Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Nov. 22 to Nov. 24

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the cities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa are coming to life with festive activities and events for everyone to enjoy. From tree-lighting ceremonies to musical performances, holiday markets and plays, there’s plenty to do and see!

Here’s a look at what’s happening from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24:

November 22

Pickering: 

Teen Art Show Gala

Participating artists will be recognized and awards will be presented at this exciting end-of-show event. Friends, family and the public are welcome to celebrate the creativity of local teen artists.

Where: 470 Kingston Rd. (George Ashe Community Centre)
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free

Whitby:

Whitby Lights the Night Festival

Whitby Civic Park will be illuminated with over 200,000 magical lights. Enjoy live music, seasonal activities, cookie decorating, maple taffy, photo ops and a special visit from Santa. Shop the Whitby Farmers’ Market at night and grab a bite from the food vendors.

Where: 555-575 Rossland Rd. E.
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (fees apply for Whitby Farmers’ Market and food vendor purchases)

The Mixtape LIVE at Brock Street Brewery

The Mixtape band will cover all your favourite tunes, performed by two talented musicians who may or may not pull it off… with plenty of fun!

Where: 233 Brock St. S. (Brock Street Brewing Company)
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free

Ajax:

Paul Butler Holiday Concert

Warm up your vocal cords and enjoy an afternoon filled with holiday tunes and popular old favourites featuring Ajax’s own piano man, Paul Butler.

Where:  55 Harwood Ave. S. (Main Library Branch)
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free; advanced registration required

Green Storage Ajax Christmas Food and Toy Drive (Nov. 14 to Dec. 15)

Join Green Storage Ajax in spreading holiday cheer by contributing to their Christmas Food and Toy Drive. Help brighten the season for families and children in need with your donations.

Where: 180 Station St.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

Oshawa: 

Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Experience the captivating tale of faith and forgiveness in this timeless musical as Joseph’s journey unfolds with humour, wit, and vibrant storytelling.

Where: 62 Russett Ave. (Oshawa Little Theatre)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 – $40 (including fees)

November 23

Pickering: 

Santa Claus is Coming to Pickering!

Join the City of Pickering and the Kinsmen & Kinette Club in celebrating the highly anticipated return of the Santa Claus Parade. With extravagant floats from Pickering businesses and community groups, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself, the parade is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Where: The parade will begin at Dixie Road. and Glenanna Rd., ending at Pickering’s City Centre
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free

Free Robotics Workshop for Kids at Pickering

Let your child dive into the excitement of a free robotics workshop designed for children aged 7-14. This hands-on, engaging experience will introduce them to the world of robotics and coding.

Where: 2590 Brock Rd. (Devi Mandi)
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free

Black Joy Holiday Market

Celebrate the holiday season with over 60 vendors offering unique gifts, delicious food and exciting performances at the Black Joy Holiday Market. Enjoy live music, drumming, fashion, jewellery, books and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd. (Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, East/West Salons)
Time:

• Nov. 23— 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Nov. 24— 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Classic Albums Live performs Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’

Experience Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album ‘Rumours’ performed live by Classic Albums Live. Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them note for note, cut for cut.

Where: 888 Durham Live Ave. (The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort)
Cost: Tickets begin at $52.25

Whitby:

Lost in Yonkers

Bella, a socially awkward thirty-five-year-old, lives with her strict Grandma Kurnitz. When her brother Eddie leaves his two young sons with Grandma to go on the road, the boys must adjust to life with their tough grandmother, Bella’s hidden love life and their shady Uncle Louie—all in the unfamiliar world of Yonkers.

Where: 416 Centre St. S.
Time: 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Christmas in the Village

Experience the magic of small-town traditions with family and friends as we kick off the holiday season in Downtown Brooklin. Enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day at various locations, creating lasting memories in this festive setting.

Where: Downtown Brooklin
Time: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Ajax: 

Durham Potters Guild Show & Sale

Enjoy a wonderful selection of functional and decorative handmade pottery created by the talented members of the Durham Potters’ Guild.

Where:  75 Centennial Rd. (Ajax Community Centre – Commodores Room)
Time:

• Nov. 23 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Nov. 24 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

1000 Colourful Stories Special: Finding Moufette

Join local author Linda Hutsell-Manning as she reads “Finding Moufette,” a heartwarming story about a headstrong cat lost in a Christmas Eve snowstorm. After the reading, enjoy crafting and indoor winter fun!

Where: 1955 Audley Rd. (Audley Branch)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free

Santa’s Spectacle of Lights

Join Ajax residents and visitors for the festive kick-off as Santa arrives in town! The parade will begin at the intersection of Bayly Street and Mackenzie Avenue, then proceed east along Bayly and north on Harwood Avenue South, concluding at Ajax Town Hall. Enjoy a tree lighting ceremony and after-party at Ajax Town Hall and the Ajax Main Library.

Where: 65 Harwood Ave. S.
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free

Oshawa: 

Oshawa Tequila Expo – 5th Annual

Explore the world of agave-based spirits, featuring Tequila and Mezcal with live mariachi music, cocktails, beer, tacos, Lucha Libre wrestling and live tattooing.

Where: 99 Athol St. E. (Tribute Communities Centre)
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost:

• Advance: $22.00
• Day of: $27.00

Magusto

Celebrate Portuguese culture with delicious food, live music, and roasted chestnuts at the annual Magusto event.

Where: 40 Albany St.
Time: 5 p.m. (Dinner at 6 p.m.)
Cost:

• Members: $35
• Non-members: $45
• Children (13-17): $25
• Children (7-12): $15
• Children (0-6): Free

Parkwood’s Winter Fest Vendor Market

Start or finish your holiday shopping while enjoying festive tunes and apple cider at the Parkwood Gift Shop.

Where:  270 Simcoe St. N. (Parkwood Estate National Historic Site)
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost:

• $5 entry fee (can be purchased in advance or at the door)

Winter Sowing Workshop

Learn all about winter sowing and help sow native plant seeds in this informative and practical session. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with nature.

Where: 1496 Durham Regional Rd. 3, Hampton
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Free

Repair Cafe – Oshawa Public Libraries

Give new life to your broken small appliances, electronics, jewelry, clothing and more. Skilled volunteers can show you how to make repairs to keep items out of landfills and save you money!

Where: 65 Bagot St. (McLaughlin Branch)
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Beatles Touring Years 1963 to 1966 – Featuring The Beatle Band

Presented by Blackrose Entertainment in association with CKDO 107.7 FM & 1580 AM, The Beatle Band (formerly The FabFour Canada) delivers a thrilling musical tribute to one of pop-rock’s most legendary bands. This engaging show brings to life The Beatles’ 1963 to 1966 “Touring Years” repertoire, including the iconic “Rooftop” performance of 1969 and the sounds of Abbey Road, all performed live with no recorded backing tracks.

Where: 50 King St. E.
Time: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $46.00

November 24

Ajax: 

Sundays Are for Makers

Explore fun projects in the Makerspace, tackle challenges or DIY something new! This week’s craft will be illuminated wants.

Where: 95 Magill Dr. (Makerspace — McLean Branch)
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free