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December 2025

Press pause on the holiday hustle and let the magic of Durham Region remind you of the joys of the season. Recreate the magic with these festive favourites—you might just find that the best gifts aren’t the ones you buy, but the ones you experience: 

Relive the childhood wonder of a Santa Claus parade and the thrill of looking down the street, knowing he's on his way. Families gathered on the sidewalk, colourful floats and the sound of marching bands—they all build to the moment when Santa arrives! It's a timeless celebration happening across Durham region. Find a Santa Claus parade near you. 

A visit to one of Durham's Christmas markets or events is the perfect way to embrace the season's magic and bring back the wonder of holiday's past. Explore vendor stalls filled with handcrafted goods, indulge in sweet treats and festive bites, sip seasonal drinks and immerse yourself in traditions that make the holidays timeless. Fill your calendar with festive fun. 

Bundle up for a holiday outing at one of Durham Region's Christmas tree farms. There's nothing quite like picking the perfect evergreen to bring home. From cut-your-own to pre-cut trees, the joy of finding "the one" always makes the season complete. Plan your Christmas tree farm visit. 

The first episodes of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things have dropped on Nexflix and while Hawkins, Indiana is far from Durham Region, you can still find ways to step into the Upside Down, channel your inner Eleven and relive some of the Party's adventures—minus the demogorgons, of course!

From Dungeons and Dragons to video arcades, and roller skating and waffle eating, we've put together 'Eleven' experiences that will have you feeling as if you're living in your very own episode of Stranger Things.

Check out the list while it's live—before we Vecna-crash like Neflix did on release day!

Raise a glass to the season with the Durham Cocktail Trail. This self-guided journey takes you through some of the region's best restaurants while discovering one-of-a-kind cocktails made from Durham Distillery spirits.

Sign up to get your trail card and from now until January 12, visit a participating location, responsibly enjoy the featured cocktail and scan the QR code on-site to collect a stamp. Once you've gathered six, you'll be rewarded with a $25 gift card to Durham Distillery and entered into a draw for a $400 Distiller's Experience. Even better, every cocktail purchased contributes one dollar to Feed the Need in Durham.

We've also gathered the recipes for these creative cocktails all in one spot—so that once you've tried them at the restaurant and earned your Durham Distillery gift card, you can recreate them in your own home. They're easy to turn into a mocktail, too!

This holiday season go beyond the ordinary shopping experience and rediscover the magic of shopping local in Durham Region with these great ideas:

Gift an experience that will entertain the kids once the holiday excitement calms down. There's skiing and snowboarding at Brimacombe, Dagmar and Lakeridge, indoor thrills at NEB's Fun World and Volt Raceway or maybe an art class. Our kids' guide to Durham Region has plenty of ideas to keep the fun rolling until the school bell rings again in January.

For the foodies in your life, skip the snacks under the tree and treat them to a gift card. It's a deliciously simple way for them to discover something yummy and support local businesses at the same time. Check out our list of food and drink destinations that offer gift cards.

Give the gift that will make them "ooh" and "ahh"—with a relaxing wellness experience. Durham Region offers spa escapes, yoga retreats and nature experiences designed to help recharge and restore. They're the perfect present for anyone who deserves a little rest. Wrap up relaxation.

Recreate the magic of winter in Durham Region—where every journey feels like a seasonal story ready to unfold. Cozy up with warm drinks at charming cafes, glide across rinks and explore festive small-town shops and holiday events that bring back the wonder of the season. Take Durham Region Transit (DRT) and make your winter adventures easy, accessible and unforgettable.

Glide without the drive to Durham's skating spots, go from bus to barista to find your perfect seasonal sip, ride into retail to find the perfect gift, and visit our charming downtowns that feel like a real-life Christmas movie.

Join Durham Tourism and Durham Farm Fresh on December 13 at Hope's Christmas Tree Farm for a special culinary demonstration and tasting with Chef Alex Page! Between 1 to 3 p.m., Chef Alex will be cooking and handing out free samples of his Black Bean Chocolate Chili. Made using ingredients from One More Cocoa based in Whitby, it is the perfect warm meal for this "chilly" season.

Throughout the day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy pre-booked visits with Santa, as well as a local artisan market, hot drinks, farm animals, and more! Plus, don't miss Town Brewery between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a special beer garden and patio.

See you at the farm for some holiday festivities!

Carry the holiday spirt into 2026 at a New Year's Eve celebration in Durham Region!

Check out our list of 10 unforgettable ways to celebrate on December 31, showcasing the best of Durham's festive cheer. Go high energy with a concert or dancing. Enjoy an intimate evening dining in a dome or skating lakeside. Celebrate with a crowd at community events and kid-friendly countdowns. With something for every mood and every age, Durham Region offers experiences that will make saying goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 memorable.

Mark Your Calendars

Have you heard about the new North Pole Holiday Market in Oshawa? Recently featured in blogTO, the Dome Village is open Fridays to Sundays now until January 4. Guests can enjoy a festive holiday market under twinkly lights, with movie nights, food trucks, cozy firepits, and free Santa photos on Saturdays. Get tickets.

Relive the mayhem and magic of the '80s with a free screening of the timeless Christmas gem, Gremlins, at the Whitby Public Library on December 4. This DRIFF in a Jiff screening is a wickedly entertaining blend of festive cheer and mischievous mayhem, making it a perfect addition to your holiday traditions. Reserve your seat.

Follow the Holiday Trail in Uxbridge for the ultimate Christmas experience. On December 5 and 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., the town transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, live music, holiday displays, and guest appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Explore the shops, restaurants and enjoy the free Town Trolley rides.

Don't miss the magic of Christmas in Port Perry at the Santa Claus parade on December 6, the 30th annual Bakersville Animated Gingerbread Village from December 6 to January 4, free Holly Trolley rides until December 7, and weekends at the Lakefront Skate and Market. Discover more magic in these back-to-back features by blogTO and Curiocity!

Experience Oshawa's very first Christmas market. Victoria Lane will be filled with vendor huts, local artisans, seasonal treats, fun activities and a chance to get your picture with Santa. The market is open Saturdays n December (December 6, 13 and 20) from 3 to 7 p.m. Learn more about the Oshawa Holiday Village.

Get ready for a holiday adventure with Hook: A New Family Musical at the Town Hall 1873 Theatre in Port Perry. This panto puts a playful twist on the Peter Pan story with Captain Hook in the spotlight. Come cheer the hero, boo the villain and have a blast! The show runs December 27 to 31 and is recommended for all ages. Get tickets for Hook.

In Case You Missed It

The holidays aren't just for giving; they're also for savouring and Durham's dining scene is made for indulging! The Culinary Tourism Alliance has put together this must-eat collection of Durham gems that are the perfect way to treat yourself to unique holiday dining experiences.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun night out, make it hockey night in Oshawa! From ticket tips and arena highlights to must-visit spots before and after the game, our insider's guide has everything you need to know before visiting an Oshawa Generals game.

Deal yourself and your significant other a holiday getaway at the Pickering Casino Resort. Take in a concert or live show and enjoy a meal at one of the many onsite restaurants. When the night winds down, stay in style at a Holiday Executive Suite, decked out in festive decor. Plan your stay with blogTO's list of reasons to make Pickering Casino Resort your next getaway.

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.