Whitby Lights the Night and Holiday Festival launches this weekend

Whitby has caught the holiday spirit once again launching Lights the Night and Holiday Festival, an annual event that marks the official start to the holiday season.

Associated events run for six weeks from November 26 to January 5.

Lights and Tours

Whitby residents will be able to take selfies and family photos among the lights that will be on every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Whitby Civic Park, Grass Park and Celebration Square featuring “spectacular illuminations,” a 30 ft. Christmas tree and snowflakes lining Downtown Whitby.

In all 100,000 lights and displays will light up the community to welcome both residents and visitors, who will be able to enjoy walkable, driveable and virtual experiences.

Anyone looking to tour the town can map their quest through the decked halls of Whitby’s favourite holiday neighbourhoods and there are plotted itineraries for anyone to #ExploreWhitby.

Residents after a photo-op can also drop by the lights at the Whitby Civic Park to take a photo with the Whitby Wish Sign.

Webinars

Five free pre-recorded webinars guide Whitbians through the Holidays are open for registration. On December 1, residents can learn how to best wrap presents for that straight from Santa’s Workshop look around the Christmas tree. On December 8, the Town will show participants how get their gardens ready for Santa’s visit with a guide to wreath making and seasonal planter design.

If you’re unsure of a great gift idea, the Holiday Cheers to Local Beers event will spotlight four local breweries as they guide you through the brewing process and discuss their favourite holiday beers on December 15.

As part of Santa’s busy schedule this time of year, including his upcoming visit to the Kids Safety Village, he’ll be reading his favourite Christmas stories and your letters in a online appearance on December 22 straight from the North Pole. As part of registration, you’ll have to submit your letter.

Finally on December 29, Whitby is hosting a Culinary Demonstration on how to make festive appetizers and mocktails for those who’ll be home for Christmas. If you want to cook with the chef, the recipes and shopping lists will be uploaded soon.

All webinars start at 7 p.m.

Holiday Whitby Live

The is also hosting a live-streamed concert from the Doozies on their Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. on December 21st

The band oozes ‘Canadiana,’ says the Town, describing them as having a “unique gumbo of narrative-based folk, boot-stomping maritime and sing-along country is making audiences lean in and enjoy the show.”

Shopping

The Farmers Market is back on December 2nd and December 9th from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. for great holiday shopping from some of Whitby’s favourite vendors.

The Market is hosted at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex lower parking lot at 555 Rossland Road East with parking in front of the town hall.

Anyone still looking the perfect gift can attend the third-annual Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area’s Christmas Market at Celebration Square in front of the Whitby Public Library at 405 Dundas Street on December 3 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on December 4 from noon until 10 p.m.

The Christmas Market, sponsored by Trafalgar Castle School, highlights the best that Durham Region has to offer in both shopping and grassroots musical talent.

“Each year, the Christmas Market allows friends and families to come together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas by enjoying winter activities, live music, delicious eats, warm fires, white lights and the best holiday shopping in Durham Region,” the Whitby BIA said.

To ensure, every dollar spent locally will “help make a positive difference to local businesses,” Whitby and the BIA have partnered up again to launch 12 Days of Holiday Shopping 2021 to help residents find that perfect gift while supporting local.

Twelve themes will be targeted on social media throughout the event, including:

• Craft Beverages
• Fine Foods
• Health and Fitness
• Specialty Shops
• Coffee and Chocolate
• Home Decor
• Entertainment Attractions for the Family
• Culinary & Restaurant Experiences
• Artisans of Whitby (Photography/Arts/Crafts/Makers)
• Beauty & Wellness (Spas/Salons/Etc.)
• Automotive (Auto Spas/Dealerships/Body Shops)
• Bakeries

The Town and BIA’s social media channels will be highlighting the entrepreneurs behind Whitby’s local businesses, letting residents know how they can assist these local businesses, while finding the perfect gift for loved ones.

Holiday Decorating Contest

There is something magical about the holiday season and the Holiday Decorating Contest starts on Friday, December 3rd to celebrate that magic..

Residents can share a photo on Facebook or Twitter tagging Town of Whitby (@TownofWhitby) using the hashtags #WhitbyEvents and #WhitbyHolidayFestival.

The contest will run from at 8:30 a.m. on December 3rd until 11:59 p.m. January 1st, giving res

Spot Santa

The Town and JCI Durham, a local non-profit, partnered to include an in-person appearance from jolly St. Nick before his letter reading session.

On December 4, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will be coming to town “to make sure things are ready for his visit on Christmas.”

Santa and his elves will be escorted around town by Whitby Fire Services in a big red fire truck to explore landmarks and visit neighbourhoods to plan his delivery route.

People who spot Santa can post his location using the hashtag @townofwhitby #spotsantawhitby.

Black Outdoor Market

The Durham Black Outdoor Market is hosting a Holiday Edition at Whitby Civic Recreation Complex on December 12, creating a place where the community can find hand-crafted items that “showcase the Afro-Caribbean community.”

Black artisans and vendors will come together to sell their goods in an environment that is “curated to cultivate and strengthen the community,” the Town said. “The perfect opportunity for shoppers to get all of their holiday shopping complete, while celebrating and investing in black creators and businesses.”

Holidaylicious

The Holiday Spirit doesn’t stop on Boxing Day though. Whitby has numerous events planned well into January as well

Holidaylicious, a spotlight on local food will run from January 2 to 17 with local restaurants serving exclusive prix fixe menus during the winter culinary event.