New festive website launched by Oshawa Tourism

Oshawa Tourism has launched a new website to help residents and visitors find “festive fun around every corner,” just in time for the opening of the holiday season.

The Oshawa Holiday Experience website is designed to be the new go-to spot for everything festive in Oshawa, with seasonal events, dining specials, and unique seasonal offerings.

The new website – Oshawa’s guide to celebrating the holidays in style – has plenty of tips to help people get into the festive spirit, including:

• Full Holiday Event Calendar: Discover local parades, markets, and family activities to keep your holiday schedule packed with fun.
• Sip and Savour Section: Check out festive menus and seasonal specials at local eateries, perfect for warming up after a day of holiday shopping.
• Featured events: Learn more about signature Oshawa events including the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights, the City of Oshawa Bright and Merry Market and the all-new Holiday Shop Local event.

The annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights returns to the city core November 16 with a new parade route that begins at Division Street and travels westbound along Bond Street to Gibbons Street. This year’s parade promises all the lights, sparkle, music, and holiday magic of years past, with Canada Post collecting letters along the route to “guarantee safe transportation to the man in red.”

Downtown Oshawa will also be transformed into a shopper’s paradise on Saturday, December 14 with the Holiday Shop Local event, a chance to check off your gift list while supporting local businesses.

The market will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature exclusive deals, fun activities for families (including appearances by favorite holiday characters), plenty of holiday spirit and free hot chocolate and live music in the Avanti Trattoria parking lot.

Other events highlighted on the website include ornament painting and Christmas wreath workshops at Parkwood Estate; classic movie nights at the Regent Theatre; a production of the ‘Nutcracker’ from the Ontario Philharmonic and even a Krampus meet-and-greet; among many other attractions.

“We’re so excited to make it easier for everyone to get out and experience the best of Oshawa’s holiday season,” enthused Oshawa Tourism Director Krista Licsi. “The Oshawa Holiday Experience website is all about connecting people with local events, businesses, and experiences to make this season a memorable one.”

Oshawa’s Bright and Merry Market. Photo Rosemary McConkey