It's Holiday Season in Grey Bruce! Led mostly by the local business associations and volunteers these Grey Bruce Christmas and Holiday events will get you and your family into a festive mood while supporting local businesses. Enjoy and happy holidays everyone!
Christmas, Holiday events and Santa Claus Parades in Grey Bruce 2023
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Date | Event | Location | Summary |
Nov 1 - Dec 23 | Seize the Clay | Southampton | Southampton Arts' first-ever pottery show; Solo exhibit of paintings, photos, and sculptures by Aggie McCormack; Public reception to meet the artist with refreshments. |
Nov 3 - Dec 23 | The event will feature 19 artists showcasing wall art, pottery, jewelry, cards, work in wood, leather, and fabric art. | |
Nov 3 - Dec 23 | Paisley Christmas Market | Paisley | Discover a festive gingerbread house in Paisley with handmade crafts, art, local delicacies, and unique gifts, supporting local artisans in one magical holiday shopping experience. |
Nov 18 - Jan 7 | Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village | The Blue Mountains | The event features streets sparkling with twinkling lights, buildings wrapped in holiday bows, festive tunes, Santa sightings, an illuminated winter trail, cozy dining, and various shops for unique gift ideas. Attractions include a 1km Light Trail with millions of lights and interactive installations, weekend performances, Groove Dancing, Movies in the Westin, Holiday Sing-a-Longs, DJs, and over 50 stores and restaurants for holiday shopping |
Nov 18 - Jan 7 | Festival of Northern Lights | Owen Sound | The Festival of Northern Lights in Owen Sound is an annual event featuring over 400 light displays and 25 km of lights illuminating the harbour and the Sydenham River. The festival, which has been a tradition for over 30 years, includes locally made displays and attractions along the river and at Harrison Park, creating a winter wonderland experience for visitors. |
Nov 18 | Annual Christmas and Vendor Show | Owen Sound | The 6th Annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Show at East Ridge Community School in Owen Sound, Ontario, features free admission and a lineup of 70 vendors. Visitors can enjoy a bake table, games of skill, door prizes, and an extensive assortment of items perfect for Christmas shopping. This event is a fundraiser for the Sydenham Agricultural Society, supporting the 171st Sydenham Fall Fair in September 2024, which is a significant educational and agricultural event for local students. All funds raised will go towards continuing the tradition of the fall fair, which receives no government or school board funding. |
Nov 18 | Holidays in the River District | Owen Sound | Join the River District, Kiwanis, and Festival of Northern Lights for an evening of Holiday Magic, featuring shops open late, sales and specials, buskers, warming stations, contests, giveaways, pictures with Santa, and more. The event includes the Santa Claus Parade at 5 PM and the Festival of Northern Lights Kick-off at 7 PM. |
Nov 18 | Santa Claus Parade | Owen Sound | The 78th annual parade is a family-friendly event filled with holiday-themed entertainment, including a variety of floats, bands, and other performances. The parade starts at Metro on 2nd Ave East, turns left onto 8th Street East, and ends at 3rd Ave East. Canada Post will collect letters for Santa along the route, and food donations will be collected for The Salvation Army and City of Owen Sound Fire Department. For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast live on Rogers TV and throughout the holiday season |
Nov 18 | Santa Claus Parade | Teeswater | No information available other than date. Hosted by Teeswater Kinsement and Teeswater Ag Society. |
Nov 24-25 | Holiday in the Highlands | Markdale | The celebration starts with the Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov 24. Moonlight Madness sales event, an Outdoor Home Decor Competition, and a Craft and Vendor's Market on Nov 25. Free skating sessions, a Gnome Door Hanger Workshop, Cookie Decorating, and a Family Holiday Movie are also part of the festivities. |
Nov 24 | Santa Claus Parade | Paisley | The 33rd Annual Santa Claus Parade in Paisley stands as a beloved tradition, marking a highlight of the festive season for the community and its many visitors. This event, a cornerstone among the local Chamber of Commerce's initiatives, aims for continued growth and festive cheer in the years ahead. All local businesses, organizations, and community groups are warmly invited to contribute to the parade's vibrant tapestry by entering a float. |
Nov 24-Dec 23 | Artisans Christmas Market | Port Elgin | Visit our exquisite selection of crafters and makers, in time to make your home festive and your holidays bright!! |
Nov 25 | Christmas Toy Drive, Craft & Vendor Show | Kincardine | The Christmas Toy Drive and Craft and Vendor Show, will be hosted at Kincardine Davidson Center from 10 AM to 3 PM. Entry is free, with food and toy donations welcomed, featuring up to 50 vendors. |
Nov 25 | Santa Claus Parade | Walkerton | Little information available. Organized by Kinsmen Club |
Nov 25 | Santa Claus Parade | Port Elgin | The Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores is thrilled to announce the return of its festive Santa Claus Parades, set to illuminate the season with the theme of The Northern Lights. Participation is open and free of charge, encouraging broad community involvement. This annual tradition promises to be a dazzling display of community spirit and seasonal joy. |
Nov 27 | Men of the Deeps: Christmas in the Mine | Owen Sound | The live performance "A Christmas in the Mine" features holiday tunes sung in a jolly miner style, complete with stories and jokes. It aims to share the experience of celebrating Christmas in a real Cape Breton coal mine with real Cape Breton coal miners. The event is recommended for ages 18 and above. |
Nov 30 - Dec 3 | Christmas on the Bay | Meaford | Enjoy Georgian Bay’s largest outdoor Christmas market with traditional wooden stalls, seasonal lighting, fire bowls, winter princesses, Christmas trees, music, Santa Claus Parade, and live performances. The market offers locally made foods, artisanal products, handcrafted gifts, and cider. Activities include live music, children’s programming, special events, and performances at Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre. Market Hours: Nov 30: 2 PM – 8 PM, Dec 1: 2 PM – 8 PM, Dec 2: 10 AM – 8 PM, Dec 3: 10 AM – 4 PM |
Nov 30 - Dec 3 | Formosa Country Christmas | Formosa | Formosa Country Christmas is a unique, donation-based event that features one of the largest drive-thru Christmas light shows in the area, with 3.2 km of festive displays, exhibits, and thousands of lights. Many displays are hand-crafted by local volunteers, making it a special event that showcases local talent and community spirit |
Dec 1 | Santa Claus Parade | Southampton | The Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores is thrilled to announce the return of its festive Santa Claus Parades, set to illuminate the season with the theme of The Northern Lights. Participation is open and free of charge, encouraging broad community involvement. This annual tradition promises to be a dazzling display of community spirit and seasonal joy. |
Dec 1 - 3 | Artisans Holiday Show & Sale | Owen Sound | This event is a showcase of craft and design, featuring the work of independent artists, artisans, makers, and designers. It offers a variety of handmade products in home décor, fashion, jewelry, visual art, and eco-friendly body care. The event supports the Canadian Mental Health Association, with admission fees benefiting Youth Awareness Programs at C.M.H.A. Grey Bruce. Food services are provided by Fresh Roots Cafe & Catering, a C.M.H.A. initiative |
Dec 1 | A Western Christmas Parade | Chesley | The Chesley Kinsmen are hosting a Western-themed Christmas Parade in Chesley on December 1st, 2023. The festive event starts at 7:00 p.m. on Main Street and features a lineup of floats which will commence behind L-Ray Plumbing & Heating from 6:00 p.m. This community event promises a unique holiday celebration with a Western twist. |
Dec 2 | Seasons Greetings Concert | Owen Sound | Celebrate the festive season with Christmas favourites, a cozy sleigh ride, and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah. Expect festive surprises and special guests, with the Georgian Bay Symphony and Guest Conductor Charles Cozens |
Dec 2 | Tree Lighting Ceremony | Kemble | A joyful night of community and celebration featuring horse and buggy rides, pictures with Santa, and a Christmas Artisan Market. The main event is the lighting of a giant tree adorned with thousands of lights and decorations at 6:00pm. Admission is free, but donations for the annual toy drive are encouraged |
Dec 2 | Santa Claus Parade | Hanover | Parade Begins at 7pm at McArthur Tire. Parade Ends at approximately 8:15 pm at Foodland Theme: RED, WHITE, and GREEN! Floats register on or before November 30, 2023. All entrants must hand in a Waiver of Liability to Rotary volunteers at the parade assembly point All entrants and participants are required to read and abide by the Rules and Regulations set out by the parade committee. |
Dec 2 | Santa Claus Parade | Kincardine | The Kincardine & District Chamber of Commerce present the 2023 Santa Claus Parade. The parade will begin at Connaught Park, travel east on Broadway Street to Queen Street, then south on Queen Street to Victoria Park Food Bank donations gratefully accepted. |
Dec 2 | Santa Visit | Southampton | Visit the Bruce County Museum for a special Santa Visit event where families can meet Santa Claus and take memorable photos. The event is free for members, with general admission for non-members, and pre-registration is available to reserve a spot |
Dec 2 | Country Girl's Christmas Market | Meaford | Takes place at the Meaford and St.Vincent Community Centre with over 50 local vendors showcasing their artistic creations. |
Dec 2 | Holiday Craft & Vendor Show | Owen Sound | 30 plus vendors available for your Xmas shopping. Door prizes. No admission - but we are accepting cans or bags of cat and dog food for the GREY BRUCE ANIMAL SHELTER (GBAS). All proceeds are going to the GBAS. |
Dec 9 | Santa Visit | Southampton | Visit the Bruce County Museum for a special Santa Visit event where families can meet Santa Claus and take memorable photos. The event is free for members, with general admission for non-members, and pre-registration is available to reserve a spot |
Dec 9 | Lakeview Vendor Markets Christmas Event | Sauble Beach | Experience the festive spirit at Lakeview Vendor Markets' BIG Christmas Event! Shop from 57 unique vendors, support the local food bank through donations and a raffle, enjoy an ugly sweater contest, and aid R&R Rescue with contributions. A perfect blend of shopping and community support. |
Dec 14 | Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Toy Drive | Port Elgin | Join us for an evening of festive celebration at our Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive on December 14th, 5-7 PM at Port Elgin Curling Club, including our AGM. Interested non-members can inquire about membership opportunities to attend this exclusive event. |
Dec 15 | Light Up the Holidays | Southampton | The Bruce Museum celebrates the season with historic structure illuminations, Santa, holiday tunes, and a Grinch hunt. Activities include cookie crafting, Southampton Rotary popcorn, Rabbit Dash drinks, cannon demos, story time aboard HMS General Hunter, and a library Bookmobile visit. A Victorian magic show, pomander and ornament workshops add a historical flavor. |
Dec 15 | Festive Fridays | Southampton | Horse drawn carriages and wagon rides. |
Dec 16 | Santa Claus Parade | Chatsworth | The event details are limited, but it is described as a great way to celebrate the Christmas season. Further information or adjustments to the times may be available closer to the event date. |
Dec 16 | Santa Visit | Southampton | Visit the Bruce County Museum for a special Santa Visit event where families can meet Santa Claus and take memorable photos. The event is free for members, with general admission for non-members, and pre-registration is available to reserve a spot |
Dec 16 | Giv'er Gift Drive | Port Elgin | Enjoy a festive night with music, drink specials, door prizes, and a photo booth, supporting the Dorrell Young Christmas Program to give local families a memorable Christmas. |
Dec 16 | Twas the Night Before Christmas | Southampton | Experience a magical Christmas event with enchanting music and narration by Elaine Slade at Southampton Town Hall, offered on a pay-what-you-can basis for joyful celebration. |
Dec 16 | Just Before Christmas Bazaar | Eugenia | Vendors will have deals for you, as this is our last sale before Christmas. Hand painted wooden characters, ornaments, Baking, jewellery, hot chocolate mugs and so much more. Door prize, ticket draws or just pop in for our $5.00 Chilli and hot Apple Cider. Money raised goes toward the United Church. |
Dec 17 | Jingle Jam | Southampton | Jingle Jam 2023 offers a family-friendly Christmas event with crafts, music, treats, hot chocolate, games, storytelling, and family portraits for a fun, engaging holiday experience. |
Dec 17, 21-24 | Christmas Spectacular | Southampton | Photos with Santa, building boba drinks, and free gifts. Contact Southampton store for details. |
Dec 21 | Welcome Winter Cabaret and Christmas Buffet | Southampton | Enjoy a festive evening with award-winning jazz vocalist Sonja Gustafson, a Charles Dickens' Christmas Dinner Buffet, and holiday cheer at Southampton Golf & Country Club. |
Dec 22 | Festive Fridays | Southampton | Horse drawn carriages and wagon rides. |
Sources: Varies including news media, event sites, business groups and agricultural associations.
