Ring in the Holidays in Thunder Bay!
The holiday season is almost here, and Thunder Bay is ready to celebrate! Whether you're searching for the perfect holiday market, a festive Christmas parade, dazzling light displays, or live theatre and entertainment, Thunder Bay has something for everyone! Throughout November and December, the city comes alive with festive events, holiday celebrations, and beautifully decorated homes that are sure to leave you feeling the magic of the season. From family-friendly activities to memorable nights out, there's no shortage of ways to get into the holiday spirit.
The holiday market season kicks off November 6–8 with Canada’s Largest Indigenous Christmas Market at the CLE Colliseum Building and the Country Christmas Craft Fair at Vanderwees Garden Gallery. The festive shopping continues with Artisans Northwest’s 51st Art and Fine Craft Show on November 14 and 15 at the Superior Inn, along with the Holiday Market at the Moose. On November 22, the Waterfront District comes alive with the annual Craft Revival, as local artisans and entertainers fill businesses throughout the district with creativity and holiday cheer. Throughout November and December, local halls, community centres, hotels, and businesses also host a variety of holiday markets, offering plenty of opportunities to discover unique, handcrafted gifts and support local artisans. Looking for more holiday markets? Visit our events calendar at https://www.visitthunderbay.com/events/ to discover what's happening throughout Thunder Bay this holiday season.
As the holiday season approaches, so do Thunder Bay’s beloved annual celebrations! The festivities kick off on November 21 with the annual Rotary Santa Claus Parade, where families and friends line Memorial Avenue to watch beautifully decorated floats created by local clubs, businesses, and organizations make their way along the parade route. On December 5, Memorial Avenue lights up once again for the annual Parade of Lights, featuring brightly illuminated transport trucks, Jeeps, and other vehicles spreading holiday cheer while supporting four local charities. To wrap up the season, Fort William Historical Park will ring in the New Year a little early on December 31 with its annual New Year’s Eve Family Frolic, offering a fun-filled celebration for the whole family!
If live music or theatre is your idea of a perfect night out, Thunder Bay won't disappoint! From December 10–20, Magnus Theatre celebrates the holiday season with A Christmas Carol Comedy, a hilarious two-person twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, that’s sure to entertain audiences. For those looking for more live entertainment, The Auditorium will host the Thunder Bay Community Nutcracker and Frost – A Cirque Holiday Extravaganza, offering festive performances filled with music, dance, and excitement. You can also enjoy the enchanting sounds of Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Adele at St. Paul’s United Church. With so many performances to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a memorable night out this holiday season!
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than grabbing a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and heading out to enjoy the twinkling lights of beautifully decorated homes and businesses throughout Thunder Bay! Each year, Tourism Thunder Bay puts together a festive holiday lights tour featuring dazzling displays that are sure to impress visitors of all ages. Available through the Driftscape Tour App, the tour makes it easy to explore the city and discover some of its most spectacular holiday displays. Simply download the app to your mobile device, gather your family or friends, and set off on a magical holiday adventure! Beyond the holiday lights, the app also features tours highlighting Thunder Bay’s art, history, heritage, and more. For more information about the app and available tours, visit https://www.visitthunderbay.com/plan-your-trip/itineraries-tours/.
Ready to experience the magic of the holiday season in Thunder Bay? For more information on festive events, attractions, and things to see and do, visit https://www.visitthunderbay.com or call the Terry Fox Information Centre at 1-800-667-8386, where our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you plan your visit and make the most of your holiday experience in Thunder Bay!
Photo Credit: Tourism Thunder Bay
