This week the holiday festivities continue! Here are all that is happening in Markham and surrounds, from Santa Claus Parades to drive-thru light festivals! We love this time of year – have a great week!
Light it Up Markham – Nov 26th & Dec 10th – 6pm-9pm
Join us on Friday, November 26th & Friday December 10th from 6pm-9pm for ‘Light it Up;’ a celebration of lights and shop local event on Main Street Markham.
Visit our first every Holiday Market showcasing festive, speciality goods, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts from local artists and artisans, festive live entertainment, free tote bags for the first 100 shoppers and more.
Do your holiday shopping at our local small businesses who will be open late to welcome you! We encourage everyone to #ShopLocal this holiday season and support our small businesses after the most challenging period of time they’ve faced to date. Take in the beautifully-decorated shop windows and cast your vote for ‘People’s Choice’ in our annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Make a night of it and dine at one of our many restaurants!
Travel along Main Street enjoying charming, holiday entertainment for all ages, our beautiful Christmas tree decked out for holiday cheer, socially-distanced Santa photos, dazzling light installations, a holiday photo booth and more!
Light it Up is free to attend. We will be collecting non-perishable food items for Markham Food Bank at the entrance to our Holiday Market.
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Journey into Enchantment Drive-Thru – Nov 25th onwards
This Christmas, join us for the most magical event in the Greater Toronto Area, “Journey into Enchantment” at Mount Joy GO station in Markham.
Journey into Enchantment is back with a bigger, brighter and over-the-top Christmas festival! Visit us this Holiday season for a family fun filled drive-thru festival! Experience the magic of over 1.5 million unique light decorations, 3D interactive displays, and musical lights while safely driving through a 2 km route right in the comfort of your own vehicle!
Tune into our dedicated radio station for the famous Christmas Hits!
Most importantly, you can do all of this while also supporting Toronto SickKids, Toronto Animal services and Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer – OPACC.
For more details click here. Price: From $29.95 per vehicle.
Santa’s Visits at CF Malls – until Dec 24th
Rediscover that hearing-ho-ho-ho-in-real-life feeling and enjoy a magical and safe visit with Santa at your local CF shopping centre from November 19 through December 24. All in-person visits with Santa must be pre-booked online prior to your arrival and there is a $5 reservation fee to reserve your spot.
All funds will be donated to a charity of choice by each CF shopping centre, and Cadillac Fairview will be matching your donation! A professional photo will also be available for purchase!
Visits will include all municipal safety requirements, including social distancing, hand sanitizers and face masks. Proof of vaccine passport and government issued ID (according to your province guidelines) is required for individuals visiting Santa in person.
Reserve your visit with Santa today! He can’t wait to see you!
For more details click here. Price: $5 to reserve a spot
Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade – Nov 27th – 6pm-8pm
Don’t miss the magic at the Santa Under the Stars Parade. This nighttime parade is full of beautifully decorated floats, incredible marching bands and a few special guests including the man-in-red himself.
This nighttime parade is full of magic, with beautifully decorated floats, incredible marching bands and a few special guests including the Jolly man-in-red himself.
The parade will travel southbound along Yonge Street from Orchard Heights Boulevard to Murray Drive.
For more details click here. Price: FREE
York-Durham Heritage Railway – North Pole Light Up Express & Santa Express – Various Dates/Times
North Pole Light Up Express
Join the YDHR for their beloved Christmas Story on Rails. Every guest will be served hot chocolate and cookies during this magical train ride that takes the whole family to the NORTH POLE. During the journey to the North Pole, Mrs Claus will greet our guests as well as Santas Friends who will share stories, dances, and songs with your entire family! Don’t miss out on the tree lighting before the event begins and of course the destination to THE NORTH POLE, During the ride back, Santa will give each child a gift – as the first gift of Christmas.
Santa Express
The YDHR have received news from the North Pole that Santa will be joining them on their decorated and heated heritage train. This popular train ride is a great family holiday experience. On-board entertainment keeps everyone occupied while waiting for Santa’s arrival. Have your wish list ready to share with him when he visits children big and small at their seats. Why not create a new family tradition and lasting memories?
Terra Lumina – Toronto Zoo – Nov 26th – Dec 23rd
Terra Lumina is the eleventh unique experience created in Moment Factory’s Lumina night walk series. After nightfall at the Toronto Zoo, you are invited to pursue an immersive experience along a 1.5 km walking path that travels into the future and back. Your journey begins when a portal carries you into the luminescent wonders of the year 2099, a time when humans and nature have learned to live in harmony.
Let yourself be transported by vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, breathtaking video projections and an original score to an enchanted world filled with possibility. And explore this bright and hopeful future to reveal the powerful secrets of tomorrow.
For more details click here. Price: from $24.99
Life of a Tree – Online Presentation by Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Trees are all around us, but we can overlook the amazing things they do for us every day. Learn about the life cycle of trees and what features can help you decipher a tree’s identity. We will also introduce you to keystone and interesting species that you can find in your neighbourhood!
This presentation is intended for a General Audience:
- Beginner level information
- Includes intermediate concepts
- Content intended for adults
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Aurora’s Christmas Market – Dec 3rd – 5th – 5pm-9.30pm
Check out one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario! Aurora’s Christmas Market will be filled with good cheer, hands-on workshops and activities, fantastic seasonal vendors and so much more.
For more details click here. Price: FREE