From the fallen tamaracks and the frosty mornings to festive radio music and the addition of peppermint-flavoured specials, the signs of the holidays are quickly sneaking up on us.
Community is at the heart of the holiday season, and since nobody does community better than the Kawarthas, there is no shortage of merry, spirit-raising, jingle-bell rocking events to bring residents and visitors together.
Including local art exhibits, auctions for a cause, holiday markets, and charity fundraisers, here are a few family-fun events across the region to get you in the Christmas spirit.
A Holiday Art Market at the Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls (November 1 – December 23)
Looking for unique gifts for the friends and family on your shopping list this year? Visit the Colborne Street Gallery by Tim and Chris in Fenelon Falls (36 Colborne Street) before Monday, December 23 to browse one-of-a-kind, handmade artwork from more than 50 artists.
The gallery will be filled with decorative paintings, photography, and sculptures, as well as functional artworks like ceramics, towels, puzzles, and a whole lot more. The show is putting a focus on exhibiting pieces priced at under $400.
Visit colbornegallery.ca to preview the artwork and to see the full list of participating artists.
Christmas in the Annex at Bancroft’s A Place for the Arts (November 6 – December 22)
Show support for local artists without going over your Secret Santa budget by shopping Christmas in the Annex at Bancroft’s A Place for the Arts (23 Bridge Street West).
Until Sunday, December 22, the Annex will be exhibiting small works from artists in the collective, with all items priced at $50 and under. Getting stunning and original artwork at a low cost certainly makes for a merry Christmas for the gift giver, gift receiver, and the local artist.
Visit apfta.ca/november-december for more details.
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Holiday Auction (November 17 – December 8)
Make a contribution to the Earth this holiday season by shopping for your holiday gifts online through the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust’s 2024 Holiday Auction until Sunday, December 8.
Nearly 100 items, each at various starting bids, have been donated to the auction, including Toronto Raptors tickets, charcuterie boards, canoe paddles, outdoor experiences, firewood, family photo sessions, concert tickets, artwork, gift certificates, and a lot more.
The funds raised from the auction will go towards the purchase of the Hadlington Property, an undeveloped 100-acre property in Highlands East. The property contains forests, wetlands, and 3.5 kilometres of shoreline along the Irondale River which provide habitat for species at risk. With the purchase of the land, the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust will host hikes, paddles, and workshops on site. The organization is aiming to raise the remaining $75,000 for the land purchase by the end of the year.
To register for the auction or to learn more about the property purchase, visit app.galabid.com/hhltholidayevent.
Shop for Joy at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (November 21)
To launch the season of gift giving, The Gallery Shop at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent Street) is hosting the annual Shop for Joy event from 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 21.
Displaying one-of-a-kind ceramics, glass and metal sculptures, textiles, jewellery, and much more, the shop is known for representing the best artists and makers of the region and designers from around the world.
Every purchase from The Gallery Shop will support the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s programming, as well as local artists and makers. New this year, guests of Shop for Joy will be entered to win a holiday package inspired by local makers featured in the shop.
Visit agp.on.ca/event/shop-for-joy/for more info.
Holiday Fundraiser at Paulmac’s Pets Cobourg (November 24)
Get your pup ready for the holidays while supporting the children and pets in Northumberland County at the Holiday Fundraiser at Paulmac’s Pets Cobourg (1111 Elgin Street West) on Sunday, November 24. Presented by the Ryan Huffman Real Estate Team with Bam Quick Bins Northumberland and The Cobourg Pet Nanny, the fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and give back to local initiatives.
Customers can get dog bathing, nail trimming, and gland expressions for a minimum donation of $10 per service, with proceeds going to the grassroots Northumberland County Small Town Cat Project, which connects community members with rescue partners. Cross another thing off your holiday list by getting your photos with Santa or your pet’s photos with Santa done directly in store.
The fundraiser will also be collecting for The Giving Tree, a community project that has provided children in need with gifts for the holidays since 1989. Choose a child’s name from the tree, go shopping at a local store, and receive 10 per cent off the purchase.
Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are recommended. To book, call Paulmac’s directly at 905-373-1268. Visit Paulmac’s Pets Cobourg on Facebook for more information.
“Christmas, Seasons” with the Kawartha String Orchestra in Peterborough (November 24)
Nothing will get us in the Christmas spirit more than listening to holiday tunes and the Kawartha String Orchestra has us covered. The community orchestra is hosting their annual winter concert on Sunday, November 24 at 2 p.m. at Peterborough’s St. James United Church (221 Romaine Street).
With the theme “Christmas, Seasons”, the performance will see the music of Purcell and Vivaldi, as well as music from the cult classic Home Alone, and other traditionally festive classics. The performance will feature guest soloists Marcus Quin on clarinet and Kawartha String Orchestra’s music director and conductor Tak Kwan on violin.
The concert is in support of Kawartha Food Share, with admission by monetary donation (no food items). Visit www.kawarthastring.com for more information.
Port Hope Candlelight Festival (November 29 – January 2)
Why limit the holiday celebrations to just a few days of the year when we can celebrate for an entire month? That’s exactly what Port Hope chooses to do each year through the Candlelight Festival.
The month kicks off with the Candlelight Walk beginning at Walton and Pine Streets at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29. As Buddy the Elf says, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” so be sure to access the digital song sheets and come with your singing voices in tune. Don’t forget to also bring a light source (candle or lantern), a donation to the Fare Share Food Bank, and your wallet as Lent Lane will be set up as an outdoor vendor market. The opening celebrations will also include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, wagon rides, kids’ activities, and the park lighting ceremony in Memorial Park.
The following day, Port Hope will host its Santa Claus Parade under the theme “Miracle on Walton Street” to celebrate the completion of phase two of the Walton Street reconstruction project.
The rest of the month will see the Festival of Lights and Trees annual fundraiser at the Capitol Theatre, which will be hosting special concerts and its annual naughty and nice Christmas panto, based on the fairy tale Rapunzel. There will also be free Christmas light tours for seniors, holiday camps, a pyjama drive, and the Festive Fun Day on Saturday, December 7.
For the full schedule, visit www.porthope.ca/candlelight-festival.
Santa Day in Fenelon Falls (November 30)
You can find a Santa Claus parade anywhere, but not all towns dedicate a full day to the jolly man in red the way Fenelon Falls does. And with the 25th anniversary, this year’s Santa Day promises to be an extra mighty celebration.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, there will be family-friendly activities happening all around the downtown, including pony rides, a breakfast with Santa, petting zoos, ornament making, a gingerbread contest, face painting, crafts, chainsaw carving, wagon rides, and so much more.
Then, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., residents and visitors can welcome to Fenelon Falls the man of honour himself through the magic of the Santa Claus parade. From professional bands and spectacular floats to a grand finale firework display, the celebration is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
For a full schedule of activities, visit www.santaday.ca.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market Holiday Market (December 1)
Get stocked up on all the baked goods and quality produce you’ll need for all the holiday dinners, parties, and events you have scheduled this season by taking a trip to the Lakefield Farmers’ Market annual Holiday Market on Sunday, December 1.
Located beside The Village Inn (39 Queen Street) and running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the special event will be full of local food and preservatives, baking, and wines. It’s also the chance to get Christmas shopping done, as there will be tables of unique artisan goods from local makers.
Visit the Lakefield Farmers’ Market on Facebook for more information.
Christmas in the Village in Millbrook (December 7)
Santa will be making a stop to Millbrook on Saturday, December 7 for the annual Christmas in the Village celebration.
Presented by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA), the event features a full day of festive fun for the entire family, including a breakfast with Santa with photos and wagon rides, a vendor market, live music, holiday mini photo sessions, a tree lighting ceremony, and more.
After Breakfast with Santa at the Millbrook Legion, with two seatings at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m, King Street East and surrounding streets will be turned into the Merry Marketplace and Merry Village from noon until 5 p.m. featuring artisans and makers, food trucks, the Merry Lounge for socializing, and the Merry Music Stage featuring local talent. For children of all ages to get creative, Nexicom will be hosting a “Cookies & Crafts” decorating station.
Those looking for family photos for the holidays can book a mini photo session with Millbrook lifestyle photographer Amanda Marlin. For $150, you’ll get a 15-minute session, with a vintage truck decked out for Christmas providing the festive backdrop, and receive 15 digital prints just in time to make your holiday cards or gifts.
Christmas in the Village will wrap up with a tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on King Street East, between Nexicom and the Millbrook Legion. Bring your own ornament to hang on the tree while you enjoy the sounds of carolling. Christmas celebrations in Millbrook will continue the following weekend, when Santa returns to the village for the annual Santa Claus parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
For updates on Christmas in the Village, follow the Millbrook BIA on Facebook.
Christmas at Ken Reid in Kawartha Lakes (December 7)
Spend some time outside this holiday season by joining Santa Claus at Christmas at Ken Reid from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.
Highlights of the free family-fun event at Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Road, Lindsay) include horse-drawn carriages, a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt, kids craft stations, musical entertainment, a Grinch-guided story walk, a birds of prey show, live wood carving demonstrations, and a vendor market.
New this year, guests can get VIP on-site parking with the pre-purchase of a $20 ticket. Otherwise, you need to use off-site parking or catch the free shuttle picking up from multiple locations in Lindsay throughout the day. While admission to the event is free, donations are appreciated and welcomed.
While at Ken Reid Conservation Area, be sure to check out the enchanting Illuminated Forest which will be taking over the area throughout December. Open nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the light displays over the canopy of trees will leave you in awe.
For more information and to secure your parking for Christmas at Ken Reid, visit www.kawarthaconservation.com.
Peterborough’s Christmas for the Kids (December 15)
You may know that each year Peterborough’s Modern Makers Market hosts the annual Modern Holiday Market on December 1, but did you know they also organizes an event dedicated to kids?
Christmas for the Kids takes place at the Morrow Building (151 Lansdowne Street West) on Sunday, December 15, beginning at 10 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults and free for those 16 and under.
The Elf Gift Shop is set up like a retail store, giving young gift-givers the chance to make their own intentional purchases for their friends, family members, and those who are most special to them. Kids will be able to purchase something-no matter their budget-and then can get help in getting it wrapped and tagged to bring home. The shop is a fundraising initiative that will give grocery card gift cards those in the region facing food insecurity.
In addition to browsing the small vendors market and getting a bite at the food court, kids can satisfy their sweet tooth by decorating cookies before heading to the Christmas Craft Table to create holiday cards and create handmade ornaments. They can then cuddle, pet, and play with furry friends at the petting zoo, and capture the afternoon with a pose or a selfie with Santa at the photo booth.
As for the Modern Holiday Market, it runs at the Morrow Building from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 1 and features 100 vendors. Admission is $5 at the door.
For more information on both events, visit the Modern Makers Market on Facebook.
