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Celebrate the season with TOA’s Holiday Happenings 2026
Discover festive events, initiatives and ways to come together this holiday season!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and the Town of Ajax is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to join in the festivities! Beginning November 13, enjoy a variety of town-run and community run, seasonal events and initiatives offering plenty of ways to celebrate, connect and give back. Check out TOA’s Holiday Happenings and discover what’s happening throughout the season!

How to participate:

  • Mayor & Council Toy & Food Drive: The annual Mayor & Council Toy & Food Drive is accepting donations from November 13 – December 4 and is an opportunity for residents, businesses and community groups to give back. All donations will support local Ajax charities and families in need. For more details, visit ajax.ca/Drive.
  • Wrap it Forward Council Pop-up Events: To support the Mayor and Council Toy & Food Drive, TOA is bringing back three pop-up events called “Wrap it Forward.” Ward councillors and professional wrappers will wrap a gift in exchange for a toy or non-perishable food donation. Residents, businesses and community groups are welcome to stop by to participate on Tuesday, December 1 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Centre, main entrance, Wednesday, December 2 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Audley Recreation Centre, main entrance, and Thursday, December 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Ajax Community Centre, main entrance. Learn more at ajax.ca/Drive.
  • Santa’s Spectacle of Lights – TOA Santa Claus Parade: Join us Saturday, November 28 starting at 6 p.m.! The parade will begin at the intersection of Bayly St. and Mackenzie Ave., proceeding east along Bayly St. and continue north on Harwood Ave. S., concluding at Ajax Town Hall (Harwood Ave. and Achillies Rd.). Participate in a family-friendly evening of fun and entertainment with music, festive floats, and immediately following the parade, gather around for a special tree lighting ceremony and after parade festivities at Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.) and the Ajax Public Library – Main Branch! No registration is required. Also, bring your donations for the Mayor & Council Toy & Food Drive. A donation bin will be located near the Heritage Square doors at Town Hall. Visit ajax.ca/SantaParade for more details.
  • Giving Tuesday: As part of the spirit of Giving Tuesday on December 1, participate in the Mayor & Council Toy & Food Drive by dropping off donations at one of our five convenient locations. Learn about drop-off locations and more at ajax.ca/Drive.
  • A Very Merry Magic Show: Back by popular demand, both BenTastic and Magic Mel return to the Ajax Centre for the Arts combining their amazing magical talents in one fast-paced, upbeat and highly interactive live magic show for the whole family. Don’t miss this feel-good adventure that stays with you long after the final moments of magic onstage. There will be two showings available on Saturday, December 5 at the Ajax Centre for the Arts (78 Church Street South) – one at 11 a.m. and one at 2 p.m.! Visit ajax.ca/CFA for tickets and to learn more.
  • Our Light Winter Gathering – Indigenous Pop-Up Market: Hosted by the Indigenous Craft Circle, take part in an opportunity to attend an Indigenous Pop-Up Market before the holidays! Celebrate indigenous art, culture, community and connection on Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Audley Recreation Centre, Community Halls (1955 Audley Road North, Ajax). Learn more about the event here.
  • Chanukah Menorah Lighting: Hosted by Chabad Durham Region, join the community for a Menorah Lighting on Thursday, December 10 at 6 p.m. at Pat Bayly Square (55 Bayly Street West, Ajax). Please note that this is an outdoor event. For more details, visit jewishdurham.com/ajax.
  • Christmas Family Storytime: Enjoy crafts, stories and other fun activities about the importance of Christmas with the Ajax Public Library on Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Main Branch! This event is great for all ages and presented in partnership with St. Francis de Sales Women’s League. Learn more about the event.
  • Bublé Christmas starring Jay Davis: Canadian Musical Theatre star, Jay Davis (Mirvish/West End), ushers in the holiday season with an incredible tribute show that authentically captures the essence of Michael Bublé’s performances. Don’t miss this fantastic holiday experience full of charm, warmth and unforgettable music on Saturday, December 12 from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Ajax Centre for the Arts (78 Church Street South). Visit ajax.ca/CFA for tickets and to learn more.
  • Family New Year’s Eve Party: Join us to ring in the New Year on Wednesday, December 31 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Ajax Community Centre (75 Centennial Rd.), for a fantastic event for the whole family. This free event features arts and crafts, interactive activities, ice skating with a live DJ (helmets recommended for all, mandatory for 12 yrs. and under), live entertainment and more. Party favours are included as participants gather on the ice rink for a special countdown and balloon drop at 8 p.m. Visit ajax.ca/NYE for more details.
  • Give the gift of experience this holiday season: Give the gift of experience this holiday season with a Recreation and Culture gift certificate! Gift certificates can be used toward programs and services including fitness memberships and programs, tickets to performances at the Ajax Centre for the Arts, recreation programs, camps, registered and drop-in programs and lessons, facility rentals and more! Buy your gift certificate today by visiting any community recreation centre or purchasing online.
  • Winter Break Activities: School’s out soon. Are you ready? Keep your kids active and smiling during the winter break! Explore Winter Camp Days, Workshops, Youth Spaces, Swimming, Skating and more to make this holiday one to remember. Learn more at ajax.ca/WinterBreak.
  • New Year’s Levee: Kick off the new year with Ajax Council at a special New Year’s Levee! Stay tuned for updates on this event at ajax.ca/HolidayHappenings!

 

QUICK FACTS

 

  • The annual Mayor & Council Holiday Toy & Food Drive runs from November 13 – December 4. For drop-off locations, items most in need and the benefiting charities, visit ajax.ca/Drive. Donations will also be accepted during the Ajax Santa Claus Parade, Giving Tuesday and Council’s Wrap it Forward pop-up events.
  • From November 13 – December 4, participate in Toys for Tickets, as parking tickets in the Town of Ajax will have a new payment option of donating a new children’s toy of at least 90%, equal to or more than the amount owing on the ticket. Stop by Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.) from Monday – Friday at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to participate in Toys for Tickets! All tickets must be eligible for payment. For more information and campaign guidelines, visit ajax.ca/Drive.
  • Join us at this year’s Family New Year’s Eve Party. This free event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ajax Community Centre, no registration is required. Please note, helmets are highly recommended on the ice and there is only one entrance into the event (Pad 4 entrance). Admission is on a first come, first served basis. There is no re-admission once you leave. Visit ajax.ca/NYE for more details.

 

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