Festivals and Events

The City of Markham's festive evening at the Markham Civic Centre skating rink on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM, with the tree lighting at 7 PM, live holiday entertainment and family activities such as colouring. Free hot chocolate is offered while supplies last. No admission fee is listed.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville's Santa Claus Parade, a holiday procession of lights, floats and bands along historic Main Street from Ninth Line to Park Drive, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6 PM. It ends with Santa greeting spectators, and children can drop off letters for Santa with the elves along the route. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

The City of Vaughan's annual Santafest Parade on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 1:30 PM. Check the City's page for the route closer to the date. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

Kerr Village's Christmas tree lighting and holiday market at Westwood Park on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 1 PM to 6 PM, with the tree lighting at 5:40 PM. Kerr Village has held a Christmas tree lighting for over 30 years. It is a public outdoor event with no admission listed.

A market of handmade gifts by Harbourfront Centre's Craft and Design artists in residence, with textiles, glass, ceramics and jewellery, plus a chance to tour the studios and meet the artists. Friday, November 20, 3 PM to 9 PM, and Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, 12 PM to 6 PM, in the Craft and Design Studio, East Hallway of the Main Building. Free admission, no tickets required.

The Bronte BIA's holiday celebration at Bronte Market Square on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 3 PM to 7 PM, with the tree lighting at 5:30 PM. It is a public outdoor event with no admission listed.

The Town of Aurora's Santa Under the Stars nighttime parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM, with decorated floats, marching bands and special guests, including Santa. It travels south on Yonge Street from Orchard Heights Boulevard to Murray Drive, and Canada Post collects letters for Santa before it begins. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

The Town of Newmarket's annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM, with holiday floats followed by Santa. It starts at Eagle Street and Lorne Avenue, goes east on Eagle Street, then north on Main Street to Ontario Street. You can bring letters for Santa and food donations for the Newmarket Food Pantry. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

The Brampton Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 5 PM. It starts at Bramalea Road and Central Park Drive, heads north on Bramalea Road, then east on North Park Drive to finish at Jordan Boulevard. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

The City of Mississauga's Santa Claus Parade kicks off the city's holiday season in downtown Mississauga on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 6 PM. It is a public street parade with no admission listed.

The City of Pickering's Winter Nights, City Lights celebration at Esplanade Park and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Both nights include a tree lighting and pyro musical fireworks at 6 PM. It is a public outdoor event with no admission listed.

The Christmas market at Le Grand Marché de Québec brings together more than 250 food producers, artisans and artists, with holiday décor, local gifts, gourmet treats and activities for visitors. It runs daily from November 21 to December 24, 2026, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free; purchases are extra.