Sleigh the holidays: 43 events in SEO to make your December shimmer

Deck the halls in South Eastern Ontario! Santa Claus is making his list and checking it twice and you’ll be on the nice list when you attend some of these December events that wrap the holidays up in a bow. From trolley tours to dining in a real-life snow globe, hockey to stage shows and even breakfast with Santa, read on for 43 events that will make your December lead up to the hap-hap-happiest Christmas!

1. Dec. 1: Wolfe Island Holiday Market
Come out to this sweet holiday makers market! With 35 vendors across two locations at St. Margaret’s Hall and at Wolfe Island Gallery. It’s time to make merry in Marysville!

2. Dec. 1 and Dec. 5 to 7: Santa Claus - The Panto
The Christmas Pantos by the Lennox Community Theater never disappoint! This one, by Richard Linely and directed by Meaghan Love, features an aspiring supervillain conspiring to steal Christmas from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Get ready for a musical sleigh ride for the whole family!

3. Until Dec. 21: Small art, big impression: Merry Minis
Have an older kid? They might be all about this art show! The Cline House Gallery and Studio is hosting everyone’s favourite art show and sale, the Merry Mini collection. Until Dec. 21 visit this artist’s showcase of more than 250 original mini masterpieces by over 50 talented regional artists. Visit Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to check out the holiday market, too!

4. Dec. 1, 7, and 8: Fulford Place Christmas Tours
Welcome to the enchanting Fulford Place historical home, decked out for the Christmas season. Immerse yourself in the history of the Fulford Family while you marvel at the original furnishings and holiday decor. This is a guided tour with limited spots between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. so book ahead!

5. Until December 15: Miracle on 34th Street Upper Canada Playhouse
Don’t miss this take on the Christmas classic story that has captured hearts for generations. A wonderful yuletide experience for the whole family complete with favourite holiday songs, on stage at Morrisburg’s Upper Canada Playhouse. Be sure to check out the schedule and book ahead!

6. Dec. 5: Merry Little Main Street in Bath
The holidays get even brighter in Bath on Dec. 5 from 5 p .m. to 8 p.m. when Main Street lights up with festive cheer. Enjoy carolling, Santa visits, horse-drawn wagon rides and holiday shopping - and even watch for pop-up vendors. Don’t forget to dress warmly for this outdoor event - Merry Little Main Street will take care of warming your heart.

7. Dec. 6 to 15 (varying dates): Music & Mayhem at Dunvegan Recreation Hall
Talent and entertainment come together for a great cause at this event, featuring local talent showcasing music, comedy and theatre. Catch the show on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 7  p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. This is a fundraiser in support of Beyond 21.

8. Dec. 6 to 31: Christmas Trolley Tour
Get festive with the family! Carol along to Christmas classics on a light viewing tour from the comfort of a red trolley. This 75-min tour is fun for the whole family. Tours operate Thursday to Sunday from Dec. 6 to 22, then daily from Dec. 23 to 31, 2024. Also be sure to check out the free trolley rides around the downtown each Saturday in December from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m so you can travel in style in an iconic red Kingston Trolley while you’re holiday shopping!

9. Dec. 6 to 8, and nightly from Dec. 13 to 23: Clow’s Christmas Trail on Hallecks
Be transported back to your childhood with magic memories of Christmas! This 1.5 km walking trail through the woods is decorated by the Clow Family each year to bring cheer to families. Opening Friday, Saturday, Sunday Dec. 6 to 8 and then running nightly from Dec. 13 to 23 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Spend time together in this outdoor wonderland visiting the Christmas displays including the Elves Lodge, the Candy Shop, the North Pole office, winter sports land and more. We hear that you might even spy some special visitors walking the trails! Tickets can be purchased online.

10. Dec. 6 and 13: House Guest Holiday Play at Macpherson House
This unique and immersive room-by-room play is set during the holiday season in historic Macpherson House. House Guest invites audience members to enjoy historical fiction inside the beautiful house surrounded by candlelight and dressed for the holidays! Don’t forget that it’s all a part of Friday Night Lights throughout December, where the Museums of Lennox and Addington can be explored, foster art in the Creation Corner or enjoy the decorated courtyard.

11. Dec. 6 and 7: Ontario Festival of Small Halls in Delta and Morrisburg
Get your toes tapping and your hands clapping as the Festival of Small Halls rolls into Delta on Dec. 6 and Morrisburg on Dec. 7! See the Redhill Valleys at the Old Town Hall in Delta and The East Pointers at St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg. Big music in a little place!

12. Dec. 6: Wayne Rostad Christmas in the Valley
One of the most recognized voices and faces in Canada, Wayne Rostad is coming to the Brockville Arts Centre for a special holiday program on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

13. Dec. 6 to 7: Prescott Riverwalk Wonderland
Bring the kiddos to experience the Magic at RiverWalk Wonderland! The Prescott Pop-Ups are turning into a holiday wonderland with enchanting lights, festive inflatables, and Prescott’s 25-foot Christmas Tree from Dec. 6 to 7, 2024. Be there for children’s games and activities, wagon rides, real reindeer, photos with Santa, hot drinks, live choirs and lighting of the big tree.

14. Saturdays from Dec. 7 to 21: Free Horse & Wagon Rides in Downtown Kingston
Experience the magic of downtown Kingston in traditional style! Each Saturday from Dec. 7 to 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. hop on board a horse and wagon ride to see the city’s downtown in a new way! Pick up and drop off is at Market Street by Springer Market Square.

15. Dec. 7: Yoga & Christmas Party at the Turquoise Compass Wellness
Step out of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and focus inward from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on relaxation and selfcare, including yoga, meditation, hot drinks, treats and connection circle.

16. Dec. 7: Christmas in Merrickville
From the place that looks like a Christmas card - celebrate all things Christmas with your family on Saturday Dec. 7! From Breakfast with Santa, to real reindeer, to a cookie walk, bonfires, children’s games and much more, it’s a day to feel festive and find that Christmas community magic for all ages.

17. Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa in Spencerville
Santa Claus is coming to… breakfast! Join in the fun from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Spencerville Fairgrounds with pancakes, sausages, OJ, coffee and tea. The little can colour a holiday picture, write a letter to Santa, sing some carols at the karaoke station and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plan to be there!

18. Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa in Lansdowne
Start your Saturday with Father Christmas! Join Santa for a pancake brekkie and snap some photos before sending him your wish list. The breakfast runs from 9 a.m. to noon, but don’t forget to take the time to view the imaginative entries in the Festival of Trees. Vote for your favourite tree and wreath! Take home some baked goodies from the bake sale sponsored by the Lansdowne Agricultural Society.

19. Dec. 7: Frontenac Farmers Holiday Market 

This holiday party is set from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park and is bringing all the good festive feels. Look for firepits with s’mores, live music, onsite food and drink, free photo booth and over 40 vendors.  Fa la la!

20. Throughout December: Merry and Bright Workshops at 4Cats Kingston

This cozy studio in Kingston is hosting so many instructor-guided, step by step workshops this season Santa’s elves are getting jealous! From ornaments to an intro to the clay wheel and from crafting holiday mini houses to tree-shaped snack platters, it’s the perfect way to get crafty with wonderful results to show your friends or fam. 

21. Dec. 7: Christmas in the Village
Get in the festive spirit with this cozy Christmas event at Ameliasburgh Heritage Village from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Buy fresh baked goodies, visit the Blacksmith Shop, sample cookies in Grandma's kitchen, learn about animals in winter, taste cottage pudding and homemade soup, and even wish the teacher in the schoolhouse a Merry Christmas!

22. Dec. 7, 14 and 15: Concerts in Cornwall Square
Three Christmas musical performances will kick the holidays into gear at Cornwall Square! On Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 15 The Octaves will entertain from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the upper level. Then on Saturday, Dec. 14 Jo Ann Laurin will perform her Christmas in the Valley concert at 1:30 p.m. 

23. Dec. 8: Goodnight Moon & Runaway Bunny 
Endearing bunny characters, dreamy imagery, and much-beloved childhood tales take the stage at the Grand Theatre in Kingston is this one of a kind performance that is suitable for children 4+. Get your tickets for this perfect introduction to the theatre.

24. Dec. 8: Movie Matinee on Campus - Elf
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear... and also watching the movie, Elf! Join in the holiday shenanigans at Kemptville Campus, Parish Hall Auditorium with popcorn, chocolate, drinks and more available. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the show starts at 1 p.m. Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins, just come out!

25. Throughout December: Snow Globe Dining at the Waterfront River Pub & Terrace
Dine outdoors in a sparkling snow glove this holiday season! That’s right, the Waterfront River Pub & Terrace in Napanee has globes that are climate controlled, private and full of tasteful winter decor, twinkling lights and all the good food and magic that comes with a meal at Waterfront! Be sure to book ahead.

26. Dec. 12: Paint Nite at Hardway Cider Co.
Santa and the twinkling lights offer you the chance to join an instructor-guided painting experience to put your own personal twist on a design. Beginners welcome!

27. Dec. 13: Downtown Shopping Party in Napanee
This is the 17th annual Downtown Holiday Shopping Party and by now it’s a tradition! Enjoy campfires and hot apple cider at Market Square, visits from Santa, horse and wagon shuttles from downtown the Museum os Lennox and Addington and many stores open late with deals.

28. Dec. 14: A North Pole Adventure - Celebrate Christmas in Old Town Kemptville
Santa is bringing the magic to Kemptville! On Saturday, Dec., 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. join the Old Town BIA to celebrate the wonder of the holiday season. 

29. Dec. 14 and 15: Christmas at Macauley
Join in the fun at Macauley Heritage Park in Prince Edward County to celebrate the season. Visit with Santa, enjoy hot apple cider, listen to holiday readings and hear a string orchestra! Don’t forget to tour the decorated Macauley House and visit the vendor market to cross some items off your list.

30. Dec. 14: Carols from the Barrels at The Pews in Merrickville
The Barrel Boys are a staple of Canadian bluegrass and roots music - and they’re here to make your holidays shine! Stop by The Pews in Merrickville for an evening of seasonal songs, contagious energy, harmonies, and picking. Sounds great, right?! We’ll see you there!

31. Dec. 13 to 14, 21 and 28: Belleville Senators Games
Get ready to cheer on the home team! Four home games throughout December means lots of opportunity to become a fan of the region’s only American Hockey League team, the Belleville Senators. See them in action on home ice at the CAA Arena on Dec. 13 and 14, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28. Go Sens Go!

32. Dec. 14: Elvis - A Christmas Special with Pete Paquette
See Pete take the stage at the Brockville Arts Centre to celebrate the holidays through a special tribute to the King’s greatest carols and songs. We’re talking Blue Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, O Come, All Ye Faithful and many more. This will inspire the spirit in all!

33. Dec. 15: Perch and Adega Tasting Dinner
Perch Restaurant is popping up in PEC for one night only to take your taste buds on a journey at Adega Wine Bar. Find five courses and a seasonal cocktail by Perch accented by wine pairings by Adega.

34. Dec. 15: A Touch of Christmas House & Porch Tour Moose Creek
See all the thoughtfully decorated porches, homes and business! Take a scenic drive around Moose Creek from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the best showing time. Visit the Moose Creek Hall for more holiday fun and get a chance to win a gift basket from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Moose Creek Hall for more holiday fun and your chance to win a gift basket.

35. Dec. 19 to 24: Cinderella - A Merry Magical Pantomime
This is a fantastic holiday treat for the whole family! Torrent Productions presents this fantastic pantomime at The Hall at Emmanuel United Church for eight shows from Thursday, Dec. 19 to Tuesday, Dec. 24. A festive and action packed performance with surprises and merriment!

36. Dec. 19 to 23: Cheer on the Road to the Juniors
Christmas is coming early this year! Seven communities are slated to host games from Dec. 19 to 23 in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship! In total, 11 games will be played throughout Eastern Ontario on the Road to the World Juniors. The road begins and ends in Ottawa, with three games scheduled for the nation’s capital, as well as Belleville, Brockville, Cornwall, Hawkesbury and Kingston. Over the course of five days, all 10 competing teams will be on the ice. See the world’s best junior players in action – on local ice - leading up to the holidays.

37. Dec. 20 and 21: Christmas at the Old Town Hall Winchester
The theme, Songs from Christmas Movies, is sure to be delightful with an all-star band performing holiday and winter themed songs new and old. In addition to the live band, the event folks are bringing the lighting out and special effects tricks as well as many surprises! Taking place Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.

38. Dec. 22: Making Spirits Bright in Wellington
Instant spirit booster! Witness the vocal a cappella octet, Opus 8, for a one-hour show featuring beloved Christmas favs and anthems. These eight exceptional Toronto soloists are performing through Big Lake Arts at the Wellington United Church, on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

39. Dec. 22: The Nutcracker at The Spire in Kingston

Fever presents, Candlelight, at The Spire - a holiday special featuring The Nutcracker and more. Discover music inspired by the winter and the holiday spirit under the gentle glow of candlelight at The Spire.

40. Until December 24: ANDARA Gallery Holiday Experiences in Bloomfield
From the popular annual Holiday Photo in the Barn until Dec. 7, to the ODE TO JOY Holiday Art Show and Sale, ANDARA knows how to celebrate art and the holidays! Be sure to pop into The Gingerbread Shop, which is a whimsical festive space to buy some hot chocolate and goodies while shopping the artisanal fine crafts made by local artists!

41. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve at The Cape
Bigger is better at the mansion to ring in 2025! Back by popular demand, KOJAK Music will be serving good music and good vibes, and the entire mansion will open with three bars! Think toastable drinks, midnight party favours, late-night food, dancing and a fun start to the new year. See you there!

42. Throughout the holidays: Festival of Lights and Candy Cane Lane in Gananoque
Gananoque is enchanting in Town Park with trees full of lights, holiday cut out displays, a walkway of lights to wander, as well as the big twinkling tree out front of Town Hall strung with lights. Join in the grand illumination of the park stroll through Candy Cane Lane. Revel in live music, photo ops and lights galore. Make your holidays sparkle in Gananoque this season.

43. Until Jan. 4: Alight at Night – Upper Canada Village
Stroll through one of Ontario’s largest outdoor light festivals! More than a million lights sparkle in the postcard-perfect setting at Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg. Alight at Night transforms the historic village into a captivating winter wonderland, providing a fun, festive and family-friendly experience for all ages.  Running until January 4, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests can celebrate with the return of old-fashioned carol singing, a sound and light show, a visit with the Village’s Victorian St. Nick (until Dec. 23), dining, and more.

Enjoy the month and all the wonderful things it entails in South Eastern Ontario!