Winter in Thunder Bay, Canada: Holiday Parades, Craft Fairs & Outdoor Adventures Await

Thunder Bay is widely regarded as one of Canada’s premier outdoor cities — but beyond its thrilling adventures and winter activities, the city also shines with festive holiday events and seasonal celebrations. From parades and family-friendly festivities to local craft fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re planning a trip to Thunder Bay for a winter adventure, why not pair it with some of the city’s beloved annual events, along with seasonally inspired drinks and local cuisine, to make your getaway truly unforgettable?

November in Thunder Bay is packed with festive fun and local charm! The month kicks off with the Santa Claus Parade on November 15, as festively decorated floats and community groups make their way down Memorial Avenue to the delight of residents and visitors celebrating the upcoming season. Theatre-goers can catch Chase the Ace at Magnus Theatre, Northwestern Ontario’s only professional theatre company, running until November 15. For those searching for a unique Thunder Bay gift, the Craft Revival on November 23 brings the Waterfront District to life with local artisans showcasing their creations throughout downtown businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. Visitors can browse an incredible variety of locally made products, from jewelry and clothing to food and art. Plus, Christmas craft fairs pop up most weekends across the city, offering even more opportunities to find that perfect handmade treasure.

December is filled with festive fun in Thunder Bay! The celebrations kick off on December 2 with the arrival of the CP Holiday Train, featuring live music by Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse at the Syndicate CP Station. On December 6, the city lights up for the annual Parade of Lights, as brightly lit and decorated transports, trucks, and vehicles make their way from Main Street to Memorial Avenue, bringing holiday cheer and supporting Special Olympics Thunder Bay, the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation, and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association. Families line Memorial Avenue and the Harbour Expressway to take in the sights and sounds of this beloved event. Theatre lovers can enjoy Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some) from December 4–20 at Magnus Theatre, while those looking to ring in the new year can celebrate at Fort William Historical Park’s annual New Year’s Eve Family Frolic, the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season!

Come the new year, visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting winter events, including the City of Thunder Bay’s Winter Fun Days. Every Sunday from January through March, families can take part in classic winter activities such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating with our local university hockey team, and fun arts and crafts. In February, the celebrations continue with Fort William Historical Park’s Voyageur Winter Carnival, featuring a tubing and sliding hill, snow maze, arts and crafts, and historical-themed games throughout the weekend. The month also brings the City of Thunder Bay’s annual Snow Day on Family Day, when families gather at Marina Park to enjoy live music, snow sculptures, ice fishing, and more, a perfect way to celebrate the beauty of winter in Thunder Bay!

Thunder Bay invites you to play outdoors as hard as you wish, then reward yourself with not only one of our renowned culinary experiences or an evening of live theatre or music, but also enjoy some of our annual events. To learn more about how to make your Thunder Bay getaway truly unforgettable, visit http://www.visitthunderbay.com.