The holiday season is just around the corner, and Thunder Bay is alive with celebrations. From craft shows to musicals, potters to parades, there are so many things to do in this most magical time of year.
“The best thing about the holiday season is being able to spend time with friends and family, shopping local and supporting our community,” says Goods & Co. founder Maelyn Hurley. “The Holiday Craft Revival is a perfect fit, featuring handmade and local products made in Northwestern Ontario. It takes place in 18+ locations across the Waterfront District and the Marina, and includes 200+ vendors, live music, and entertainment! During Covid we included an online component to the event to make local shopping that much more convenient and inclusive for all, but this 2022 holiday season, we’re excited to offer in-person and online shopping again for everyone’s level of shopping comfort!”
“Prelude to Christmas is a traditional holiday concert that has been performed each year since 1952,” says Pat Gallagher, VP of the Fort William Male Choir. “We weren’t able to present our Christmas show in 2020, and we were allowed a smaller, COVID compliant show in 2021, but we’re extremely excited to be able to present this year’s show without any COVID restrictions. Prelude to Christmas kicks off the holiday season with wonderful visual and musical impressions and the richness of
male 4-part harmony.”
“During the pandemic, our workshops were offered via zoom,” says Laurie Sandham, St. Paul’s Anglican Church Children & Family Ministries Coordinator, of their History of Santa Claus workshop this December. “So, we’re excited to be able to gather again in community. Workshops are so much more personal when it is done face to face. Also, we can’t offer coffee and cookies online!”
And we all know how Santa loves his cookies. With so many seasonal events back on the calendar, it’s finally beginning to look like Christmas!
November 19 - Thunder Bay Potters Guild Christmas Sale: Many local potters at this live event, Goods & Co Market, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
November 19 – 20 Creekside’s Local Artisan Market Holiday Season: Two unique days of a weekend shopping event with 40 different artisans at each. At Creekside Nursery on Woodcrest Road, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
November 27 - The Holiday Craft Revival: This holiday season, prepare to shop and dine while keeping it local! Find one-of-a-kind items from over 200 local small businesses. Multiple venues, Waterfront District 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
November 27 - Countdown to Christmas: With dozens of artists, vendors and crafters, you’ll definitely get all Christmas shopping done early. DaVinci Centre, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
December 1 - 18 - Willow Springs Creative Centre Christmas Market: a local non-profit organization presents local handcrafted items that make ideal local gifts, WSCC Mapleward Rd, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
December 2 - West Thunder Christmas Craft Sale: Over 40 tables of great crafts and food and even a visit from Santa himself! West Thunder Community Centre, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
December 9 – 10 Prelude to Christmas: Join the Fort William Male Choir as they ring in the Holiday Season with the richness of 4-part male harmony, as they sing some of your favourite Christmas Season music. Hilldale Lutheran Church, December 9 - 7:30 pm; December 10 - 1:30 pm
December 10 - The History of Santa Claus: A fascinating workshop that will delve into the history of “Santa” and how he came to be the legend he is. Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
December 10 - Thunder Bay Parade of Lights: Brought to you by the TBPA and TBaytel, a wonderous caravan of twinkling trucks light up some of the busiest streets in the city, starting at 7:00 pm.
December 13 - The Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays, Join one of Canada’s most iconic bands as they celebrate the season in typical ‘barenaked’ style. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 7:30 pm.
December 17 - TBSO Pops 2: Bringing together numerous community groups to perform alongside our TBSO, we are thrilled to feature classic holiday music, popular seasonal favourites, and everything you need to get you in the spirit of the season. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 7:00 pm
