18 Holiday events in Northern Ontario to make your season bright
7 Minute Read
As the weather cools, twinkling lights and sparkling snow will soon be shining through the night. Across Northern Ontario, there are so many things to do this holiday season. From Christmas concerts to cozy markets to vibrant parades, the upcoming weeks are packed with festive fun.
Looking for the best way to spend your time this November and December? Here are the top holiday events in Northern Ontario.
Handmade Holiday Market
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Where: Collège Boréal, 21 Lasalle Blvd., Sudbury, ON
When: November 15 and 16, 2025
Sudbury’s local makers present their wares at the Makers North Collective’s 2025 Christmas market. Each day features different vendors, making both markets unique spaces for you to explore. Great eats, delectable hot drinks and live music make this market feel like more than a place to shop—it's a community.
North Bay Winter Outdoor Market
Where: Jack Burrows Parkette, 100 Ferguson St., North Bay, ON
When: November 15, 22, 28, 2025
Support local businesses in North Bay’s vibrant downtown at this festive outdoor market—which is back and bigger than ever this year! Mini train rides, a visit from Santa Claus, Christmas movie screenings, special holiday characters and more can be found on a trip to the market. You can even take a free tour of the North Bay and Quints museums.
Creekside’s Holiday Market
Where: 683 Woodcrest Rd., Thunder Bay, ON
When: November 15 and December 6, 2025
Forty of Thunder Bay’s best makers assemble for this holiday market at the Creekside Nursery & Garden Centre. Grab artisanal gifts for everyone on your list in this elaborately decorated market and explore new vendors each day. Fill your heart with the joy of the season—and get your shopping done at the same time!
North Bay Santa Claus Parade
Where: To be announced, please see the event site for details
When: November 16, 2025
Celebrate 100 years of Christmas fun in North Bay at this year’s Santa Claus Parade! Local businesses and community groups will gather to commemorate this important anniversary, spreading Christmas cheer with candy, lights, music and parade floats. Enjoy the jolly jubilation and wave to Santa as he passes by on a festive afternoon surrounded by your neighbours.
CPKC 2025 Holiday Train
Where: Parry Sound, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Kenora and more
When: Select dates from November 19 to December 21
The CPKC 2025 Holiday Train is making its way across Canada with several stops in Northern Ontario during the holiday season. The train rides the rails from station to station, bringing free concerts and giving back to the communities it visits. This year, Jade Eagleson and Teigan Gayse will perform on the train’s outdoor stage as this locomotive raises money and collects donations for the food banks in your community.
Ballet Jörgen—The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
Where: 150 Main St. E., Capitol Centre, North Bay, ON
When: November 21 and 22, 2025
Ballet Jörgen presents a Canadian spin on The Nutcracker, one of Christmas’s most iconic stories. The production incorporates elements of the True North in its backdrops, inspired by works from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, as well as nods to our nation's wildlife, sports and chilly winter weather. Celebrate the season and experience this tale’s enduring appeal at the Capitol Centre in November.
Greater Sudbury Santa Claus Parade
Where: Downtown, Sudbury, ON
When: November 22, 2025
This parade starts with a bang as fireworks usher in the floats. The theme for 2025 is Christmas movies, so expect to see references to your favourite flicks and characters you know and love on the streets of Sudbury. Experience this enchanting display and witness the holiday cheer as you make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Holiday 2025 Craft Revival
Where: The Waterfront District and Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, ON
When: November 23, 2025
Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District is about to be transformed into a vibrant holiday market with over 200 vendors. Handmade goods, live entertainment and local treasures make up this joyful holiday tradition, returning for its 11th year this November. Snap some pictures at the magical photo ops and bring your friends and family to the merry market.
A Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas with George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett
Where: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Dr., Thunder Bay, ON
When: December 1, 2025
Experience the joys of a country Christmas with Canadian stars George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett. The evening promises heartfelt storytelling, festive favourites and hits from their decades-long repertoires that will have you tapping your toes and stomping your feet. Charitable organization Children Believe presents the concert to benefit kids around the world this holiday season.
Sudbury Festival of Lights
Where: Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON
When: December 1 to 31, 2025
During the holiday season, Science North is home to vibrant displays of Christmas lights featuring 55,000 LEDs and over 250 separate elements. Originally created by two families in Garson decades ago, the festival has grown into an attraction that residents of Sudbury and beyond look forward to each year.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)
Where: Magnus Theatre Mainstage, 10 Algoma St., Thunder Bay, ON
When: December 4 to 20, 2025
Tired of seeing the same Christmas stories over and over again? So are the characters in this play. Instead of performing A Christmas Carol for the umpteenth time, they decide to remix every Christmas story with global traditions, seasonal icons and classic hits. This romp through pop culture is a great afternoon or evening out for anyone who likes their theatre whacky, wild and merry.
Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk
Where: 3 Mary St., Sudbury, ON
When: December 6, 2025
Want to give back this holiday season? The Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk is your chance to fundraise for those in need this Christmas while also getting some exercise in. Children, families and individuals can collect pledges for either a one- or five-kilometre race.
The Tenors—Joy to the World Tour
Where: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Dr., Thunder Bay, ON
When: December 12, 2025
The Tenors take the stage once again to bring holiday cheer with their soaring harmonies, powerhouse vocals and captivating charisma. Tried-and-true Christmas songs meet new favourites at this concert that is sure to bring people together. Whether you’ve seen the Tenors many times before or you’re experiencing their magic for the first time, this is a Christmas tradition that is sure to bring the holiday spirit.
Winter WonderLIGHTS
Where: Whitewater Lake Park, 535 Laurier St. W., Azilda, ON
When: December 12, 2025, to January 1, 2026
Christmas carols come to life in this display, featuring both a nativity scene and Santa's village for you to wander through. You can also browse 64 panels representing 16 classic Christmas songs, including two from local artists Chuck Labelle and Claude Lecuyer. Bask in the twinkling lights and festive music as you explore the magic.
Stars On Ice Holiday Tour
Where: Sudbury Community Arena, 240 Elgin St., Sudbury, ON
When: December 13, 2025
Legendary figure skater Elvis Stojko takes the spotlight at the Stars On Ice Holiday Tour, alongside the best of Canada’s ice dancers. This cutting-edge show is a whirlwind of twirls, lifts and axels to dazzle the whole family. Don’t miss these stunning skaters when they come to town!
Candlelight Christmas
Where: Urban Abbey, 308 Red River Rd., Thunder Bay, ON
When: December 13, 2025
The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Candlelight Christmas, a cozy and comforting way to embrace the season. The orchestra’s 30 musicians will play soaring classics and merry melodies amidst the glowing amber light of hundreds of candles. Celebrate the holidays with this opportunity for connection and heartwarming Christmas cheer alongside Northern Ontario’s only professional orchestra.
Santa’s Circus
Where: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Dr., Thunder Bay, ON
When: December 16, 2025
Death-defying feats, jaw-dropping stunts and magical illusions await at Santa’s Circus. You'll be on the edge of your seat—or falling out of it in laughter as you gaze at the incredible artistry and heartwarming comedy of Santa and his elves. You can even meet your favourite holiday characters and write a letter to Santa after the show.
Candlelight Christmas Classics
Where: Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury, 27 Larch St., Greater Sudbury, ON
When: December 18, 2025
The Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury will soon be filled with a sea of flickering golden candlelight as the Listeso string quartet brings you iconic holiday melodies. Pop hits like “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” accompany traditional songs like “O Holy Night” and movie soundtracks like “Once Upon a December” from Anastasia.
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