There are lots of events my family and I enjoy attending throughout the year but the Christmas holidays are a particularly special time. Like many longtime Bowmanville residents, we look forward to bundling up and making our way to several events that have become annual traditions for us and help give meaning to the holidays.
If you’re new to our community, you’re sure to discover numerous events that will become your family traditions. Here’s my list of some of the fun and festive things Bowmanville and the other communities in the Municipality of Clarington have to offer this holiday season:
Sunday, Nov. 19: Newcastle Santa Claus Parade
Take in the annual parade along King Ave. in Downtown Newcastle from 5:30 to 6:30pm. http://www.newcastlesantaparade.com/
Friday, Nov. 24: Christmas in Clarington Country
This mall-free shopping tour features country artists and activities. Discover special home décor, luxurious bath and body products, gourmet treats, wines and more. Destinations include Timeless Essentials, Tyrone Mills, Gallery on the Farm, 3Beez.buzz, Rosemary Jenkins Pottery and Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery. The event is brought to you by The Spruce Tree Interiors in Bowmanville. It’s also held Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10am to 4pm. https://www.facebook.com/Christmas-in-Clarington-Country-442352739150361/
Saturday, Nov. 25: Newcastle Breakfast with Santa
Take your family to Newcastle Community Town Hall at 20 King Ave. W. to meet Santa Claus and enjoy breakfast with him from 8 to 11am. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $6 for adults, $4 for children aged over 2 years and no charge for those aged under 2. Newcastle BIA
Saturday, Nov. 25: Orono Santa Claus Parade
Enjoy the Santa Claus Parade along Main Street in Orono from 10:30 to 11:30am. https://www.facebook.com/OronoSantaClausParade
Sunday, Nov. 26: Clarington Community Christmas Party
Enjoy carnival Christmas games, crafts, Pepper the Clown with face painting and balloon creations, a Christmas sing-a-long with the Bowmanville Older Adult Association Choir, and a visit with Santa from 1 to 3pm. Admission is free with the donation of a toy or food item. The collaborative event is brought to you by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington, Bethesda House, Clarington Museum, Clarington Older Adult Association, The Firehouse Youth Centre, the Lions Club of Bowmanville, the Rotary Club of Bowmanville, the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington and the Municipality of Clarington. It’s held at the Bowmanville Older Adult Centre, 26 Beech Ave. www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/clarington
Tuesday, Nov. 28: CP Holiday Train in Clarington
The 19th annual Holiday Train, raising food and funds for local food banks, arrives at the Scugog Road Railway Crossing in Bowmanville at 1:45pm, followed by a concert with performances by Colin James and Emma-Lee from 2 to 2:30pm. http://www.cpr.ca/holiday-train/canada
Friday, Dec. 1: Christmas Moonlight Magic
Usher in the holiday season at the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Historic Downtown Bowmanville, complete with carolling, from 6 to 10pm. Have your picture taken with Santa and his live reindeer. Enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street. Many shops and restaurants stay open late for holiday shopping. Free admission and parking. http://bowmanville.com/events/christmas-moonlight-magic
Saturday, Dec. 2: Santa’s Workshop at the Courtice Flea Market
Drop by the Courtice Flea Market at 1696 Bloor St. from 9am to 4:30pm for Santa photos and letters, storytelling and to create your own decorations. http://www.courticefleamarket.com/site/special-events-2/
Sunday, Dec. 3: Courtice Santa Claus Parade
The parade runs along Nash Road from Townline to George Reynolds from noon to 2pm. The theme is Old-Fashioned Christmas. https://www.facebook.com/CourticeSantaClausParade
Wednesday, Dec. 6: THEE Farmers Parade Of Lights
The farmers of Tyrone, Haydon, Enniskillen, Enfield and surrounding area host the annual THEE Farmers’ Parade of Lights from 5:30 to 8pm to mark the end of harvest, the start of the Christmas season and as a thanks for sharing the roads with farm vehicles. The parade runs through rural Clarington, beginning in Enniskillen and ending in Tyrone. THEE Farmers Parade Website
Saturday, Dec. 9: BOAA Christmas Dinner & Dance
The Bowmanville Older Adult Association (BOAA) holds a Christmas Dinner & Dance from 5 to 10pm at the Bowmanville Older Adult Centre, 26 Beech Ave. Entertainment will be followed by DJ dancing with Then & Now. Tickets are available for members beginning Nov. 6 and non-members beginning Nov. 20. $30 for members and $35 for non-members. https://bowmanvilleolderadults.com/
As we look forward to celebrating the holidays in the beautiful community of Bowmanville, please accept my wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa and best wishes for happiness in the New Year!
