brooklin with plans for meeting Santa, holiday crafts and scavenger hunts.
- Location
- Whitby — Downtown Brooklin
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- November 21, 2026 (times not yet posted)
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: The Town says 2026 details are coming soon; check the page for times and activity locations before going.
FestivalSouth Durham
Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights
A nighttime Santa Claus parade with lights, music and dancing; the 2026 parade starts at Division Street and travels westbound along Bond Street to Gibbons Street.
- Location
- Oshawa — Bond Street West (Division Street to Gibbons Street)
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 6:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: An evening parade in late November: dress warmly and plan around downtown road closures. Dates come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day.
STEMSouth Durham
STEAM Saturday — Delpark Homes Branch
A drop-in afternoon of science, technology, engineering, art and math activities for families at Oshawa's north-end library branch.
- Location
- Oshawa — Delpark Homes Branch, 1661 Harmony Rd. N.
- Who
- All ages (family program)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2–4 pm
- Cost
- See organizer guide (no cost listed)
Before you go: Drop-in, no registration needed; come any time between 2 and 4 pm.
FestivalSouth Durham
Ajax Santa Claus Parade & Spectacle of Lights
An evening Santa Claus parade followed by a tree lighting and festivities at Ajax Town Hall and the main library branch, with a toy and food drive.
- Location
- Ajax — Bayly Street and Harwood Avenue South
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Bring a toy or food donation for the drive, and dress warmly for an evening outdoors. Dates come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day.
FestivalSouth Durham
Pickering Santa Claus Parade
The City of Pickering's holiday parade, run with the Kinsmen and Kinette Club of Pickering, with community floats and the official parade Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Grinch.
- Location
- Pickering
- Who
- All ages
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10 am start
- Cost
- Free to watch
Before you go: The route is not posted yet on the City page; check it closer to the date and dress for cold weather at the curb.
FestivalSouth Durham
CPKC Holiday Train — Oshawa Stop
The CPKC Holiday Train makes a scheduled 30-minute stop at 680 Laval Drive in Oshawa on its 2026 Canadian tour, about an hour after its Bowmanville stop.
- Location
- Oshawa — 680 Laval Drive (behind Walmart off Stevenson Road South)
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Sunday, November 29, 2026, 3:15–3:45 pm
- Cost
- No admission listed on the official schedule
Before you go: Stops are short and outdoors, and train times can shift; arrive early, dress warmly and check the official schedule on the day.
MarketSouth Durham
It's Almost Christmas Holiday Market — Ajax
A free, family-friendly indoor holiday market, in its second year, with small-business bakers and makers from across the GTA and especially Durham Region.
- Location
- Ajax — Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Road
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Sunday, November 29, 2026, 2–7 pm
- Cost
- Free
Before you go: Admission is free, but vendors set their own prices and payment methods, so bring a budget for any purchases.
ArtsSouth Durham
A Very Merry Magic Show — Ajax Centre for the Arts
BenTastic and Magic Mel combine their magic in a fast-paced, interactive holiday show for the whole family, with two performances on the same day.
- Location
- Ajax — Ajax Centre for the Arts, 78 Church St. S.
- Who
- Families; described as a show for the whole family
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am–12 pm or 2–3 pm
- Cost
- $20
Before you go: Choose one performance time when booking through the Town of Ajax event listing; ticket fees and availability are shown at checkout.
MuseumSouth Durham
An Evening of Lamplight — Oshawa Museum
An evening at the Oshawa Museum's historic homes by lamplight, a seasonal way for families to explore local history together after dark.
- Location
- Oshawa — Oshawa Museum historic homes
- Who
- Ages not listed by the organizer; families welcome to check with the museum
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6–8 pm
- Cost
- $7.50 per person; free for Oshawa Historical Society members
Before you go: The museum says the RSVP link is not posted yet, so check its What's On page before planning. Ages are not listed; contact the museum if you are unsure the evening suits young children.
LibrarySouth Durham
Letters to Santa — Ajax Public Library
Children can write a letter to Santa using the library's template and drop it off at any Ajax Public Library branch during the collection period.
- Location
- Ajax — any Ajax Public Library branch
- Who
- Not stated in the program guide (children's activity)
- When
- Saturday, November 21 to Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Cost
- Not stated in the program guide
Before you go: Use the library's letter template and drop the letter off at a branch by December 5.
FestivalSouth Durham
Whitby Santa Claus Parade
Whitby's first-Saturday-of-December parade, held for more than 50 years, with over 50 community organizations walking the Brock Street route.
- Location
- Whitby — Brock Street North
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Bring blankets or lawn chairs, a food donation and a letter for Santa. Dates come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day.
MuseumSouth Durham
Storybook Christmas — Pickering Museum Village
A holiday story adventure in which families follow Teddy as he visits different buildings and sites around the historic museum village.
- Location
- Pickering — Pickering Museum Village, 2365 Sixth Concession Road
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday–Sunday, November 28–29 and December 5–6 (2026 season); times on the City of Pickering registration page
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Registration is through the City of Pickering's online program system; much of the village is outdoors, so dress for the weather.
LibrarySouth Durham
Christmas Family Storytime — Ajax Public Library
A holiday storytime with stories, crafts and activities at the Main Branch, presented with the St. Francis de Sales Women's League.
- Location
- Ajax — Main Branch, Ajax Public Library
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am–12 noon
- Cost
- Not stated in the program guide
Before you go: The program guide says holiday event details will be posted on the library's website in mid-November; check there before you go.
FestivalSouth Durham
Winter Wonderland — Pickering Waterfront
A waterfront holiday celebration with live ice-carving displays, festive music and buskers, roaming characters, s'mores stations, holiday markets, photo stations and arts and crafts.
- Location
- Pickering — Millennium Square and Nautical Village
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, December 5 and Saturday, December 12 (2026), 11:30 am–3 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Daytime outdoor event by the lake: dress for wind and cold, and leave dogs that dislike crowds or noise at home.
ArtsSouth Durham
Winter Concerts — City of Pickering
A new City of Pickering evening concert series featuring Durham Region bands and musicians, with an invitation to bring your best dance moves.
- Location
- Pickering — Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, 2365 Sixth Concession Road
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Thursdays, November 5, November 19, December 3 and December 17 (2026), 5:30–7:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Early-evening event on school nights; check the City's page for performer line-ups and any registration before going.
LibrarySouth Durham
Family Storytime + Ajax Reading Circle — Audley Branch
A family storytime combined with the Ajax Reading Circle at the library's Audley Branch, with two remaining dates this fall.
- Location
- Ajax — Audley Branch, Ajax Public Library
- Who
- Ages 3–12
- When
- Saturdays, November 14 and December 19, 2026, 10 am–12 noon
- Cost
- Not stated in the program guide
Before you go: The guide does not say whether registration is needed, so check with Ajax Public Library before going.
FestivalSouth Durham
New Year's Eve Family Countdown — City of Pickering
An early-evening family New Year's Eve with free skating and swimming and a balloon drop before the big countdown.
- Location
- Pickering — Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
- Who
- All ages
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 6:30–8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free skating and swimming
Before you go: The page does not list parking or weather details; check the City of Pickering event page closer to the date.
FestivalSouth Durham
Whitby Lights the Night — Town of Whitby
An opening-night festival with cookie decorating, seasonal crafts, strolling performers, a Christmas farmers' market, Santa and a tree lighting, then light displays at Civic Park, Celebration Square and Grass Park all season.
- Location
- Whitby — Civic Park, 555–575 Rossland Road E
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Opening night November 27, 2026, 5–9 pm (tree lighting 5:30 pm); lights on nightly from dusk to 10 pm through January 4, 2027
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Opening night has a sensory room for a quiet break and a Town Trolley/parking shuttle; the Town says more information is coming, so recheck the page before going.
FestivalNorth Durham
Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade
The Township of Uxbridge's daytime Santa Claus Parade along Brock Street, with floats and a People's Choice Award voted on by spectators.
- Location
- Uxbridge — Brock Street
- Who
- Families
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 11 am
- Cost
- See organizer page (no spectator fee stated)
Before you go: The Township page does not list the full route or road closures; Durham Tourism lists Brock Street. Arrive early and dress for the weather.
FestivalNorth Durham
Beaverton Santa Claus Parade — Brock
An evening parade that leaves the Beaverton Fairgrounds, loops along Main, Simcoe, Osborne and Bay streets and returns to the fairgrounds.
- Location
- Beaverton / Brock — starts and ends at Beaverton Fairgrounds
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors.
FestivalNorth Durham
Cannington Santa Claus Parade — Brock
A late-morning Santa Claus parade along Cameron Street in Cannington, in the Township of Brock, listed by Durham Tourism for 2026.
- Location
- Cannington / Brock — Cameron Street
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11 am
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors.
FestivalNorth Durham
Scugog Santa Claus Parade — Port Perry
A free evening Santa Claus parade in Port Perry with floats, bands, live entertainment and Santa in a workshop-themed setting.
- Location
- Scugog — Scugog Fairgrounds, Port Perry
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
Before you go: An evening outdoor event in December: dress warmly and arrive early to find a viewing spot. Dates come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day.
FestivalNorth Durham
Uxbridge's Holiday Trail and Cindy Wood Christmas Crawl
An evening holiday stroll around Uxbridge with Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling characters, a "Toonie Trail" and Christmas lights; the Optimist Club Fantasy of Lights is nearby in Elgin Park.
- Location
- Uxbridge — throughout downtown
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5–8 pm
- Cost
- No overall price listed; free Town Trolley rides mentioned
Before you go: Specific venues are not listed on the calendar entry, so check the Township's events calendar closer to the date and dress for an outdoor evening walk.
FestivalNorth Durham
Sunderland Santa Claus Parade — Brock
An evening Santa Claus parade in Sunderland that starts at the Sunderland Brock Memorial Arena; the last parade on Durham Tourism's 2026 list.
- Location
- Sunderland / Brock — starts at Sunderland Brock Memorial Arena
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors.
FarmNorth Durham
Adventures with Santa — Willowtree Farm
A farm holiday visit with craft stations in a heated greenhouse, outdoor games, a story stroll with Mrs. Claus, a visit with Santa and marshmallows at an outdoor bonfire.
- Location
- Port Perry — Willowtree Farm, 975 Regional Rd. 21
- Who
- Families; tickets for ages 2 and up
- When
- Saturdays and Sundays, December 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 2026, 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:30 pm)
- Cost
- $15 per person ages 2+ if booked before November 15; $20 after; plus HST. Accompanying adults need a ticket
Before you go: Cashless, non-refundable and held rain or shine; no pets. Book before November 15 for the lower price.
FestivalNorth Durham
Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights
A drive-through display of more than 100 light displays in Elgin Park, with the Fantasy Trail footpath also open for walking through the lights.
- Location
- Uxbridge — Elgin Park, Elgin Park Drive
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Nightly, December 5, 2026 to January 2, 2027, 6–9:30 pm, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Cost
- Free; no tickets needed. Donations accepted at the exit
Before you go: Enter from Elgin Park Drive only. Donations (cash or tap) support local youth initiatives; dress warmly if you walk the trail.
STEMEast Durham
Engineering Outreach: Coding — Newcastle Library
A hands-on coding workshop for older elementary and middle-school students, presented with Ontario Tech University's engineering outreach team.
- Location
- Newcastle / Clarington — Newcastle Library, 150 King Ave. E.
- Who
- Grades 5–8
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 2–3:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer guide (no cost listed); registration required
Before you go: Registration is required; check the library's program listings before you go.
MuseumEast Durham
Heritage Fair — Sarah Jane Williams Museum, Bowmanville
Meet Clarington's local heritage organizations: displays, short presentations and local history texts, a hands-on way for kids to discover where they live.
- Location
- Bowmanville / Clarington — Sarah Jane Williams Museum, 62 Temperance St.
- Who
- All ages (drop-in)
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1:30–3:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer guide (no cost listed); local history books for sale by donation
Before you go: Drop-in, no registration listed. Note that all Clarington Library, Museums & Archives locations are closed Thursday, November 12.
FestivalEast Durham
Newcastle Santa Claus Parade — Clarington
An evening Santa Claus parade along King Avenue East in the village of Newcastle, listed by Durham Tourism among the region's 2026 parades.
- Location
- Newcastle / Clarington — King Avenue East
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Sunday, November 15, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors.
FestivalEast Durham
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade — Clarington
Bowmanville's annual November Santa Claus parade along King Street; the Salvation Army collects letters for Santa and non-perishable food along the route.
- Location
- Clarington — King Street, Bowmanville
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10:30 am
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Bring a letter for Santa and a non-perishable food donation, and dress for standing outdoors along King Street. Dates come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day.
FestivalEast Durham
Orono Santa Claus Parade — Clarington
A morning Santa Claus parade down Main Street in the small village of Orono, one of the 2026 Durham parades listed by Durham Tourism.
- Location
- Orono / Clarington — Main Street
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10:30 am
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors.
FestivalEast Durham
CPKC Holiday Train — Bowmanville Stop
The CPKC Holiday Train makes a scheduled 30-minute stop at the Scugog Road and Wellington Street crossing in Bowmanville on its 2026 Canadian tour.
- Location
- Bowmanville / Clarington — Scugog Road & Wellington Street
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Sunday, November 29, 2026, 2–2:30 pm
- Cost
- No admission listed on the official schedule
Before you go: Stops are short and outdoors, and train times can shift; arrive early, dress warmly and check the official schedule on the day.
FestivalEast Durham
THEE Farmers' Parade of Lights — Clarington
A rural evening parade of lit-up farm equipment that starts on Old Scugog Road north of Enniskillen and finishes in the hamlet of Tyrone.
- Location
- Clarington — Old Scugog Road and Concession 9 Road, north of Enniskillen to Tyrone
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors. Country roads have few sidewalks, so keep children well back from the vehicles.
FestivalEast Durham
Moonlight Magic & Christmas Market — Downtown Bowmanville
A downtown evening with free horse-drawn wagon rides, children's entertainment, a carol sing, choirs and bell-ringers, a Santa visit, a Christmas market and a tree-lighting ceremony.
- Location
- Bowmanville — Temperance Street, downtown
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 5–9 pm; tree lighting 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Free admission and parking
Before you go: Temperance Street is closed that day; use the municipal lots on King, Silver, Church and Division streets. Food and toy drive donations are collected at King and Temperance.
FestivalEast Durham
Courtice Santa Claus Parade — Clarington
A midday Santa Claus parade along Nash Road in Courtice, one of the latest parades on Durham Tourism's 2026 regional list.
- Location
- Courtice / Clarington — Nash Road
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, noon
- Cost
- See organizer page (no price stated)
Before you go: Dates and start times come from Durham Tourism's regional parade list; confirm the route and road closures on your town's page closer to the day, and dress for standing outdoors.
LibraryEast Durham
Chess at the Library — Bowmanville Branch
A five-week chess series for school-age children, presented with the Clarington Chess Club; a good fit for kids learning strategy and patience.
- Location
- Bowmanville / Clarington — Bowmanville Library, 163 Church St.
- Who
- Grades 1–7
- When
- Mondays, 5–6 pm: November 2, 9, 16, 30 and December 7, 2026 (no session November 23)
- Cost
- See organizer guide (no cost listed); registration required
Before you go: Register in advance through Clarington Library, Museums & Archives; it is a series, so plan to attend all five Mondays.
NatureEast Scarborough / Rouge
Free Guided Walk: Getting Ready for Winter — Rouge National Urban Park
A Parks Canada guided family walk of 3–5 km on the easy, flat or gently uneven Harvest Trail in the northern part of Rouge National Urban Park.
- Location
- Markham — Rouge National Urban Park, Harvest Trail; meet at 7445 Elgin Mills Road East parking lot
- Who
- Families (no specific age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1–3 pm
- Cost
- Free (listed on Parks Canada's free guided walks schedule)
Before you go: Not transit accessible. Parks Canada notes guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather; check the schedule page before leaving.
MarketEast Scarborough / Rouge
Holiday Marketplace — Toronto Zoo
A two-day indoor and outdoor market near the Zoo's front entrance showcasing artisans, processors and producers, with festive décor, photo opportunities and food and drinks.
- Location
- Toronto (Scarborough) — Toronto Zoo Special Events Centre, Discovery Zone
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11 am–4 pm (last admission 3:30 pm)
- Cost
- Free with regular Zoo admission
Before you go: Buy Zoo admission in advance and arrive before the 3:30 pm last admission; the Zoo notes events are subject to change without notice.
NatureEast Scarborough / Rouge
Free Guided Walk: An Early Winter Photography Walk — Rouge National Urban Park
A Parks Canada guided family photography walk of 3–5 km on the easy, flat or gently uneven Central Trail in Rouge National Urban Park.
- Location
- Markham — Rouge National Urban Park, Central Trail; meet at 7445 Elgin Mills Road East parking lot
- Who
- Families (no specific age range stated)
- When
- Sunday, November 22, 2026, 1–3 pm
- Cost
- Free (listed on Parks Canada's free guided walks schedule)
Before you go: Not transit accessible. Bring a camera or phone and dress for cold; walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.
AnimalsEast Scarborough / Rouge
Toronto Zoo — Glow in the Wild Lantern Experience
An after-dark walk of about 1.5 km past more than 2,000 handcrafted illuminated lantern displays, with interactive experiences and conservation stories, including a Blanding's turtle installation created with an Indigenous artist.
- Location
- Toronto (Scarborough) — Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road
- Who
- Families; all ages
- When
- Select evenings to January 3, 2027, mainly Thursday to Sunday plus extra holiday dates; closed December 24 and 25. Entry times vary by date
- Cost
- See organizer page (separate timed ticket; not included with daytime admission; parking extra)
Before you go: Book a dated entry time early, as popular and holiday evenings fill up. Strollers are welcome; displays may include flashing lights and music.
FarmToronto
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Canada's large indoor agricultural fair, with a Farm & Play Zone, Pig and Dairy Education Centres, an Animal Theatre and a Farm to Table Discovery Zone, plus horse shows.
- Location
- Toronto — Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Blvd
- Who
- Families; all ages
- When
- November 6–15, 2026; organizer lists Sun–Mon 9 am–6 pm and Tue–Sat 9 am–8 pm (confirm for 2026)
- Cost
- Ticketed; see the organizer's ticket page for 2026 prices and child ages
Before you go: Daily hours and ticket prices were not confirmed for 2026 on the pages checked; check royalfair.org before buying. Horse-show seats are a separate ticket.
FestivalToronto
The Original Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
Toronto's long-running Santa Claus parade, in its 122nd year in 2026, with floats, bands and Santa at the end of the route.
- Location
- Downtown Toronto
- Who
- All ages
- When
- Sunday, November 22, 2026; start time and route map to be posted by the organizer
- Cost
- Free to watch on the route; also broadcast on Citytv
Before you go: The organizer's 2026 map says 'coming soon'; confirm the start time and route before you go, and expect road closures and crowds downtown.
MuseumToronto
Festive Nights — The Village at Black Creek
Evening visit to lantern-lit historic buildings with seasonal treats, live music, storytelling and a stop at Santa's Cottage.
- Location
- Toronto — The Village at Black Creek
- Who
- Families; youth tickets ages 4–17
- When
- December 12 and 19, 2026, 6–9 pm
- Cost
- Adult $37.20–$39.95; youth (4–17) $31.45–$34.00; plus HST; member prices available
Before you go: An evening, outdoor-and-indoor event: dress warmly and plan for walking between buildings in the dark.
MuseumToronto
Santa at the Village — The Village at Black Creek
Daytime holiday fun in a historic village: craft toys and decorations, sample cookies and hot cocoa, play Reindeer Carnival Games and meet Santa in his cabin.
- Location
- Toronto — The Village at Black Creek
- Who
- Recommended for children 3–8 and their families
- When
- December 12–13 and 19–23, 2026, 12–4 pm
- Cost
- $22.50–$27.45; free for TRCA Conservation Parks members; optional VIP Santa visit $155 for up to five people
Before you go: Tickets are date-specific; check availability early for the weekend dates.
MarketToronto
Distillery Winter Village (Toronto Christmas Market)
A large outdoor holiday market with lights, decorated streets, vendors and seasonal food in the historic Distillery District.
- Location
- Toronto — Distillery District
- Who
- All ages; children 9 and under always free
- When
- November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027; ticketed from 4 pm on Fridays, weekends, Thursdays in December and daily December 14–31
- Cost
- Free Mon–Wed through December 13 and on November Thursdays (except opening night); timed tickets from $16 plus HST and fees after 4 pm on ticketed days
Before you go: For a free visit, choose a free weekday or arrive before 4 pm on a ticketed day. Evenings and weekends are very busy.
FestivalToronto
Cavalcade of Lights — Nathan Phillips Square
The City of Toronto's winter light festival at Nathan Phillips Square, opening with the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree and continuing with light displays into January.
- Location
- Toronto — Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall)
- Who
- Families; all ages
- When
- Opening night Saturday, November 28, 2026; runs to January 7, 2027, 5–10 pm
- Cost
- No admission price listed on the City page checked
Before you go: The page checked is the City's festival information page; look for opening-night program details closer to the date, and take transit because downtown parking is limited.
ArtsYork Region
Markham Museum — Family Pottery Five-Week Course
A five-session introductory pottery course for families, covering basic clay hand-building including pinching, coiling and slab techniques.
- Location
- Markham Museum
- Who
- Ages 4+ with a participating adult
- When
- Sundays November 8, 15, 22, 29 and December 6, 2026; 10 am–12 pm
- Cost
- Resident rate $310 for one adult and one child; materials and firing included; extra participants cost more
Before you go: Confirm current registration availability, non-resident pricing and cancellation terms with Markham Museum.
FestivalYork Region
Aurora Family First Night
A family-focused New Year’s Eve event featuring magic, reptiles, science activities, face painting, outdoor performances and a silent dance party.
- Location
- Aurora — Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria Street
- Who
- Families and children
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 6–9 pm
- Cost
- Free activities
Before you go: The detailed activity schedule is due in November; check Aurora’s official page for changes and weather guidance.
FestivalYork Region
WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland
A holiday festival with nightly tree lighting, live shows, skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than 20 rides, Santa visits and a Christmas market.
- Location
- Vaughan — Canada's Wonderland
- Who
- Not stated (family holiday event)
- When
- Select dates and nights, November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (see the park's calendar)
- Cost
- Park tickets from $45 per person plus a processing fee of up to $9.99 and taxes; skating, cookie decorating and s'mores cost extra
Before you go: WinterFest runs only on select nights, so check the park's Calendar & Hours page before buying tickets.
MuseumPeel Region
Saturday Family Fun at Bradley Museum
Free family afternoons with seasonal crafts, table games and outdoor play by the historic museum barn, subject to weather and programming.
- Location
- Mississauga — Bradley Museum
- Who
- Children and families; adult supervision required
- When
- Saturdays, October 17–December 19, 2026, 1–4 pm
- Cost
- Free drop-in activities; no advance registration required
Before you go: Outdoor activities may change with weather. Confirm that the date is proceeding before travel.
FestivalHalton Region
Oakville Santa Claus Parade 2026
A holiday parade of community floats and performers following the North Pole Sweets and Treats theme through central Oakville.
- Location
- Oakville — Downtown Oakville and Kerr Village
- Who
- Families and children
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, starts 9 am from Downtown Oakville; expected to end around 10:30 am
- Cost
- Public parade; no spectator cost listed; free Santa Shuttle from Oakville GO, 8–11:30 am (last shuttle for the full parade 9:15 am)
Before you go: Road closures begin early. Arrive before the parade and consult the town’s route and shuttle details.
MuseumHalton Region
The Three Sisters — Art Exhibit at Crawford Lake
An art exhibit featuring stories by Tuscarora artist Raymond R. Skye, at the conservation area known for its reconstructed Indigenous longhouse village.
- Location
- Milton — Crawford Lake Conservation Area
- Who
- Families (no age range stated)
- When
- Weekends in November 2026 (Nov 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, 28–29), 10 am–4 pm
- Cost
- Not listed on the events calendar; park admission and reservations may apply
Before you go: Check Conservation Halton's events page for fees and whether a park reservation is needed before you drive out.
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