We might not be able to travel far and wide this year, but we can still celebrate the holidays together. We’ve put together a few great ways to stay connected with family and friends this season, in-person and online. From enchanting light shows to cookie making and holiday markets, there is something for everyone. Take a look at our collection of all the best things to see, do, and gift this season.
WHAT TO SEE
Cue the lights! Transport yourself to a magical wonderland filled with festival holiday decor without leaving your bubble!
Simcoe Christmas Panorama, In-person
December 5 – January 3
Simcoe Christmas Panorama is bringing you a little bit of magic through their holiday lights drive-through experience. Outside the car, you can also explore holiday displays created by locals through their “Light up the County” contest.
Journey into Enchantment, In-person
November 20 – January 7
Experience the magic of more than a million lights at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario. You’ll encounter dazzling animated displays, music shows, simulated starburst fireworks lights, and a spectacular tunnel along the 1.6 km route. Grab your tickets here.
Winter Festival of Lights, In-person
November 14- January 10
The Winter Festival of Lights is back for its 38th year of creating enchanting scenes across the region. Experience the spectacular displays with 3 million lights along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and across Niagara Falls. Start exploring here.
WHAT TO DO
Wondering how to keep busy this holiday season? Tap into some of these great ideas on how to get creative with family at home or show off your creations virtually.
Baking Cookies with Santa Online, Livestream
December 17 at 6:30 PM
Fill your kitchen with the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies and listen in to some of the adventures from the North Pole with storytime with Mrs. Claus. Downtown Orillia will be hosting a storytelling adventure and Zoom meeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 17 via Zoom. Tune in here.
Set the Table with York Durham Headwater, Online
Ongoing
Host a dinner party from your desk! Create a spread that is ready to impress. York Durham Headwaters is here to show you how to set the perfect holiday table to send off 2020! Start prepping here.
Together At Home for the Holidays, Digital Recording
Ongoing
Visit Kingston has put together a collection of activities to spruce up your home and keep you connected while apart. Learn how to make Spiced Ginger Cookies and fresh outdoor wreaths, or get active and tune into their Family Holiday Dance Class anytime and anywhere. Tune in here.
Jumblies Theatre, Livestream
December 16 at 6-8PM
Join the Jumblies Theatre for their last Digital Embroidery Drop-in on Wednesdays December 16 from 6-8pm. Feel free to bring your own needlework or request a kit to be mailed from one of their fabric art projects. Email info@jumbliestheatre.org to receive a link to the workshop. Learn more here.
WHAT TO GIFT
The time for gift-giving is just a couple of weeks away! Send a quality handmade gift to your friends and family, and consider supporting a local artist or arts organization this season. Here are a couple of holiday markets that you can find online, or in-person:
One of a Kind Show: Online Winter Show, Online
October 22 -December 20
The One of a Kind Show is just that, a show where you will find unique handmade gifts to dazzle friends and family. This one-stop-shop will connect you to over 700+ handmade, one-of-a-kind vendors from across Canada. While you are there, be sure to check out one of their DIY Workshops here.
Glebe Craft & Artisan Fair, Online
November 30 – December 25
For over 40 years, the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) has been hosting the Glebe Craft & Artisan Fair and 2020 isn’t stopping them. Check out their online catalogue showcasing the skilled members of the local arts and crafts community in Ottawa. They will also be featuring a weekly raffle on their Facebook page.
Scugog Arts Christmas Market, Online
November 14 – January 2
Support local artists this season with the click of a button! The Scugog Arts annual Christmas sale is back with a variety of mix media products created by their members. Explore their online shop from now until Jan 2.
Feature Image: Bingemans Gift of Lights