The holidays just don’t seem like the holidays without taking part in some fun community events. We miss seeing friends and neighbours during these once-a-year community gatherings – but not this year! From the musically festive "Deck the Halls" live music in small halls across Ontario's Highlands to community craft fairs, you won't be bored this holiday season.

Read on to find a few fun holiday-themed events that will inject a little holiday cheer into your life.

Abbey Gardens Holiday Night Market

When: Dec. 3, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Abbey Gardens, Haliburton

Abbey Gardens' night market is a holiday tradition in Haliburton! Expect holiday cheer in spades with carolers, festive drinks, and to find the perfect gift for someone you love, handmade with local love. 

Deck the Small Halls 

When: Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: Mab and Almonte

If you're a fan of the Festival of Small Halls' annual forays into  community gathering places across Ontario's Highlands, this holiday alternative will brighten your December. The Festival is presenting 'Deck the Small Halls,' an intimate line-up of heart-warming performances that includes Juno-award winning and talented musicians. Order your tickets before they sell out to catch one of these fabulously festive performances (pro tip: these tickets would make a great gift!).

CCs on the Rideau Holiday Market

When: Nov. 19 2022, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: CCs on the Rideau, Rideau Ferry

This event is  the place to go for handmade and local gifts sourced from the amazing makers in the region. You can expect to find beautiful Christmas ornaments, charcuterie boards, jewelry, woodworking and more. Browse the dozens of vendors both indoors and out while listening to live music as inspiration and sipping hot drinks (or cold) and munching on outdoor snacks. While you're there stop for a bite to eat at CCs, overlooking the Big Rideau.

Once Upon a Christmas

When: Nov. 26, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Perth

Get your holiday shopping started off on the right foot in beautiful downtown Perth! The town of Perth at Christmas is a wonder to behold, with its heritage downtown streets filled with Christmas lights, festive greenery and the tinkling of holiday music. The Once Up on a Christmas event is the perfect time to find unique finds in boutique shops in Perth. Expect to stumble across fire pits where you can savour a mug of hot chocolate, Santa Claus and his elves, horse drawn wagon rides, face painting and more. Listen to live entertainment as you wander the old-fashioned downtown that looks like it's straight out of a holiday postcard.

Arnprior Christmas Craft Fair

When: Nov. 26, 2022, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Nick Smith Centre, Arnprior

Oh craft fairs, we have missed you! The Arnprior Christmas Craft Fair is one for the books, with over 20 local crafters and vendors to choose from. You can even grab a quick meal from Sandee’s Country Kitchen canteen to amp up the festive atmosphere. 

Elf the Musical

When: Nov. 25 and Dec. 1 to 3, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 26 to 27, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Where: Carleton Place Town Hall, Carleton Place

Get in the holiday spirit with this live performance of Elf the Musical, presented by the talented Mississippi Mudds. These experienced performers are celebrating their 50th season and are the perfect folks to get your feet tapping to holiday music while enjoying a lighthearted musical. 

Highlands Christmas Shindig

When: Dec. 3, 2022, time TBD
Where: Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion, Haliburton Highlands

This annual event has a good cause – funds raised through the event go to Fuel for Warmth, an organization dedicated to making sure no one goes cold each winter. 

Christmas at O’Hara Mill Homestead

When: Dec. 3, 2022, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area, Madoc

Visit O'Hara Mill Homestead on Dec. 3 for an old fashioned Christmas! Indulge in some hot cider and musical entertainment by the fire in the Log Cabin and find something for everyone on your list at the gift shop. Wagon rides through the forest will also be available.

Christmas with Quartom

When: Dec. 3, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Almonte Old Town Hall, Almonte

Launch into the festive season with a holiday performance that will create memories. Quartom (meaning "four men" are a vocal quartet that will delight the audience with holiday classics along with staples from Christmases around the world. The show will take place in the acoustic and architectural gem, Almonte Old Town Hall.

Christmas at the Farm

When: Dec. 2 to 4, 2022
Where: Forest Cove Alpaca Farm, 32129 Highway 17, Chalk River

If you have been looking for the quintessential holiday event that's perfect for families, this is it. Walk the themed 12-days of Christmas Walk, huddle around the bonfire, and shop for holiday gifts for the whole family. Plan to be there for the pancake breakfast and The Amazing Farm Rce on Sunday (please note you must pre-register for these activities). 

Marmora Christmas Market 

When: Nov. 4-6 and 11-13, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 12 Bursthall Street, Marmora

This holiday market coincides with the Heart of Hastings Christmas Tour and is yet another venue where you can find some cool local finds for the perfect gifts. Find local pottery, jewellery, live-edge woodworking, soaps, honey, coffees and more.

Heart of Hastings Christmas Tour

When: Nov. 4 to 6 and 11 to 13, 2022
Where: Various locations in Hastings County

Get into the festive spirit with this driving Christmas tour through the heart of Hastings County. Visit nearly 20 stops in  Marmora, Madoc, and Tweed, featuring lovely local shops and eateries. Find some of your new favourite places in Hastings and cross some people off your shopping list at the same time. Check out their map to find the ideal starting and ending location.

 

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