Oshawa, Durham’s largest city, kicks off its holiday season downtown with a market, a tree lighting and one of the GTA’s best evening parades.
Bright and Merry Market and tree lighting
Downtown Oshawa’s free Bright and Merry Market brings a traditional tree lighting, a holiday market, carollers, buskers and live entertainment, Santa in his igloo, festive lights and a hop-on, hop-off trolley around downtown. It’s usually held in mid-November, just before the parade. Watch the City of Oshawa for 2026 details.
Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Oshawa’s evening parade lights up Bond Street West downtown with illuminated floats, usually on a Saturday evening in mid-November. Durham parades
CPKC Holiday Train
Sunday, November 29, 2026 · 3:15 – 3:45 p.m. · 680 Laval Drive (behind Walmart)
A free concert from the lit-up holiday train. Bring a food bank donation. CPKC Holiday Train
Other holiday fun
- Oshawa Centre for Santa and shopping
- Outdoor skating at city rinks
- Cut-your-own trees at Prestonvale Tree Farms just east in Courtice. Christmas tree farms
About Oshawa
Oshawa is Durham Region’s largest city, on Lake Ontario about an hour east of downtown Toronto. Long known as the home of General Motors Canada, it has a downtown with historic buildings, a university and college community, and parks and waterfront along Lake Ontario. At Christmas, its downtown comes alive with the Bright and Merry Market, the tree lighting and the evening Parade of Lights.
More holiday fun in Oshawa
- Visit Parkwood Estate, the former home of General Motors of Canada founder R.S. McLaughlin, a National Historic Site that has hosted holiday tours and decorations. Check its 2026 schedule.
- Explore the Canadian Automotive Museum downtown, a fun stop for car lovers.
- Skate at the downtown rink or local outdoor rinks, weather permitting.
- Walk the Oshawa waterfront at Lakeview Park.
- Shop at the Oshawa Centre, one of Durham’s largest malls, with Santa visits. Santa photos near Toronto
- Catch a Generals hockey game for a festive night out.
An Oshawa Christmas day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Parkwood Estate’s holiday decorations (if open) |
| Late afternoon | Downtown Oshawa shops and cafés |
| Evening | The Bright and Merry Market and tree lighting, or the Parade of Lights on its date |
Getting there tips
The GO Lakeshore East line runs to Oshawa station, with bus connections downtown. By car, it’s about an hour via Highway 401 or the 407. On parade night, arrive early and expect road closures downtown.
Oshawa Christmas events: FAQ
Is the Oshawa Santa Claus Parade at night? Yes, it’s an evening Parade of Lights with illuminated floats.
Is the Bright and Merry Market free? Yes, it’s free to attend.
More: Durham Santa Claus parades · Christmas in Durham Region
Getting there
Oshawa GO station is the end of the Lakeshore East line, about an hour from Union Station. By car, take Highway 401 or 407 east.
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