It’s that time – the holiday season is upon us! There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the magic of the season here in Grey County. Check out our growing list of community parades, holiday markets, outdoor light festivals, and more!
Holiday Festivals and Events:
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain - Saturday, November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Step into a world where every street sparkles with twinkling lights, every building is wrapped in holiday bows, and the air is filled with festive tunes and jolly jingles. Enjoy merry holiday entertainment, Santa sightings, an illuminated winter trail, cozy dining experiences, and various festive shops offering unique gift ideas. All set against the breathtaking natural beauty of a snow-covered mountainscape. Blue Mountain Village is where holiday magic is made; come and create your magical moments with us, whether for a day or your holiday getaway.
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights - Saturday, November 18, 2023 until January 7, 2024
Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the winter season each evening from 5pm to 10pm, as nearly 400 displays and 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.
Holiday Magic in Owen Sound's River District - Saturday, November 18, 2023
Join the River District for an evening of shopping, food and entertainment leading up to the Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade at 5 p.m. Stay with us after the Parade over at the Farmers' Market for the kick off of the Festival of Northern Lights!
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights Opening Celebration - Saturday, November 18, 2023
Dancing, music, hot chocolate, cookies, pictures with Santa and the lighting of the lights! The fun starts at 6:00pm at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.
Christmas on the Bay, Meaford - Thursday, November 30 - Sunday, December 3, 2023
Christmas On The Bay is a traditional outdoor European-style Christmas Market… but with a twist . Just like the very best outdoor Christmas markets, Christmas On the Bay provides all the festive lights, sounds, entertainment, smells, experiences, and ambiance you would expect to put you into the perfect festive spirit. Among the wooden kiosks you will find we have assembled the labours of love of Meaford and South Georgian Bay’s finest artisans, offering you an inspiring selection of locally produced and crafted foods, beverages, and wares just in time for Christmas.
Moreston by Candlelight at Grey Roots - Saturday, December 2 & Saturday December 9, 2023
We've decked the halls in Moreston Heritage Village and are thrilled to again welcome friends and families to our beloved holiday tradition. Festivities include: horse drawn wagon rides, live music featuring Moreston by Candlelight favourites, delicious hot apple cider (bring a reusable mug!), holiday cookies, Village buildings are decorated and open to explore, all galleries are open in the Museum - including Game Changers!, and REACH Café offers soup, hot chocolate & treats for sale in support of a great cause.
Christkindl Market - Friday, December 8 & Saturday, December 9, 2023
Get in the Christmas Spirit at the Christkindl Market presented by Symphony in the Barn and the Friends of Glencolton Farm and Saugeen Academy. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a European Christmas with traditional European food and baking, local artisans and vendors. Plus, meet the barnyard animals, children's activities and great entertainment.
Holiday Parades:
78th Owen Sound Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 5:00pm
This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland. The parade will proceed south along 2nd Avenue East to 8th Street East and then east to 3rd Avenue East and then north on 3rd Avenue East then to 9th Street and 3rd Avenue East. Santa will finish the parade and proceed to Owen Sound’s City Hall front entrance where he and his elves will greet the children!
Markdale Santa Claus Parade - Friday, November 24, 2023 at 6:00pm
Holidays in the Highlands takes place in Markdale on Friday night with moonlight madness (stores open late!), tree lighting ceremony and the Santa Claus parade at 6pm.
Durham Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 12:30pm
The Durham Firefighters Association is proud to present a “Christmas Toy Land” parade.
Dundalk Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 6:00pm
Proudly presented by the Dundalk & District Chamber of Commerce.
Town of Hanover Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:00pm
The Hanover Rotary Club is proud to present the 2024 parade themed "Red, White and Green.” You can view the parade along 10th Street. There will be wagon rides and Santa's Grotto from 12:00 - 2:00pm in Heritage Square.
Meaford Kinsmen Club Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 5:15pm
The Kinsmen Club of Meaford is excited to host their annual Santa Claus Parade. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast at Feversham Hall; admission all by donation. Come hungry and leave satisfied! Then, join in the magic of the season and watch the Santa Claus Parade spread holiday cheer throughout the community. The parade starts at the Feversham Hall and loops through the village. After the parade, head back to the hall for some tasty hotdogs and a special visit with Santa himself! Don't forget your wish list!
Neustadt Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting - Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Parade starts and wanders through the village of Neustadt, followed by a community tree lighting.
Holstein Non-Motorized Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1:00pm
Parade will start at The Holstein Depot and end at Egremont Community School. After the parade there will be a meet and greet with Santa at the Egremont Optimist building, beside the school.
Continue making this non-motorized parade a family tradition! Join Santa at the arena for hot dogs and a goodie bag after the parade. Please bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank.
Chatsworth Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:30am
The Chatsworth Agricultural Society invites you to join them for the Santa Claus parade starting at 10:30am. This year’s parade theme is “Christmas Critters.”
