'Tis the season of gathering with loved ones, spreading gratitude and cheer with those we choose to go through this life alongside. The slower pace of the winter days always encourages me to get closer to nature, to breathe more deeply, and to touch the trees as much as I can. With the Winter Solstice coming up, it’s that time of year when we come together and show gratitude.
But there is no need to break the bank. On Sunday, December 1, the YWCA Durham (33 Mcgrigor Street) is having a free in-person Robotics Workshop for kids (ages 7-14). From their event page, they boast, “Following the tremendous success of our prior event and the overwhelming response from parents, Moonpreneur is delighted to announce that we are once again hosting this workshop. Our aim is to introduce children aged 7-14 to the world of robotics in a hands-on, engaging manner, ensuring a fun-filled educational experience.” The workshop invites parents and children to hang out for the one-and-a-half-hour activity, where participants will learn about coding and the world of robots. Be sure to sign up for the timeslot you need, as workshops will be divided by age group.
Parkwood Estate is always up to something fun! Their events sell out quickly, so this time of year, it is highly recommended that you book an outing in advance. This year, Parkwood Estates is hosting Grinch Story Reading, Christmas Tours, Ornament Making, and Gingerbread House Decorating. With dates all throughout December, the historic grounds are a beautiful backdrop for pictures and memories. Visit their events calendar to see when you can get in for a paint night, a glam makeup demonstration, or wreath making!
Then, on Saturday, December 7, pop over to the Optimist Club of Oshawa (475 Salisbury Street) for Breakfast with Santa. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be pancakes, pastries, hot chocolate, games, and door prizes. Tickets are $11.98, and kids 2 and under eat free. What a beautiful way to get into the holiday spirit, support the local community, meet new people, and have a hearty breakfast on a winter’s day.
Being with the community is always a welcome comfort. Join the rest of the fans on Friday, December 13, as the Oshawa Generals take on the North Bay Battalion at The Tribute Communities Centre (99 Athol Street East). Enjoy the hockey game with friends you are hosting from out of town, or invite friends who have never been to a game before. Supporting the home team is a great way to kick off the season of cheer!
For those of us who don’t have kids and would like to meet new people, BOND ST Events Centre (44 Bond Street) is having a Jingle N’ Mingle on December 14 and 15. With pop-up booths from local vendors, this event is the perfect opportunity to get some truly unique gifts for those on our lists. The all-ages market will also have live music. As a newcomer on the Oshawa market scene, let’s show up to support BOND ST. The staff are always warm and welcoming, and the space is perfect for a cozy drink or a tasty treat. Hopefully, we can make this event a success and have more of them in the years to come!
After exploring the Jingle N' Mingle, make your way across the street to the Avanti parking lot at King and Celina Streets to check out the North Pole Stage, where there will be live festive entertainment, free hot chocolate and cookies, and other surprises, which are all part of Oshawa Tourism's inaugural Oshawa Holiday Shop Local Event!
Oshawa’s Regent Theatre has year-round events that keep us locals entertained. On Friday, December 27, come one, come all to O Christmas Tea, a comedy from James and Jamesy. Promoted as perfect for fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, Dr. Seuss, and British comedy more generally, this production is sure to delight. As the website expresses, “Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive show reminiscent of classic British pantos. Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun. Yet, it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.” With a 5-star review from the CBC and a second date added by popular demand, Oshawa is very lucky to have such talents grace our stage. It brings folks from near and far together to see the show in the lull between Christmas and the new year.
The Biltmore (39 King Street East) also has loads of fun this time of year for those of us who love music. Check out everything they have going on this month, including candlelight concerts, the annual Concert to Feed the Need, Mistletoe and Mischief, or dance parties featuring the tunes of Charlie XCX. On New Year’s Eve, the Biltmore is hosting Professors of Funk, a 9-piece R&B, soul and funk band. There is no better way to ring in the new year than to dance with friends, have a toast, and be in the good vibes of good tunes.
Oshawa is full of beautiful parks and paths that we can visit in order to center ourselves and get away from the hustle and bustle of last-minute shoppers. For some zen, check out the Harmony Valley Conservation Area, Cedar Valley Park Conservation Area, or the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Be sure to pack plenty of seeds and berries enjoyed by winter birds. Perhaps leave a pinecone feeder to help them stay nourished.
Whether we use our time off to jam-pack our social calendar, do some cute marketplace shopping with our honey, or just go for a nature walk by ourselves, December in Oshawa is truly beautiful and uplifting. I hope everyone finds joy this holiday season!
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