Festive Fun in Peterborough

Festive Fun & Holiday Events

If you’re looking for holiday cheer, complete with twinkling light, swags of greenery, and the warmth of community spirit, you’re in luck. Here’s a quick list:

Tree Lighting at Quaker City Square

Festive fun abounds at the Holiday Tree Lighting at Quaker City Square. This event offers fun for the whole family, including vendors, skating (weather dependent), and holiday cheer. This event will take place on Friday, December 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.) 

Peterborough Santa Claus Parade

Peterborough’s Santa Claus parade is an evening parade – complete with lit up floats, music, and of course a visit from the man in red himself.

This year the 50th Annual Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 5:15 p.m. The theme is “50s on the 50th”.

The route runs along George Street heading south from City Hall (500 George Street North) to Morrow Park (George and Lansdowne Streets).

You can also catch up with Santa for photos with kids, pets and more at Lansdowne Place from Saturday, November 22 until Christmas Eve.

First Friday Holiday Night Market

The crew behind First Friday Art Crawl, in collaboration with The Neighbourhood Vintage, is kicking it up a notch for the festive season. Head down to the Bankers Common Courtyard, down the alley beside 383 Water Street, Peterborough and discover a winter wonderland of wares, tastes and sounds ready for enjoyment.

The First Friday Peterborough annual holiday market takes place on December 5, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In From The Cold and Other Festive Fun at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

A uniquely Peterborough show – In From The Cold brings to the stage an eclectic mix of holiday songs that span hundreds of years and across the globe. Now in its 26th year, this performance raises funds for the Youth Emergency Shelter. This year, performances will take place on December 5 & 6, in line with many other festivities in downtown Peterborough.

In From the Cold - December 5 & 6, 2025 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

For tickets and details on this and other shows, visit Market Hall Performing Arts Centre’s website.

Peterborough Symphony Orchestra

A mid-size city with its own orchestra speaks volumes to Peterborough's cultural offering. The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra has a reputation as one of the finest community-based orchestras in the country. Come out to enjoy a beautiful Christmas moment as the PSO is accompanied by with the charming Québecois vocal quartet, Quartom. This concert takes place on December 6 and tickets are available.

A Celtic Family Christmas…PARTY! And other Holiday Events at Showplace Performance Centre

An annual tradition where talent that is both homegrown and nationally-acclaimed take the stage. Join Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy as they guide the audience through a lively exploration of the festive season.

A Celtic Family Christmas will take place on Saturday, December 20 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This is just one of the great performances hitting the stage at Showplace over the holidays, head over to the Showplace Performance Centre website to see all of the details.

Learn more about other festive happenings on our Calendar of Events.