Pickering is set to welcome the holiday season with fireworks, tree lighting and the return of the annual Santa Claus Parade.
Esplanade Park is gearing up for this weekend’s festive “Winter Nights, City Lights” event.
The City of Pickering, in collaboration with the Kinsmen & Kinette Club, joyously welcomes back the Santa Claus Parade, too, this Saturday, featuring extravagant floats, marching bands, and Santa, promising a festive celebration for all ages.
This annual celebration, Winter Nights, City Lights, will illuminate the park with dazzling decor and a fireworks display. The event features live performances, including the LED Bongo Bot, a magic show, and fire sax, alongside the much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus and city councillors at 6:00 pm.
Visitors can enjoy a holiday singalong hosted by the Pickering Community Concert Band and explore a variety of market stalls offering homemade goods. The Black Joy Holiday Market, showcasing black-owned businesses, returns for its second year. Foodies will delight in a range of vendors, from Beavertails to Nepali Momo, complemented by free hot chocolate. The event also includes interactive art installations, an art studio for crafts, photo stations, street games, and inflatable activities.
Remember to take donations to support the community through toys, food, and personal care items at the donation tent.
1. Highlights of Winter Nights, City Lights
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Witness the park’s transformation with the annual tree lighting at 6:00 pm, featuring City of Pickering Councillors and Santa Claus, followed by a spectacular fireworks display on both days.
- Live Performances: Enjoy a lineup of entertainers at the Gazebo Stage, including LED Bongo Bot, Bumbling Bert Magic Show, Isabella Hoops, and Fire Sax.
- Holiday Singalong: Join the Pickering Community Concert Band for a holiday singalong in the lobby of Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, with lyric books provided for all.
- Holiday Market: Explore a variety of vendor stalls offering homemade goods, including Cakecups, Phantom Creations Jewelry, and Crafts by Carmen, among others.
- Black Joy Holiday Market: Visit the market featuring black-owned vendors, organized by the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce and Durham Family Cultural Centre.
- Food Vendors: Indulge in treats from Born 2 Eat, Tiny Tom Donuts, Beavertails, and more. Complimentary hot chocolate is provided by Sanctus Church Pickering and Amica Pickering (at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex).
- Letters to Santa: Drop your Letters to Santa at the Canada Post station inside Pickering City Hall’s lobby.
- Art Illuminations: Marvel at art installations like “Epiphany” by Nate Nettleton and “Look Up!” by Casey Watson, showcasing impressive visual artistry.
- Arts & Crafts: Get creative in the art studio at CHD Recreation Complex, courtesy of Recreation Pickering.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable moments at illuminated photo stations in Esplanade Park.
- Games and Inflatables: Enjoy street games on Valley Farm Rd. between Esplanade Park and CHD Recreation Complex and inflatable activities provided by OPG, adding fun and excitement for all ages.
When: November 24 and 25, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
6:00 pm – Tree Lighting & Fireworks (Nightly)
Where:
Esplanade Park & Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering
2. Santa Claus Parade – Route & Road Closures