Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1

As the holiday spirit fills the air, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa are offering plenty of festive experiences to make the season bright. Create lasting memories with Santa, from snapping photos to visiting his cozy cottage. Explore vibrant Christmas markets while sipping hot chocolate or catch a spectacular play or concert. Here’s what’s happening from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1:

November 29

Pickering: 

Pickering Public Library Writing Contest (Nov. 1–30)

Unleash your creativity in the Pickering Public Library’s Writing Contest. Submit your poetry, short stories, or creative nonfiction by Nov. 30 for a chance to be featured on the library’s website and win exciting prizes. Open to teens, young adults, adults and seniors, this contest celebrates the local writing community.

Where: 470 Kingston Rd.
Cost: Free

Ajax: 

Journey Into Enchantment Drive-Thru (Now until Jan. 1)

Experience a magical journey through dazzling light displays at the Journey Into Enchantment Drive-Thru in Ajax. From Santa and his reindeer to dancing lights synchronized to holiday music, this immersive experience brings festive wonder to life.

Where: 50 Alexander’s Crossing (Ajax Downs Racetrack)
Time:

• Thursdays & Sundays: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (entry every 30 minutes)
• Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (entry every 30 minutes)

Cost: $35 per vehicle

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: 

Feral Minks Live in Oshawa

Catch the electrifying performance of Feral Minks, the Kitchener-based rock band making waves in the Canadian music scene. With powerful vocals and a dynamic stage presence, the band will feature songs from their acclaimed debut EP Loam and their upcoming release, Young Desire.

Where: 44 Bond St. E., Oshawa
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

November 30

Pickering: 

Winter Wonders 

Bring the family for an exciting morning with Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue to learn how animals survive the winter season. Younger participants (ages 4–8) can enjoy painting a holiday ornament. Families will also be treated to hot chocolate and holiday cookies. Non-perishable food donations are welcome in support of St. Paul’s on the Hill Community Food Bank.

Where: 1675 Montgomery Park Rd. (Pickering Info Centre)
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free (pre-registration required)

Festive Christmas Market @ The Hub 

Explore a delightful Christmas market featuring unique gifts, arts and crafts, food fare, and vintage items from local vendors. Enjoy hot chocolate and sweet homemade desserts as you browse with family and friends. All proceeds support The Hub building project, a future community space for seniors and youth.

Where: 1920 Bayly St. (Pickering Pentecostal Church)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free (no registration required)

Ajax: 

Music4Life String Orchestra: Celebration Concert

Experience an afternoon of uplifting rhythms and festive melodies with Music4Life String Orchestra’s Celebration Concert.

Where: 60 Kearney Dr. (Forest Brook Community Church)
Time: Doors open at 2 p.m.; concert runs 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person

Christmas in the Village

Celebrate the holiday season in Pickering Village with an enchanting evening of festive fun. Enjoy the tree lighting, train rides, horse and wagon rides, photos with Santa, a vendor marketplace and more.

Where: Old Kingston Rd.
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

Holiday Market by Community Living Ajax, Pickering & Whitby

Shop for unique holiday gifts while supporting local charities at this festive market hosted by the Advocacy Alliance group. Vendors will showcase various products. Donations of non-perishable food, mittens and new socks will be collected for local charities.

Where: 177 Dowty Rd.
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

Celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous Heritage: Roots & Rhythms 

Explore critical themes of race, identity, gender and the immigrant experience while enjoying live music, refreshments and opportunities to connect and network.

Where: 75 Centennial Rd. (Ajax Community Centre —HMS Room)
Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (no registration required)

Whitby: 

Breakfast with Santa – Hosted by The Bull Pub & Grill

Bring the whole family to meet Santa, receive a small gift, and enjoy personalized balloons from Steve, the Balloon Twister.

Where: 112 Colborne St. E. (The Bull Pub & Grill)
Time: Morning event (exact time to be confirmed)
Cost:

• Child Breakfast: $16
• Adult Breakfast: $21

Oshawa: 

Classic Holiday Market (Nov. 23–Dec. 15)

Support local small businesses at the 9th annual Classic Holiday Market, hosted at the Oshawa Centre’s upper level in the old Sears building. Enjoy freshly brewed beverages, sweets from local bakers, live music, guest appearances and more as you browse a wide variety of vendors offering unique, handmade, and locally produced goods.

Where: 419 King St. W., —Oshawa Centre (upper level, old Sears building)
Time:

• Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost:

• $5 per event at the door
• $10 for access to all eight market days, including a free swag bag (while supplies last)
• Free admission for kids under 14

The Outdoor Gallery

Step into a festive outdoor wonderland with The Outdoor Gallery, featuring hand-painted photo opportunities crafted by Santa himself. This magical experience allows families to explore and capture memorable photos during a 30-minute session. Don’t forget your camera or cellphone and bring a blanket for kids to sit on while enjoying the outdoor displays.

Where: 4405 Ritson Rd. N.—Santa’s Cottage
Time: Various times (registration required)
Cost:

• $55 (+HST) for up to 4 people (adults or children)
• Additional visitors: $13.75 (+HST) per person (payable at the door); children under 1 year free

December 1

Pickering: 

Poinsettia Tea

Join the City of Pickering for an exclusive 55+ event featuring live music by the George Lake Big Band, dancing, and entertainment. Enjoy light refreshments and take home a fresh poinsettia with your ticket.

Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd. (Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex)
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $8.25 (tickets must be purchased in advance, available starting Nov. 4)

Tickets can be purchased at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, East Shore Community Centre, or George Ashe Community Centre. The event is wheelchair accessible.

Ajax: 

Ajax Holiday Holistic Healing Fair 

Explore a magical realm of wellness and holiday shopping at the Ajax Holistic Healing Fair. Discover unique products and services that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Enjoy mystical crystals, essential oils, handmade gifts, tarot readings, stress relief secrets and more from local vendors.

Where: 1493 Audley Rd. (Audley Recreation Centre)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free entry and parking

The Colours of Christmas with Durham Chamber Orchestra

Celebrate the season with live orchestra music performed by the Durham Chamber Orchestra. Under the direction of Music Director Felipe Luzuriaga, enjoy a festive program featuring selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (arranged by Henry Mancini), James Horner’s The Grinch, Debussy’s Petite Ballet, Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival, a holiday sing-along and more. Guest artists include vocalist and composer Larra Skye and dancer Emma Perritt.

Where: 60 Kearney Dr. (Forest Brook Community Church Auditorium)
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $30 (children 12 and under free with a paying adult)

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: 2 p.m.
Cost: $30 – $40 (including fees)

The Santa Experience (Dec. 1–4)

Capture magical holiday memories with The Santa Experience, hosted by Little Bear Photography. These special 30-minute sessions include a scripted list of photos, creating a one-of-a-kind storybook album featuring your child or children.

Where: 1414 Rennie St., Oshawa
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $250

Thornton Dundee Oshawa Christmas Show

Shop for unique gifts and festive treats in the historic Thornton Dundee Community Centre, formerly a school, at this charming Christmas show. With handcrafted items, goodies and holiday cheer, it’s the perfect spot to find special presents or soak up the festive spirit. Enjoy hot chocolate while you browse!

Where: Thornton Dundee Community Centre
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission