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November 2025

On November 11, communities across Durham Region will pause to honour the courage, service, and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans and active service members.

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the generations who have defended them. Local Royal Canadian Legion branches will host gatherings at cenotaphs and memorials throughout the region.

In honour of those who serve and have served, Durham Region Transit (DRT) is proud to offer fare-free travel to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, including active service members, reservists and veterans during the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign, from October 31 to November 11.  To learn more, visit DurhamRegionTransit.com/CAF.

Kick off your holiday shopping with Shop in Durham Week, from November 23 to 29.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities—they line the streets where we gather for parades, festivals, and everyday moments that make Durham home. That’s why the Region of Durham will officially proclaim this week as an opportunity to shop, support and celebrate local. 

Whether you're picking up holiday gifts, grabbing a bite to eat, or shopping at a neighbourhood store, every local purchase makes a difference. You’re supporting the shops, makers, and entrepreneurs that make our towns and cities vibrant!

During Shop in Durham Week, share your local finds on social media using #ShopInDurham and tag @DurhamTourism—let’s spread the word and celebrate the businesses that make Durham Region shine.

Get ready to bundle up and celebrate the holiday season—Santa Claus will soon be making his star appearance at parades across Durham Region! These fun festive events take place from November 15 to December 13.

Whether you’re big or small, Santa Claus parades are a magical way to kick off the season. From classic daytime processions to bright nighttime spectacles, there’s a parade in Durham for everyone to enjoy —and we’ve got your festive guide ready. 

So, grab your mittens, find a cozy spot along the route, and get ready to wave as Santa rolls by!

Colder days don't mean dull ones. Let Open Skies take you to your next adventure! Durham Tourism’s adventure planner offers 129 ways to explore Durham Region—from outdoor dining domes to one-of-a-kind accommodations.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or just looking for something new to try, the checklist-style guide inside Open Skies makes it easy to explore at your own pace. Best of all, you can keep your luggage light and your dollars in Canada. 

Open Skies is the guide to unforgettable experiences across the region—no matter the season.

If you’re looking to fill your calendar with all things merry and bright, Durham Region offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season!

Kick off the festive fun with Oshawa’s Bright and Merry Market on November 14 and Downtown Whitby Christmas Market on November 14 and 15. Follow a self-guided driving tour of artisans, farms and markets, and celebrate Christmas in the country with the Leaskdale Loop Artisan Christmas Crawl on November 15 and 16. Check out Whitby Lights the Night festival on November 21 for a magical evening of live entertainment, a Christmas farmers' market, and a dazzling lighting ceremony. Plus, don’t miss the CPKC Holiday Train travelling through Bowmanville and Oshawa on November 29. 

From festive farm events and tree lighting ceremonies to merry markets and magical performances, Durham has it all this November and December.

Skip the shopping stress and give the gift of great taste. Gift cards are a deliciously simple way to treat the foodie in your life to some of Durham Region’s best food and drink destinations.

With many businesses offering online gift cards, Cyber Monday (December 1) is the perfect time to shop local and support restaurants, bakeries, and other specialty food shops while giving a gift that’s always the right size.

There’s nothing trivial about it—Durham Region is buzzing with trivia nights that turn your random facts into real fun. Whether you're a general knowledge whiz, movie buff or music lover, there's a game for every player almost every night of the week. 

From competitive leagues to casual themed nights, each venue offers its own twist on the classic pub quiz. While some take their trivia seriously and others keep it lighthearted, the end goal is always the same: fun and bragging rights. So go ahead, rally your friends for a night of brainpower, and enjoy some bites and brews at a trivia night in Durham Region.

Ready to eat your way through Durham Region? Ontario Culinary spotlights some of the tastiest stops that offer great flavour and local charm—from your morning caffeine hit to late-night bites and everything in between. Follow Ontario Culinary's adventure for a two-day feast across Durham.

Grab a taste of Ajax with their brand-new food guide. Featuring more than 230 restaurants, Made in Ajax celebrates the local flavours, diverse dishes, and the passionate people behind them. Pick up a copy at any town facility or download it online. New this month, Biscuits to Baskets is celebrating its storefront opening in Ajax’s Pickering Village. Follow them on Instagram for opening day details.

Roll into history with the Canadian Tank Museum in Oshawa. It’s home to Canada’s largest collection of operational military vehicles from World War One relics to modern battle tanks. The museum also offers immersive exhibits and live vehicle shows. With special events running year-round, there’s always something exciting to experience!

Mark Your Calendars

There’s still time to get tickets for Uxbridge’s beloved Book Drunkard Festival! Don’t miss the final events on November 4, 9, 12 and 20, taking place at various venues across Uxbridge. Each ticket includes either a signed copy of the featured book or a voucher for use at the event.. Get your tickets. 

Don’t miss the Dean’s Public Lecture with journalist and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat on November 11 at Regent Theatre. As an emerging storyteller with a powerful voice, NoiseCat is also the co-director of Sugarcane—a documentary that investigates the long history of abuse and missing children at the Indian residential school near Williams Lake, British Columbia. Get tickets. 

On November 28, the Oshawa FireWolves play their home opener at the Tribute Communities Centre. Get your tickets to cheer on Durham’s first pro-lacrosse team, then make a night of it with eats, drinks and a taste of downtown Oshawa. Whether you’re in town for lacrosse or hockey, check out this guide to game night in Oshawa for how to make the most of game day. 

In Case You Missed It

The colours of fall aren’t just on the trees; you’ll also find them in the galleries and public art displays of Durham Region—like the self-guided Oshawa Mural and Art Walk. Discover how fall’s natural beauty pairs perfectly with artistic expression in this feature from The Globe and Mail.

Elevate your lunch break for National Sandwich Day on November 3 with a bite from one of Durham’s best handheld bites. Whether you’re craving classic offerings or unique twists, your taste buds won’t be disappointed with a stop at one of these must-try sandwich spots. 

Celebrate National Pickle Day on November 14 with our guide to relishing all-things pickle in Durham Region. From classic dill snacks to pickled mains—and yes, even dessert—these local spots serve up some serious pickle love.

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.