Whitby residents have a full calendar of holiday activities to choose from this season, with the Town rolling out its lineup of festivals, parades, toy drives and recreation programs through December.
The season begins Saturday, Nov. 21, with Christmas in the Village at Grass Park in Downtown Brooklin, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family event features visits with Santa, holiday crafts and games, photo opportunities and sweet treats, according to the Town of Whitby. Tim Hortons is the lead sponsor.
Lights the Night and 200,000 lights
On Friday, Nov. 27, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Whitby Lights the Night Festival returns to Whitby Civic Park, featuring live entertainment, a Christmas Farmers' Market and a lighting ceremony. Tim Hortons and Elexicon Energy are the lead sponsors.
More than 200,000 lights and ground displays will stay up throughout the season at Civic Park, Celebration Square and Grass Park, according to the Town. Snowflakes will line Downtown Whitby, with seasonal décor also on display in Downtown Brooklin.
The Santa Claus Parade follows on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 10 a.m. Santa and his friends will travel along Brock Street from Manning Road to Trent Street.
Ways to give back
Residents looking to support local families in need have two options. The Town and Owasco Volkswagen are running a 'Stuff-a-VW Taos' toy drive at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre from Monday, Dec. 7 through Tuesday, Dec. 22, where donors can bring a new, unwrapped toy to help fill a holiday-themed Taos in the lobby. The Salvation Army will distribute the contributions before Christmas.
CTV's Toy Mountain event takes place at Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m., where residents can drop off a new, unwrapped toy for local children and families.
Crafts, skating and swimming
The Fieldgate Sports Complex will host a series of festive programs, including mug painting with hot cocoa, air-dry clay ornaments and snow globes, and gingerbread decorating. The programs run Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with registration available through the Town's website.
Public skating will be offered at Fieldgate Sports Complex, Iroquois Park Sports Centre and the McKinney Centre, while swimming is available at Fieldgate, the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex pool and Anne Ottenbrite Pool at Iroquois Park.
The Town is also encouraging residents to shop locally in its two historic downtowns, which offer shopping, craft breweries, arts, culture and dining. A home holiday decorating contest is also planned, with three prize packs up for grabs once submissions open.
Full details on events and holiday activities are available at whitby.ca/Events.
