Recreate The Magic
There’s a certain magic that comes with the holiday season—a kind that doesn’t come from flash sales or overnight shipping, but from something deeper, more timeless. It’s the feeling of stepping onto a street lined with twinkling lights, where every storefront window tells a story.
This holiday season, take a step back from the rush, bundle up, grab a friend or loved one, and explore the festive corners of Durham Region. You might just find that the best gifts aren’t the ones you buy, but the ones you experience!
Recreate Holiday Magic Across Durham Region
Wander the historic streets of Durham Region’s downtowns, where heritage buildings are dressed in garlands and wreaths, and the pace of life slows down just enough to let you take it all in. The sidewalks are alive with laughter and conversation. You pop into a charming boutique and chat with the owner about all the love and care that went into creating the new hand-knit scarf or locally crafted ornament you're about to take home. In Durham, that feeling isn’t just a memory; it’s something you can still experience. Rediscover the magic of the holidays when you visit our charming downtowns and festive community events this season.
More Ways To Celebrate The Season In Durham Region
Recreating the magic in Durham Region isn’t just about finding the perfect gift; it’s about rediscovering the joy of the season. The kind of joy that comes from connection: with your community, with local makers, and with the traditions that make this time of year so special.
Explore markets filled with handcrafted goods, baked treats wrapped in twine, and artisans eager to share the inspiration behind their creations. Bundle up and experience the joy of a parade, where the sights and sounds of holiday cheer fill the streets and parade goers line up to visit their favourite local cafés and boutiques. There are endless ways to recreate the magic of the holidays in Durham Region this season. Check out our list of storybook ideas and enjoy a season of nostalgic festive fun.
| Shop local for nostalgic décor and gifts |
| You'll be amazed by the vast selection of charming shops, specialty boutiques, local artisan studios and farmers’ markets. Whether you are on a shopping trip in one of our downtown districts, or just “out and about” exploring the countryside, there is something to fit everyone’s style. Explore beautiful apparel, handmade artisan fare, cool vintage items, unique home décor, and so much more at a local retailer or farm in Durham Region. Discover amazing local shops, meet shop owners and support the community when you shop in Durham. |
| Give the gift of something handmade or home-baked |
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Enjoy a calm and relaxing evening at a workshop in Durham Region. Take a series of art classes at Meta 4 Gallery in Port Perry, or try your hand at a sewing class at Lowe and Simone in Whitby. If baking is more your strong suit, pick up a sugar cookie decorating kit from Sift Bakery in Newcastle and enjoy a fun evening with friends or family. Upcoming workshops:
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| Walk or drive-thru these Christmas light displays |
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Grab your sled and hit the hills |
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Channel your inner child and spend the day sledding or tubing down the snow-covered hills of Durham. There's nothing like the childlike thrill of racing up the park hill and sliding down on your toboggan—or better yet, your snow tube. Experience the ultimate tobogganing adventure with snow tubing at Lakeridge Ski Resort! When it comes to winter sports and outdoor fun, Durham Region boasts some of Ontario’s best skiing and snowboarding destinations. With three amazing ski resorts that each offer something unique, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. |
| Go public skating at an outdoor rink or community centre |
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Lace up your skates and head to a public skating rink! There are plenty of great outdoor rinks in Durham to explore. Grab a hot drink from Louie’s Cafe and head to the outdoor rink and vendor village at Lakefront Skate & Market in Scugog for some skating and shopping. Clarington’s first outdoor skating rink—located outside Courtice Community Complex—is now open and features a refrigerated ice surface, ample lighting for evening use, two gas fire pits and a warming room. Once you’ve tired yourself out, head to Coffin Creek Coffee nearby to grab a hot beverage. Pat Bayly Square in Ajax is another great option to spend an afternoon skating outdoors, with Goldies Cafe + Eatery located just across the street to warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate flight after your skate. |
Holiday Dining Experiences & Cozy Cafés with Specialty Drinks
Exploring Durham's downtowns and shopping local for your holiday gift-giving is a celebration of our vibrant local business community—and no celebration is complete without great food and drinks! Durham's cozy cafés and local bakeries are the perfect stop for some mid-shopping fuel, and no visit is complete without a box of delicious holiday goods for your loved ones. Durham's downtowns are lined with passionate restauranteurs and luxurious tasting menus, with fine dining and more must-try destinations just a short drive from the downtown core. Wrap your adventure up and top it off with a one-of-a-kind holiday dining experience in Durham Region.
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