Durham Tourism Visitor E-newsletter

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We hope you safely enjoy your experiences in Durham Region. Remember to follow Durham Region Health Department guidance: Stay home if you are sick, wear a mask when required, and wash your hands. Please respect the health and safety rules of any venue or facility you visit. For more information please see the COVID-19 case and contact information hub.

November 2022

Lest we forget

November 11 is Remembrance Day. On this day, Canadians will pause for a moment to remember those who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict and peace.

For information on Remembrance Day ceremonies in your area, visit a local municipality website.

Fun family friendly trips east of Toronto

If you’re looking for some family fun, plan an easy, family friendly day trip or overnight getaway in Durham Region!

With restaurants featuring tasty kids’ menus, hands-on museums, retro games, candy shops and, of course, ice cream, there are so many family friendly activities to discover in Durham.

Whether you have kids to entertain or are a kid at heart, these three slow travel family trips make adventuring through Durham’s downtowns easy. And, we’ve also included a selection of hotels—some featuring a pool (a sure-fire kid-pleaser) and complimentary breakfasts.

Enjoy the moments that lead to great memories. Happy adventuring!

Click here to read the full blog post on DowntownsOfDurham.ca.

Warm up with a Durham is Home collection hoodie

Proudly made in Canada and decorated in Durham Region, the Durham is Home hoodie is the perfect addition to your cold weather wardrobe.

Shop the Durham is Home collection for this and other items including T-shirts, mugs, hats and everything in between—with 22 community icons that showcase the unique charm, quirks and personalities of the incredible communities that make up Durham Region.

Quidditch Eastern Regional Championships

On November 12 and 13, Quidditch Canada will be hosting the Eastern Regional Championship on the outdoor fields at the Civic Recreation Complex (99 Thornton Road South, Oshawa), in partnership with Sport Durham and the City of Oshawa. Based on the game from the Harry Potter series, this full contact, mixed-gender sport involves elements of rugby, dodgeball and tag.

Teams from Quebec and Ontario will be competing November 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and November 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spectators are welcome and there's no cost to attend.

Want to try quidditch for yourself? November 13 at 10:30 a.m., bring your kids to the kidditch try it session, where they can play a simplified version of the game.

Hope to see you there!

Buy your tickets for the Abilities Centre Festival

of Trees

On November 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Abilities Centre in Whitby is hosting a Festival of Trees and Holiday Market. Find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list from more than 90 local vendors.

Get into the holiday spirit early and visit the Winter Wonderland of decorated trees. Enjoy fun activities and get a photo with a special guest. Funds raised will support Abilities Centre’s Summer Camp program to help kids attend their multi-sport camp.

Buy your tickets at Eventbrite.ca.

Explore the outdoors at the scenic Trail Hub

Nestled in the centre of the East Duffins Headwaters and Durham Forests network of trails, Trail Hub is a community hub for mountain bikers, hikers, nature lovers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers to access more than 240 kilometres of local trails.

From special lifetime events to everyday casual meals with friends and family, the grand post and beam chalet is the perfect place to enjoy delicious local cuisine inspired by its surroundings, plus an incredible view.

Trail Hub is your access to nature. The view is magical. The trails are epic. The food is delicious. Your adventure awaits.

Learn more at TrailHub.ca.

New issue of ArtScene newsletter available online

PineRidge Arts Council produces an online publication six times a year called ArtScene featuring members' upcoming events and interesting articles about the arts in Durham Region.

The latest issue is available online at PineRidgeArts.org.

Get your tickets to the WILD Winter Festival of Lights

Join Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue for the third annual Wild Winter Festival of Lights at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from December 2 to 23 at 5 to 9 p.m., each night.

Soper Creek is excited to, once again, sprinkle holiday cheer throughout Durham Region and invite you to come out and experience the fun!

Start a new holiday tradition with this drive-through experience. Drive along a magical avenue of dazzling holiday light displays that are a feast for your eyes. Local businesses, community organizers, farmers and families pour their hearts into this special event in support of local charities. This year the event is raising funds for Jumpstart Canada and J.A.G. Village.

Visit WildWinterFestivalOfLights.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Tindall Farm and Market hosts second annual Christmas Markets

Mark your calendars for Tindall Farm and Market’s second annual Christmas Market on November 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A second market will take place on December 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 25 local vendors will be featured with different vendors on both weekends.

The market will take place in the farm's heated greenhouse and on-farm store, and will be jam-packed with amazing creators, makers and artists who live in the community. Save the dates and shop for amazing holiday gift ideas, decor, baked goods and more!

Extend your stay in Uxbridge and visit additional locations as part of the Leaskdale Loop. Follow the loop to visit local art studios, historical sites, destinations, farms and markets on November 12.

See who’s open and what’s happening on the upcoming Loop Day at LeaskdaleLoop.ca.

It's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season!

Durham Region’s organizing committees have been hard at work planning events to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

From tree lighting ceremonies to merry markets, Durham Region municipalities have plenty of memory-making activities for the whole family. Check them out in the listings below.

Bright and Merry Market (City of Oshawa)

Date: November 17 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Memorial Park (110 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa) and City Hall (50 Centre Street South, Oshawa)

Learn more at Oshawa.ca.

Winter Nights, City Lights (City of Pickering)

Dates: November 25, 26 and 27 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: The Esplanade Park (1 The Esplanade, Pickering)

Learn more and reserve your tickets at Pickering.ca.

Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village (Town of Whitby)

Date: November 25 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Grass Park (41 Baldwin Street, Whitby)

Learn more at Whitby.ca.

Whitby Lights the Night and Holiday Festival (Town of Whitby)

Date: November 25 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: Whitby Civic Park (575 Rossland Road East, Whitby)

Learn more at Whitby.ca.

Santa’s Spectacle of Lights and Santa Claus Parade (Town of Ajax)

Date: November 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Town Hall (65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax) and the Ajax Public Library Main Branch (55 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax)

Learn more at Ajax.ca.

Moonlight Magic and Christmas Market (Municipality of Clarington)

Date: December 2 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Historic Downtown Bowmanville (King Street and Temperance Street)

Learn more at Clarington.net.

"Holiday Trail Comes to Life" featuring Holidays Around the World (Township of Uxbridge)

Dates: December 9 and 10 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Brock Street, Uxbridge

Learn more at DiscoverUxbridge.ca.

North Durham Santa Claus Parades:

Port Perry Santa Claus Parade (Township of Scugog)

Date: December 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Port Perry Fairgrounds to Downtown Port Perry

Learn more at ScugogChamber.ca.

Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade (Township of Uxbridge)

Date: November 19 at 11 a.m.

Location: Uxbridge

Learn more at DiscoverUxbridge.ca.

Beaverton Santa Claus Parade and Open House (Township of Brock)

Date: November 18 at 7 p.m.

Location: Downtown Beaverton

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.

Cannington Santa Claus Parade (Township of Brock)

Date: November 26 at 11 a.m.

Location: Downtown Cannington

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.

Sunderland Santa Claus Parade (Township of Brock)

Date: December 10 at 7 p.m.

Location: Downtown Sunderland

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.

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.