The Top Things to Do In Whitby This Holiday Season 2026

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? We’ve got you covered and rounded up the Town’s top activities to help get you in the festive mood:

1.    Enter the Town’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest

If your home is ready to sparkle brighter than a holiday movie set, or if your neighbours already count on your display to kick off the season, this contest is for you. Get creative by decorating your windows, lawns, and porches with a winter holiday theme now so you are ready to submit a photo or video for the chance to win one of three great prize packs when the contest launches. Stay tuned for more information. 

2.    Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village

Celebrate the season with all the charm of a small-town holiday tradition. Join us on Saturday, November 21 at Grass Park in Downtown Brooklin from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a festive day of family fun featuring visits with Santa, holiday crafts and games, festive photo opportunities, sweet treats, and more. Explore activities throughout the downtown and make lasting holiday memories with family and friends. Thank you to our Lead Sponsor, Tim Hortons. For more information, visit whitby.ca/ChristmasInTheVillage.

3.    Whitby Lights The Night Festival

On Friday, November 27 from 5 to 9 p.m., join us as we kick off the festive season and light up Whitby Civic Park with the Whitby Lights the Night Festival, a magical evening of live entertainment, a Christmas Farmers' Market, and a dazzling lighting ceremony. Celebrate the spirit of the season with family-friendly activities, festive treats, and a joyful community atmosphere. The lights will continue throughout the season with over 200,000 magical lights and ground displays in Civic Park, Celebration Square, and Grass Park. Snowflakes also line Downtown Whitby, and seasonal décor is on display in Downtown Brooklin. Thank you to our Lead Sponsors, Tim Hortons and Elexicon Energy. For more information, visit whitby.ca/LightsTheNight

4.    Attend The Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, December 5. Starting at 10 a.m., Santa Claus and his friends will be travelling along Brock Street from Manning Road to Trent Street – don’t miss your chance to wave hello as they pass by. 

5.    Holiday Giving Initiatives

There are several ways to help local families in need this holiday season:

·     Stuff-a-VW Taos Toy Drive
The Town and Owasco Volkswagen are running a “Stuff-a-VW Taos” toy drive to help local families in need. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Iroquois Park Sports Centre from Monday, December 7 through Tuesday, December 22 and help fill the holiday-themed Taos in the lobby. The Salvation Army will distribute contributions just in time for Christmas.

·    CTV’s Toy Mountain
CTV’s Toy Mountain event will take place at Town Hall on Friday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. Residents can support the initiative by bringing a new, unwrapped toy  to help local children and families this holiday season.

6.    Get Creative at the Youth Art Lounge

The holiday spirit is taking over the Fieldgate Sports Complex, with the Town offering a series of festive activities for the season. Families can paint mugs while enjoying hot cocoa, create air-dry clay ornaments and snow globes, and decorate gingerbread. Programs run Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For details and registration, visit whitby.ca/Active.

7.    Lace Up Your Skate

Take a spin around the rink with your friends and family at Fieldgate Sports Complex, Iroquois Park Sports Centre, or McKinney Centre this holiday season. Check out the schedule of public skating at whitby.ca/Skating.

8.    Make A Splash

Gather your friends and family and go for a swim at Fieldgate Sports Complex, the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex pool, or Anne Ottenbrite Pool at Iroquois Park Sports Centre. View the schedule at whitby.ca/Swimming.

9.    Support Local and Shop Where You Live This Holiday Season

Tis’ the season to explore local, shop local, and love local. Visit the Town’s two historic downtowns to experience great shopping, craft breweries, arts, culture and unique culinary creations. WhitbyBia.org

For more information on these events and other holiday activities, staycation ideas, and more, visit whitby.ca/Events.