Kick off the holiday season next weekend in Woodstock!

The City of Woodstock is celebrating the holiday season with an exciting line-up of special events, activities and programs in November and December.

The festive fun begins on Friday, Nov. 20 with the Lighting of Museum Square from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., followed by the Santa Claus Parade and CPKC Holiday Train on Saturday, Nov. 21.

This year, the Santa Claus Parade will be starting an hour earlier at 5 p.m. to accommodate the Holiday Train, which will roll into town at 6:50 p.m.

“It’s going to be a busy weekend with plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, ring in the holiday the season and enjoy everything our community has to offer,” said Kristen Brodhagen, Manager of Special Events.

“As we approach the end of the year, these events are also one last opportunity to celebrate Woodstock’s 125th anniversary. Our theme for the parade is Home for the Holidays: 125 Years of Woodstock.”

Woodstock Transit will be offering free service after 3 p.m. on Nov. 21 to make it easier for residents to enjoy Saturday’s events and help reduce traffic. Following the CPKC Holiday Train, free shuttle buses will also be available to transport passengers from the train stop to the downtown transit terminal.

More information about the Lighting of Museum Square, Santa Claus Parade and CPKC Holiday Train can be found at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/specialevents.

Winter Lights Market

In addition to these longstanding community events, the City is also hosting a new temporary indoor holiday market at 478-484 Dundas St.

The Winter Lights Market will feature local vendors, live entertainment, activities from the Woodstock Art Gallery and Woodstock Museum, and festive fun with the Downtown Woodstock BIA.

The market will be open Nov. 20 – 21, Dec. 10 – 12 and Dec. 17 – 19. For the full market schedule, performers and list of vendors, visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/winterlights.

Other Holiday Events and Programs

Woodstock Museum Grinch Escape Room

Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 19
Woodstock Museum NHS, 466 Dundas St.

Can you save Christmas and bring holiday cheer to Whoville? Grab a group friends and work as a team to find hidden clues, solve puzzles and escape before time runs out! One hour time slots are available from 4 – 9 p.m. The cost is $20 per person for groups of 4 to 6 people (ages 14+). Book your time slot at www.woodstockmuseum.ca/escape.

Christmas Decoration Exchange

Saturday, Nov. 28 | 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Goff Gymnasium (Reeves Community Complex, 381 Finkle St.)

Deck your halls with a selection of free, gently used donations! Items go quickly, so we encourage you to come early. Donations can be dropped off Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 from 5 – 7p.m. at Goff Gymnasium.

Santa Swim

Saturday, Nov. 28 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Southside Aquatic Centre, 315 Finkle St.

Join Santa for a special holiday recreational swim! The cost to attend is $5 per person (free for children under 1). Participants can register in advance online.

Tour of Lights

Sunday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 20 | 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Transit Terminal, 623 Dundas St.

We’re excited to bring back the Tour of Lights, hosted by Woodstock Transit! Guests will board a City bus and enjoy a tour of some of the spectacular holiday light displays around the city. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, December 1 at 10 a.m. for $3 each. Proceeds go towards the United Way. Non-perishable food donations will also be collected for the Salvation Army

Holiday Kids Nights

Friday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cowan Park Sportsplex, 895 Ridgewood Dr.

Join Cowan Park Sportsplex for holiday crafts and pizza for children ages 6 to 12. The cost to attend is $25.50 per night. Registration is required. Register online at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/recreation.