What holiday events and activities are happening in Markham in 2026?Markham’s holiday season starts with the Markham Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 28, 2026, traditionally along Main Street Markham. Other highlights include holiday events on Main Street Markham and Main Street Unionville, outdoor skating at the Markham Civic Centre from December, The Nutcracker at Flato Markham Theatre around December 30 and 31, and the Toronto Zoo’s Glow in the Wild lantern walk until January 3, 2027. Diwali falls on November 8 and Hanukkah runs from the evening of December 4 to December 12. Check each organizer for times.
From late November to the new year, Markham’s historic main streets, community centres and malls fill with lights, music and family events. For newcomers, it is one of the best times to get to know the city’s neighbourhoods.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, often suggests that relocating families visit during the holidays, because the main streets show the character of each community at its liveliest.
Confirmed 2026 dates
| Event | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali | Sunday, November 8 | Celebrations across the city |
| Markham Santa Claus Parade | Saturday, November 28 (time and route to be announced) | Traditionally Main Street Markham |
| Hanukkah | Evening of December 4 to December 12 | Community celebrations |
| Markham Civic Centre outdoor rink | Opens in December, weather permitting | Markham Civic Centre |
| The Nutcracker, Ballet Jörgen | December 30 and 31 performances listed | Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd. |
| Glow in the Wild lantern walk | Thursday to Sunday until January 3, 2027 | Toronto Zoo, just south of Markham |
Confirm times and tickets with each organizer before you go.
Main Street Markham
Main Street Markham is the heart of the season. In 2025, the Festival of Lights on the Friday before the parade brought carolling, fireworks, a tree lighting, a fire show, skating and a Santa’s village, and the parade ran the next morning from Highway 7 to 16th Avenue. Watch for the 2026 schedule, and plan to arrive early for parking or take the GO train to Markham station. Nearby neighbourhoods include Markham Village, Wismer and Mount Joy.
Main Street Unionville
Unionville’s historic Main Street hosts a holiday celebration each December. In 2025, it included an ornament workshop at the Varley Art Gallery, a tree lighting at Crosby Arena and a free evening skate. Look for the 2026 date closer to the season. Afterward, the cafes and restaurants along Main Street make it an easy evening out. See Main Street Unionville vs. Main Street Markham.
Thinking about moving to Markham?
Michael John Lau can show you the neighbourhoods around Markham’s historic main streets and community hubs.
Book a neighbourhood tourSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Skating and outdoor fun
- Markham Civic Centre rink: the City expects to open it in December 2026; last season it ran from December 1 to March 9. Ice depends on overnight temperatures.
- Toronto Zoo Glow in the Wild: a 1.5 km walk with more than 2,000 lanterns, with tickets at $38 plus tax.
- Trails: winter walks along the Rouge Valley and Milne Dam paths.
Shopping close to home
- Main Street Markham and Main Street Unionville: independent shops and galleries for unique gifts.
- CF Markville: at Highway 7 and McCowan Road.
- Pacific Mall: at Kennedy Road and Steeles Avenue.
- Downtown Markham: shops and restaurants near the Flato Markham Theatre and Civic Centre.
Dining for the season
Markham’s food scene is one of its biggest draws, from Main Street patios turned cozy for winter to the Asian restaurants along Highway 7 and Kennedy Road. Book early for December weekends. For favourites by area, see Markham food culture.
Holidays by neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Nearby holiday highlights |
|---|---|
| Markham Village and Wismer | Main Street Markham festival, the Santa Claus Parade, Markham GO access |
| Unionville | Main Street celebration, Varley Art Gallery, Crosby Arena skating |
| Downtown Markham and Unionville South | Flato Markham Theatre, Civic Centre rink, Downtown Markham shops |
| Milliken and south Markham | Pacific Mall and a wide range of restaurants |
| Cornell and Box Grove | Easy access to the Toronto Zoo and Rouge trails |
Practical tips for the season
- Check the City’s collection calendar: when a holiday falls between Tuesday and Friday, garbage collection shifts to the next day.
- Remember winter parking rules and the $6 fee for each overnight street parking exemption if guests stay over.
- Book theatre and restaurant reservations early.
- Bring layers for outdoor events.
Ultimately, the best holiday plan is the one that fits your family. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you head out.
The holidays are one of the best times to see what makes each Markham neighbourhood feel like home. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Markham Santa Claus Parade in 2026?
Saturday, November 28, 2026. The City lists the time and route as to be announced; it traditionally runs on Main Street Markham.
When does the Markham Civic Centre outdoor rink open?
The City expects to open it in December 2026, depending on overnight temperatures. Last season it opened December 1.
Is The Nutcracker playing in Markham this year?
Ballet Jörgen's The Nutcracker has performances listed at Flato Markham Theatre on December 30 and 31, 2026.
When is Hanukkah in 2026?
From the evening of Friday, December 4 to the evening of Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Are there holiday lights near Markham?
The Toronto Zoo's Glow in the Wild lantern walk runs Thursday to Sunday until January 3, 2027.
Does garbage collection change over the holidays in Markham?
When a holiday falls between Tuesday and Friday, collection shifts to the following day. Check the City's calendar.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Parade and rink details are from the City of Markham. Nutcracker listings are from the City of Markham and ticket listings. Glow in the Wild details are from blogTO (September 2026). 2025 Main Street event details are from the Markham Review (November 21, 2025) and Curiocity (November 25, 2025). Holiday dates are from Farmers’ Almanac and Hindutone. Collection rules are from the City of Markham. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
