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December 2024

Holiday gift-giving season is upon us and what better way to show you care than by shopping locally. 

The Region of Durham has proclaimed December 1 to 7 Shop In Durham Week. When you shop at the small businesses in our 14 downtown communities, you’re not only buying unique gifts for loved ones, but you are also supporting an economy of friends and neighbours.

Show us your top spots to shop by tagging @DurhamTourism on social media and share your local finds using the hashtag #ShopInDurham. 

In need of shopping inspiration? Visit ShopInDurham.ca for ideas—including a

gift guide to shopping in Durham’s downtowns and the ultimate list of

digital gift cards for the foodie in your life. Once the shopping is done, head to any of our picks for the best indoor family attractions in Durham Region. 

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 

Christmas Tree Farms To Visit Near Toronto 

Put on your warm hat and mittens, it’s time to go pick out that perfect real Christmas tree. Whether you prefer pre-cut or like to cut-your-own, you’ll find lots to choose from at one of the many Christmas tree farms in Durham Region.

Plan a road trip and make a day of it. Some tree farms offer holiday activities and shopping, along with refreshments to keep you warm and cozy while enjoying the fresh air and the even fresher trees.

‘Tis the season for some festive fun! If you’re looking to fill your calendar with all things merry and bright, you’ve come to the right place.



We have 30—yes 30!—holiday celebrations for you to check out. From festive farm events to tree lighting ceremonies to merry markets and everything in between, Durham Region has no shortage of reasons to celebrate the season! 

Help grow the music industry in Durham Region! If you live in Durham and either work in the music industry or aspire to be a musician or are even just passionate about music, take part in this brief online survey. 

The questionnaire takes only 5-to-10-minutes to complete but your answers will help Invest Durham understand how music shapes the economy and community at a regional level. Survey responses are confidential. 

As the holiday season approaches, we begin to think about hosting, entertaining, and gift giving. With that in mind, Chef Alex Page has created a recipe that checks all of those boxes! This Apple and Chilli Chutney uses cherry spiked hard cider from Banjo Cider, and brings some heat from Hurt Berry Farm’s Persian Lime Hot Sauce.

This recipe is extremely versatile and great to keep in the fridge (for up to one week).  During your festive feasts, place this atop a cracker or crostini with brie as an appetizer; add it to a salad dressing in place of honey or sugar to add an additional layer of flavour; or serve it alongside roasted pork!  

Local Business Highlights 

Congratulations to The Springwood in Whitby for making Open Table’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2024. The top ranked spots are decided based on reviews by Open Table users from across the country. The Springwood is highly rated for its farm-to-table dishes, attentive staff and cozy atmosphere. Book your table. 

Jack Doak knew exactly what he wanted. He just wasn’t sure where it would go. A lifetime entrepreneur with a lengthy career in the fitness industry, he was ready to launch his next venture—a brewery.

Read the backstory of the Old Flame Brewery in our Downtowns of Durham blog.

Bringing the best of Ontario's handmade products together in one convenient location—that’s the promise of Markets Ontario in Bowmanville. Shop from over 100 local entrepreneurs and take part in events and workshops. Popular vendors include Roam Coffee, Nest Specialty Desserts, The Formosa Hut and the latest addition, The Book Burrow. 

Mark Your Calendars

Join Durham Tourism and chef Alex Page for a cooking demonstration and sampling on December 7 at Banjo Cider in Uxbridge. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m and is free to participate! Make other stops on the Leaskdale Loop for their Annual Christmas Crawl. Mark your calendar now for this fun day out to farms, art studios, historical sites, markets and more. 

Head to Uxbridge December 6 and 7 for the annual Holiday Trail. The town becomes a Christmas wonderland with lights, vintage decorations and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy free trolley rides, a Christmas market and specials at local restaurants. 

Spend the day Christmas shopping along

A Country Path. With the winding roads, crisp air and the cozy charm of the rural stores, it’s the best way to get into the holiday moods. Until December 21, make your shopping even more fun by taking part in a scavenger hunt and the chance to win an amazing gift basket.

Join in the fun!

Experience the magic of Christmas at Holiday in the Hills. Nearly half a million lights have transformed the Orono Fair grounds into a winter wonderland. Until December 22, visit with Santa and the Grinch, decorate some gingerbread and head to elf school. 

Buy tickets here. 

What better gift to put under the tree than tickets to Blue Rodeo on December 28 at Tributes Communities Centre in Oshawa. Get your tickets here and then plan to make a full night of it with drinks and eats at any of the great restaurants in downtown Oshawa like Market at 70 King or BOND|ST Snack Bar.  

Enjoy culinary adventures when you make a visit to downtown Whitby. Ontario Culinary has chosen it as one of 3 holiday adventures in Ontario’s downtowns you have to experience. Be sure to go hungry so you can try as many of the suggested restaurants and cafes as you can.   

Bring a Hallmark Christmas movie to life when you visit Scugog this holiday season. The town has been the backdrop for several Hallmark movies over the years, and you can bring the movies to live with York Durham Headwaters'

guide to your own Hallmark holiday romance in Scugog.

In Case You Missed It

There’s no better time than the present to make your way through the best sandwich spots in Durham Region. From hidden gems with classic offerings to options of the deep-fried-mind-blowing variety, this list is some of Durham’s most talked about sandwiches. Keep in mind: sandwich preferences are highly subjective, so tell us if you agree by sharing your favourite sandwiches and tag us on social @DurhamTourism.

Must-try sandwich spots. 

The pickle often plays a supporting role to the sandwich, but this tangy treat is worthy of the star treatment. So we have put together a pickle lover’s guide to Durham Region that we think is a pretty big ‘dill.’ From the traditional jarred condiment to main meal to dessert (really!), you are sure to relish all the options! A pickle lovers guide to Durham Region. 

It’s been a few months since Three Six Kitchen in Bowmanville reopened following extensive renovations. Diners are greeted with a stylish new look, but the same dedication to high quality food. Read more about the updates in this Downtowns of Durham blog. 

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.