Gift-giving season is upon us, and Durham Tourism along with the Durham Economic Task Force are inspiring residents to shop close to home this holiday season—and beyond!

Shop Where You Live, Shop In Durham is an annual initiative that encourages residents to discover (or rediscover) the amazing local shops and business owners in Durham Region. From eclectic fashion boutiques and international grocers to vintage clothing and home decor shops, Durham Region is home to a unique mix of businesses for you to explore.

The Region of Durham will also proclaim December 4 to 10 as “Shop In Durham Week,” to celebrate the region’s vibrant and diverse business community. Shop In Durham Week will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony at the community flagpole at Regional Headquarters on December 5 at 9 a.m.

To learn more about the Shop In Durham initiative and how you can support local businesses this holiday season, visit ShopInDurham.ca.

Live performances are returning to theatres across Durham Region. Although concerts and plays have been opening throughout the past year, this is the first festive season—post-most restrictions—for artists in the area.

The Ontario Philharmonic (OP), which calls the Regent Theatre in Downtown Oshawa home, has a wealth of offerings coming up, and, as shown by the many who during the pandemic turned to music for comfort, it’s not a stretch to say these offerings are good for your health too.

Executive Director Laura Vaillancourt says, the “OP’s mandate is to present symphonic musical programming. Many, among us, relate to music’s healing power. Music, as a purely subjective experience and healing modality, can be felt through any of the programming choices OP is presenting at this time as in any or all times.”



Presentations for 2022 include ‘Fantasia’ with soloist, Aljoša Jurinić, and ‘The Song of the Earth’ featuring Mexican-born tenor, César Delgado, and British-Canadian baritone, Alexander Dobson. All concerts are conducted by Marco Parisotto, the OP’s music director.

Click here to read the full blog post on DowntownsOfDurham.ca.

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help provide the best experience for participants and spectators during the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games, taking place February 3 to 5, 2023. Volunteer registration is now open!

When registering, you can list the type of volunteer position and sport or service area (registration, food services, etc.) that you're interested in. You can also share the skills and experience you have to offer, along with your availability.

These Games are committed to inclusion and accessibility and we’re looking for volunteers of all abilities. Please advise of any accessibility accommodations so we can support.

Volunteers will receive training, official Games apparel, and the promise of a memorable experience.

If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities, please contact: volunteers@DurhamRegion2023.ca.

With a blend of charming rural routes and historic downtowns, the Municipality of Clarington is the perfect place to continue, or begin, holiday traditions with family and friends.

Here’s a list of fun and safe activities you absolutely must add to your plans for a hometown holiday experience:

• Shop the historic downtowns of Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono.
• Experience the festive lights of Old Scugog Road.
• Cut down your own tree at Powell’s, Hope’s or Prestonvale tree farms.
• Find the perfect stocking stuffers at Courtice Flea Market, Markets by Dream Day, Newcastle Home Decor, or Terrens.
• Order cookies from Buddha Belly Bakery, Bragg Farms, Buttercup Hollow Pantry, Sift or The Toasted Walnut.
• Take a road trip to visit our rural farms and markets along A Country Path Christmas route.
• Attend the THEE (Tyrone, Haydon, Enniskillen, Enfield) Farmer’s Parade of Lights to see decorated tractors.
• Sip on festive eggnog from Enniskillen General Store or Sargent Family Dairy.
• Bundle up and explore Clarington’s picturesque trails including the Orono Crown Lands.
• Have a good ol’ fashioned Christmas at Knox Farm or Pingle’s Farm Market.
• Attend the WILD Winter Festival of Lights at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, hosted by Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue, December 2 to 23.
• Experience Moonlight Magic in Bowmanville on December 2. 
• Enjoy a hot cocoa at Deadly Grounds Cafe or Roam Coffee.

Find more information on Clarington’s Hometown Holiday at Clarington.net.

At DreamCo Theatre, their goal is to help improve the quality of life in Durham Region by producing and presenting world class shows, specializing in theatre and music. This holiday season, DreamCo is presenting two family friendly events.

Brooklin’s Christmas Cottage

Dates: December 16 and December 17 (multiple time-slots each day)

Location: Old Brooklin Community Centre, 45 Cassels Road East, Brooklin

If you're looking to make special memories this holiday season, book your tickets for Brooklin's Christmas Cottage! The kids will be able to build their own Christmas decoration, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, play games and meet Santa.

Learn more and reserve your tickets at Eventbrite.ca.

Cinderella: the Christmas Panto

Dates: December 27 to 31

Location: Whitby Centennial Building Theatre, 416 Centre Street South, Whitby

You think you know the story, but you’ve never seen it presented this way! Cinderella: the Christmas Panto, is filled with magical singing and dancing, along with spectacular sets and costumes! Audiences will be taken on a theatrical journey of good versus evil, as our diverse cast of professional actors inject a fresh take on this classic tale.

 

Learn more and reserve your tickets at DreamCoTheatre.com.

When it comes to finding that perfect Christmas tree, visit a local tree farm in Durham Region.

Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm

1962 Regional Road 3, Hampton

Start your Christmas traditions with a visit to Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm. There, you’ll find farm fresh cut your own trees, a selection of pre-cut trees and a variety of decorative greenery. Stop by Becca’s Barn for a hot drink or to browse a selection of handmade items from local vendors to find that perfect gift.

For operating hours and pricing, visit HopesChristmasTreeFarm.com.

Spademan Tree Farm

545 Regional Road 21, Port Perry

Spademan Christmas Tree Farm offers visitors an outdoor experience to remember. Keep warm by the outdoor fire and take in the holiday atmosphere where you can harvest your own tree or choose from a beautiful selection of pre-cut trees.

For operating hours and pricing, visit SpademanTreeFarm.com.

Prestonvale Tree Farms

1421 Prestonvale Road, Courtice

Harvest your own fraser fir, balsam fir, spruce or pine trees from more than 60 acres or choose from a selection of pre-harvested trees at Prestonvale Tree Farms. Open seven days a week from December 1 to Christmas Eve (December 24).

For operating hours and pricing, visit PrestonvaleTreeFarms.com.

Powell’s Trees

2945 Regional Road 20, Bowmanville

Find beautiful cut your own of pre-cut trees at Powell’s Trees. Choose from carefully shorn Scotch and White Pine, Spruce, Balsam and Fraser Fir varieties. Once you’ve chosen the perfect tree, treat yourself to a hot drink and a cookie.

For operating hours and pricing, visit facebook.com/PowellsTrees.

For more Christmas tree and holiday decor options, find a farm at DurhamFarmFresh.ca.