As the cold weather hits us and we begin to bundle up indoors, we are lucky that our region comes to life with activities. However you choose to celebrate the holidays, the Durham Region has a lot of variety in store. From Christmas festivities, lots of lights, concerts and pop-up markets, there is something for everyone in the region to enjoy.

Some of our favorite local activities take place as the weather gets cold – we love bundling up with our friends and family and exploring the beauty of the winter season. Here is a list of some of the activities you can enjoy this winter before the New Year comes.

We will continue to update this list as we hear about new event listings.

1. Port Perry Candlelight Tree Lighting – Friday, November 17

Everyone is invited to Port Perry’s Palmer Park to get into the holiday spirit with a performance by the United Church choir as they carol down Queen St with the Claidhmor band. Grab some hot chocolate and cookies in Palmer Park afterwards and watch as the Palmer Park tree gets lit.

The event takes place from 6-9pm.

2. Port Perry Santa Claus Parade – Saturday, December 2

There is no better way to kick-off the countdown to Christmas than celebrating with Santa and his crew. The theme for this year’s 2017 Scugog Santa Clause Parade is “Canada 1867 – Canada 150 Years Ago”, meaning the parade floats will take us back in time. Santa begins his public visits at the Port Perry Santa Hut in front of the post office.

The parade happens on Queen St. and starts at 5pm, ending at 7:30pm. Here is a video from last year:

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Visit with Santa 

And don’t forget to visit with Santa at his private hut in front of the Post Office building in Downtown Port Perry.   Drop off your letters, have a chat and snap a few photos. It will be the highlight of your little ones day;  while Santa is passing through our beautiful town.      Visit with Santa is sponsored by Port Perry BIA

Starting November 30th to December 23rd.

Thursday & Friday 3pm – 5pm  |  Saturday’s from 10am -12pm  and 1pm-3pm

3. Ride the Santa Train in Uxbridge – November 25-17 (weekends only)

The Santa Train is a family favourite with a specially decorated Christmas themed train departing from Uxbridge Station every Saturday and Sunday from November 17 till December 17. Kids love getting to meet Santa himself to share their Christmas list as they enjoy a cool, fun one hour ride on the train.

There are three trains, departing at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.Get your tickets ASAP if you want to secure your seat, as this popular activity sells out quickly.

4. Liona Boyd in concert in Port Perry – Saturday, December 9

The incredibly talented Liona Boyd will be holding a concert in Port Perry at Town Hall 1873. She has released a whopping 28 albums and is a winner of not one, but five Canadian Juno Awards. Her show is definitely not to be missed.

Concert is from 2pm-3:30pm and tickets are $62.50. You can buy them here.

5. Concerts at Town Hall – Various dates

This winter, you can catch a variety of music at the Town Hall venue in Port Perry. From a Neil Young or Tragically Hip tribute show, to a Beauty and the Beast Musical show, there is really something for everyone. Whether it is a night out on the town with some friends or your partner, or taking the whole family out, stay warm dancing and singing at Town Hall.

6. Mistletoe Market – Saturday, November 4

The annual Mistletoe Market at Emmanuel Community Church in Port Perry is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. All proceeds go towards supporting the Pregnancy Help Centre of Durham, and there are raffles, coffee bar, Christmas photos, and lots of shopping to be had.

Time: 9am until 2pm.

Address: 160 Reach Street, Port Perry

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7. Kawartha Lakes festival of Trees – Thursday, November 9 – Sunday, November 12

This four day event transforms the Kawartha Settlers’ Village into a land of trees, wreaths, and garlands all decorated for the holidays. There will be a bunch of activities like wagon rides, children’s workshops, and of course, Santa for families to enjoy. For adults, there are chances to win the decorations around the space. At night time the village comes to life with light.

Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children.

Thursday & Friday: 5pm

Saturday & Sunday: Doors open at noon, show is at 5

8. Uxbridge Farmer’s Market Indoor Christmas Market – Sunday, November 26

A fun way to enjoy a cold day, the Uxbridge Farmer’s Indoor Christmas Market will have local produce, holiday crafts and baked goods, and tons of gift ideas for sale by local vendors. You can get a head start on your holiday shopping, or get inspired for holiday cooking!

Market is from 10am-2pm.

Address: 21 Brock St. W, Uxbridge

9. Emerging Artists of Lake Scugog Studio Tour Exhibition Opening – Saturday, November 4

Join the Lake Scugog Studio for the opening night of the Emerging Artists of Lake Scugog tour. There are 43 artists at 17 sites, welcoming artists such as Michael Zarowsky and painter Karen Fox. This event is unique and perfect for those who love to take in really talented artists.

Event is from 1pm-3pm.

Address: 181 Perry St., Port Perry

10. Lavender- Blu December Sale – Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3

There is no better Christmas gift than giving the gift of something made locally, and the lavender products at Blu December are something anyone will love. Whether it is impressing your secret Santa or treating the amazing teacher at school, these products are made from ingredients cultivated locally in Seagrave.

11. Paint Night at Scugog Museum – Thursday, November 16

Try your hand at being an artist, with all money going towards an amazing cause for this fundraising Paint Night at Scugog Museum. This event is adult only, as cocktails will be served and enjoyed. Get creative while sipping drinks with your friends, learning how to paint A Winter’s Night winter scene.

Tickets: $45

Event time: 5:30-10pm

12. Farmer’s Christmas Tractor Parade – Wednesday, December 6

Come celebrate the amazing work the farmers of Tyrone, Haydon Enfield and Enniskillen do as they decorate their farm equipment in Christmas décor and lights to drive past the Enniskillen General Store. This event is a fun, festive event with free hot chocolate, treats, and ice cream to those who like the cold. Kids will love seeing the tractors all lit up.

Time: 6pm-7pm

Address: 7851 Old Scugog Rd, Hampton

13.   This is going to be EPIC –  a Skating Party on December 10th to celebrate  –  #Canada150 Skating Party! Scugog Recreation & Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham can’t wait! Celebrate Canada’s big birthday with one of the most Canadian activities you can think of: Ice skating! Check out the schedule of events below and make sure to click “GOING” on to the events facebook page!

Powered by these fine organizations:  Township of ScugogScugog Shores Museums: Village, Heritage Centre and ArchivesScugog Memorial Public Libraryand Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham!    See you on Dec 10th at the Blackstock arena.  

The Bottom Line

We know Port Perry  and Scugog is an extraordinary place any time of year. But the holiday season in Port Perry is truly something special. With this lineup of holiday events in our area and our town looking its finest, you can’t help but get into the spirit of the season!

Did we miss your favorite holiday events in Port Perry / North Durham ? Please let us know – we’d love to check them out!

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