Holiday Market opens festive season at Whitby’s Abilities Centre

The Abilities Centre in Whitby is kicking off the holiday season Saturday with its annual Holiday Market, an event that is not just a celebration of the season, but a beacon of hope and inclusivity for the community.

More than 120 vendors, plus family activities for all ages and abilities will transform the Abilities Centre, a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to a barrier-free world where people of all ages and abilities enjoy social, health and cultural programs together, into a winter wonderland.

All proceeds from the event will support the programs at the facility, empowering people with disabilities to build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in the community.

The day will include a festive train ride and a visit from Santa Claus as St. Nick makes his annual appearance at the facility, with tickets available online at $8, or $10 at the door, with prices for a family of five set at $25 in advance or $30 at the door. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The urgent need for increased programming and services for people with disabilities in Durham Region inspired a group of local accessibility and inclusion champions in the early 2000s (including the late Jim Flaherty, a former federal and provincial cabinet minister and his wife Christine Elliot, a former deputy Premier) to create a place where people of all ages and abilities could come together and realize their full potential.

The Abilities Centre opened its doors in June 2012 and serves 100,000 visitors each year.