Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Dec. 20 to Dec. 22
Published December 20, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Calling all last-minute shoppers looking for the perfect gifts or those hoping to squeeze in a few more Christmas-themed events—this weekend is packed with festive fun across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa.
From cheerful visits with Santa and Christmas carol performances to family-friendly skating sessions and seasonal markets, these events will bring the holiday magic to life.
Here’s what’s happening from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22:
December 2o
Pickering:
Festive Photos with Santa
Capture the holiday spirit! Take festive photos with Santa and take home a 4×6” glossy print to cherish the memory.
Where: 1366 Rougemount Dr. (Love and Paws)
Time: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (By appointment)
Cost: $20 per 15 minutes
Chart Topping Divas
Presented by Icon Productions, this electrifying tribute show brings you the best of Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Cher and Tina Turner. Prepare for a night filled with incredible talent, uncanny likenesses, and the most popular chart-topping hits of all time.
Where: 888 Durham Live Ave. (The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $42.50 to $55.50
Whitby:
Candlelight Tours at Lynde House Museum
Bring your family and enjoy a festive evening with The Baker Street Carollers. Sing along to holiday classics, indulge in holiday sweets, meet Victorian Father Christmas and explore the historical origins of beloved Christmas traditions. Need to finish your holiday shopping? Warren General Store will also be open for shopping and refreshments.
Where: 900 Brock St. S. (Lynde House Museum and Warren General Store)
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 (Pre-registration required)
Oshawa:
Lighthouse – Rockin’ The Holiday Spirit
Celebrate the season with Lighthouse as they rock the holiday spirit alongside the Ontario Philharmonic Strings. This festive concert is part of the 2024-2025 Pops Series and will fill the air with holiday cheer and great music. Tickets are available individually or in bundles.
Where: 50 King St. E.
Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Premium $82.84, Regular $73.80
Pupvacay’s Sniffspot
Let your furry friend enjoy a safe and fun playtime at Pupvacay’s Sniffspot! This fully fenced yard allows your dog to run, sniff and play off-leash without interruptions from other dogs. Your dog gets the yard all to themselves for a fun and relaxing day.
Where: Simcoe & HWY 401.
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dates:
- Friday, December 20, 2024
- Saturday, December 21, 2024
- Sunday, December 22, 2024
- Monday, December 23, 2024
Cost: $10 to $15 ($5.00 off 1st visit with code: Catherine5)
The Stables
Hosted at the Biltmore Theatre, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers. The show has a standing capacity and accessibility accommodations can be made on request.
Where: 39 King St. E.
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified
December 21
Pickering:
4th Annual Holly Jolly Market-Fundraiser
Support a great cause this holiday season! Shop from amazing vendors, get your holiday shopping done, and enjoy a fun-filled day at the Holly Jolly Market. Highlights include:
- Raffle Table: Proceeds go directly to Sick Kids Hospital.
- Photos with Santa: Capture magical moments from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a photobooth available for take-home pictures. Donations for photos are encouraged and support Sick Kids Hospital.
- Free Parking: Ample parking is available for attendees.
Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd. (Pickering Recreational Complex)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free entry; donations encouraged.
Santa’s Math Workshop 2024
Children and the young at heart are invited to meet Santa as he demonstrates the joy of learning math. Bring unused or gently used toys for the 2024 Toy Drive.
Where: 345 Kingston Rd. Suite 201
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free (Donations accepted)
Ajax:
Duffins Trail parkrun
Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate at this weekly 5k happening at Duffins Trail near the parking lot at Elizabeth St. and Old Kingston Rd. Don’t forget to register online and bring your barcode.
Where: Kingston Rd. W. & Elizabeth St. (Pickering Village, Ajax)
Time: 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Stay Connected
These 60-minute technology training sessions cover using iPads, social media platforms like Facebook and Facetime and safely navigating Zoom. Sessions are offered in-person or online via Zoom, with appointments available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 noon. Advanced registration is required, with a maximum of two sessions per month.
Where: 55 Harwood Ave. S. (Main Branch)
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gamers’ Club
Attention Switch Gamers! Dive into the action with Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. Join in for tournament play to compete for a monthly prize or enjoy some casual gaming fun. Refreshments will be available.
Where: 55 Harwood Ave. S. (Main Branch)
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Ceremonial Healing and Blessing of Highway 401
Participate in a special community ceremony to heal the land and honour its history. This one-hour ceremonial event will be held on key bridges over Highway 401.
Where: Sidewalk Overpass-Bridge Harwood and Lakeridge
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Event Details:
- Traditional Land Acknowledgment & Blessing
- Energy Cleansing & Healing Rituals, guided by spiritual leaders with chants, prayers, and moments of silence
- Community Unity to honour lives lost and release trauma from the land
Bridges Participating:
- Brock Rd. Bridge
- Harwood Ave. Bridge
- Lakeridge Bridge
- Brock St. Bridge
Oshawa:
Winter Solstice Social
Join the Durham Community Health Centre in celebrating the Winter Solstice with Indigenous communities. This family-friendly event is open to all and guests are welcome to drop in anytime.
Where: 115 Grassmere Ave.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pavlo & John McDermott – A Family Christmas
Join John McDermott and Pavlo for a magical holiday experience that blends the rich Celtic traditions with the vibrant landscapes of the Mediterranean.
Where: 50 King St. E.
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $69.00
December 22
Pickering:
Cafe Christmas Drop-in Afternoon with Mr. & Mrs. K
Drop by the cozy cafe for a festive afternoon filled with seasonal drinks, toe-tapping tunes and photo ops with Mr. & Mrs. Klaus. Indulge in fancy ‘Nog’ and flowing hot chocolates while enjoying the company of friends.
Where: 617 Liverpool Rd.
Time: Open drop-in
Cost: Unspecified
Whitby:
Gerdau Free Public Skate – McKinney Centre
Enjoy a free public skate at McKinney Centre! Additional free skate sessions are also available at Iroquois Park Sports Centre and Luther Vipond Memorial Arena.
Where: 222 McKinney Dr. (McKinney Centre)
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Oshawa:
Ornament Arrangement Workshop
In this guided workshop, you’ll create and paint two of your own ornaments. The ticket includes a drink and a treat to enjoy while you craft.
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 44 Bond St. E.
Cost: Unspecified
Christmas Soirée – Dinner and Dance 2024
Celebrate the festive season with a buffet dinner and dance at this year’s Christmas Soirée! The evening includes a cocktail hour with a complimentary wine cocktail, a dessert table and a cash bar.
Where: 210 Thornton Rd. S.
When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $70.56