Christmas time in Greater Sudbury is a time where colourful lights illuminate the streets and the yards of houses in the neighbourhood, and the festive events and beauty of the outdoors are a wonderful reminder of the holiday season. Here are some exciting things to do during the Christmas season in the Sudbury area, including parades, markets, music events, and plays.
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Sudbury Santa Claus Parade & Holiday Lights
Greater Sudbury Santa Claus Parade
The parade itself will begin at 5:30 p.m. sharp on Saturday, November 18 and will follow its route through the streets of downtown Sudbury in the spirit of the wonderful theme IT’S A SPORTY CHRISTMAS IN SUDBURY.
Come watch the parade of lights and sounds leading to our very special guests, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. The parade route is south on Notre Dame, west on Elm, north on Elgin and finally east on Ste Anne. At the start of the parade, a dynamic fireworks display (around 5:15 p.m.) lights up Sudbury on Saturday evening. Details
Saturday November 18, 2023 | 5:30 PM
Downtown Sudbury
Festival of Lights
November 19 | 5 PM to ~ Early January, 2024 | Nightly
Lights Launch @ In the Science North Parking lot, 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury | November 19 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Free; Donations are greatly appreciated.
Light up Kivi Park
Join us as we Light Up Kivi Park for the first time this season. More than 65 trees will be lit throughout the front of the park. Come enjoy a night filled with the magic of Christmas. Children will get a chance to drop off their letter to Santa and visit the big man himself. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kivi Park, Sudbury
By donation
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train program is returning to the rails to raise money, food, and awareness for food banks and hunger issues across Canada and the United States.
Holiday Train is about 1,000 feet in length with 14 rail cars decorated with hundreds of thousands of technology-leading LED lights and a modified boxcar that has been turned into a traveling stage for performers. Details
Wednesday, November 29 | 8:50 PM
Show: 9:15 PM – 9:45 PM
VIA Train Station, Elgin Street
Free, Donations to local food bank appreciated.
You may like:
Christmas Carols/Holiday Concerts
SSO – Poems for Snow
Artistic Director Finalist François Koh Joins Sudbury for a celebration of the Winter Season with the help of Violin Soloist Bénédicte lauzière, performing many of your seasonal favourites along with Poème for Violin and Orchestra by Ernest Chausson. Details
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fraser Auditorium, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury
$27 – $48
Jake & Ruthie Merry Christmas Spectacular
The social season is upon us. Jake Deeth, emerging Phoenix-like from the ashes, and Ruthie Nkut, the illustrious debutante, invite you to their home, the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Get “snowed in” and cozied up with all the best hits from classic Christmas, to Broadway Christmas. It’s the first annual Jake & Ruthie Merry Christmas Spectacular. Details
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Sudbury Theatre Centre, 170 Shaughnessy St, Greater Sudbury
$28.00
Serena Ryder Presents: Merry Myths Tour 2023
Join Serena Ryder in celebrating both cherished and contemporary Christmas classics! Serena has performed at Christmas time before, but never has she performed THIS kind of Christmas show. Following her critically acclaimed Christmas Kisses album, produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin (U2, Pink Floyd, Andréa Bocelli), and with some new stocking stuffer tunes, Serena is re-discovering the magic of the holidays by unpacking their roots. Where did Santa Claus come from? What pagan mythology birthed some of the most widely known and long standing traditions of Christmas culture? Serena has been fascinated with these very questions and is bringing to light some musical magic in their wake. This unique show filled with mythmas is fun for the whole family! Details
Wednesday December 13, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Fraser Auditorium, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury
$79.20
Holiday Theatre
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Live on Stage!
Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”and “A Holly Jolly Christmas” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ JR. features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.
Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas! Details
December 7 – 10, 14 – 16, 2023
Thorneloe University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
$22.63
Matilda
One of the most beloved Holiday stories of the 21st century. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Not only will you walk away believing in Santa Clause, you’ll also have a renewed faith in the power of theatre. Details
November 24 – December 30, 2023
Sudbury Theatre Centre, 170 Shaughnessy Street, Sudbury
$35 – $50
A Christmas Rockstory: A Holiday Circus Spectacular
Jingle all the way down to the Sudbury Community Arena on December 14th for the holiday circus spectacular, A CHRISTMAS ROCKSTORY: A Holiday Circus Spectacular! The high-energy rock music soundtrack, featuring both original songs and beloved Christmas classics, sets the tone for a thrilling and unforgettable experience! With its unique blend of rock music, circus arts, and holiday spirit, A CHRISTMAS ROCKSTORY is an AMAZING show that promises to captivate audiences of all ages and leave them with a heartwarming and memorable experience. It’s a perfect celebration of the holiday season with a rockstar twist! So, get ready to be transported to a world of rock and circus magic in this one-of-a-kind Holiday extravaganza. Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Sudbury Community Arena, 240 Elgin Street, Greater Sudbury
$83 – $95
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has enchanted audiences for over 25 years with such songs as ‘Belle’ and ‘Be Our Guest’. Telling a tale as old as time, Belle dreams of adventure in the great wide somewhere. Her life is turned upside down when she encounters a magical castle and a cursed Beast. Through her, they will learn that beauty is found within. Join your favorite characters in this engaging musical guaranteed to delight! Details
December 21 -23 2023
Guelph Little Theatre (The), 176 Morris Street Guelph
Tickets start at only $31.00
The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience
The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience made cinematic history as the first full-length feature ever to be converted into IMAX® 3D. This holiday-themed film, based on the classic Caldecott medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, is directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. Using state-of-the-art CGI and performance capture technology to create a unique blend of realism and fantasy, The Polar Express tells of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Details
December 16, 17 & 23, 2023 | 2 PM
Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury
Other Holiday-Themed Events
Santa’s Coming to Town 2023!
The ultimate Santa event of the year! Walk into the magical world of Christmas with music, hot chocolate bar, crafts, and a Santa Visit! Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1520 Bancroft Drive, Greater Sudbury
Starts at $11.98
KD Winter Wonderland
Looking for something to do with those who mean so much to you this holiday season? Why not bring them out to KD FARM, FEED, & EVENTS for a day filled with warm joy & entertainment happening every weekend from December 2nd till December 24th, 2023!! Details
December 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
KD Farm Chelmsford, 3353 Regional Road 15, Chelmsford
$20, $15 with donation to The Samaritan Cenre
Santa Sighting
Activities include: -S’mores Stations -A special visit from Santa -A Santa Letter Writing Station -Santa’s Kivi Gift Shop
Kids are encouraged to bring their pre-made letter to Santa or create one during the event. The Kivi Park Mailbox will be on-site, ready for express shipping to the North Pole. Don’t forget to include your address in your letter so that Santa and his elves can send a reply. Details
December 9 & 14, 2023
Kivi Park, Sudbury
Entrance to the event requires a donation to the Accessibility Fund
Downtown Sudbury Holiday Market
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 12 PM – 7 PM
Durham Street running from the YMCA to Larch Street, Sudbury
Free Admission
HOHOHoliday 5k
The HoHoHoliday 5K is the most festive FUN run in Canada! This 5km run/walk combines the magic of the Holidays with community engagement and fitness. Be apart of a holiday movement and join 10,000 Santa’s virtually across Canada who are spreading cheer in their local community while choosing to raise funds to support Make-A-Wish Canada. Details
December 1 – 31, 2023 | All Day anytime
Nationwide/Virtual Run
$40 – $45
Coolest Christmas Market
Experience the Coolest Christmas Market by Cool Aunt Creatives! Live music, hot beverages, and local artisans. Join us for festive fun! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Avenue, Guelph
$9.85
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.
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