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.
Holiday With Heart
There’s a certain charm 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, head to Durham Region and discover the simple joys that make this time of year memorable. From the sparkle of lights to that first sip of hot chocolate, the holidays are all about the moments that make your heart feel full. You might just find that the best gifts aren’t the ones you buy, but the ones you experience!
Holiday Charm 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. Discover the charm of the holidays when you visit our charming downtowns and festive community events this season.
More Ways To Celebrate The Season
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 make sure your holiday is filled with heart. Check out our list of ideas and enjoy a season of nostalgic festive fun in Durham Region.
Shop local for nostalgic décor and gifts
Give the gift of something handmade or home-baked
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. For more holiday crafts and workshops, check out Parkwood Estate, Craft & Gather Studio, the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, or the Pickering Museum Village.
Walk or drive-thru these Christmas light displays
- Journey into Enchantment: Located at Ajax Downs from November 20 to December 26.
- Old Scugog Road Christmas Lights: Located at Old Scugog Road, near Andelwood Court, in Bowmanville throughout December.
- Santa’s Hill: Located along Hills Road in Ajax throughout December.
- Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights: Located at Elgin Park in Uxbridge from December 5 to January 2.
- Whitby Lights the Night: Located across Civic Park, Celebration Square and Grass Park from November 27 to January 4.
Grab your sled and hit the hills
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
Lace up your skates and head to a public skating rink!
Clarington’s first outdoor skating rink—located outside Courtice Community Complex—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
Wrap your adventure up and top it off with a one-of-a-kind holiday dining experience. Discover luxurious tasting menus with fine dining and more must-try destinations across Durham Region. Visit a local café or bakery to bring home a box of delicious holiday goods for your loved ones, and skip the drive-thru to cozy up with a festive latte—the perfect stop for some mid-shopping fuel.
