We’re in the throes of fall, people! Halloween is over, pumpkin spice is still everywhere. Some of us are gearing up for the festive season – others are in full denial and refusing to pack away the flip flops. Either way, South Eastern Ontario has some exciting events coming up this month to ease you into late fall! Between delicious food, wellness, lights and lots of handmade delights, there’s a happy place full of anticipation for good things to come. Exhale and enjoy November in South Eastern Ontario with these 40 activities!
1.Belleville Festival of Lights
What better way to kick off the season than at the waterfront Festival of Lights in Downtown Belleville? This massive lights display is sure to lighten the spirits with sounds, movements, and sparkling lights rom mid-November into the New Year. Taking place in Jane Forrester Park, the Belleville Festival of Lights is a must-do for all ages.
2. Wellness Retreat at Black Bear Ridge
Take some time to centre before the holiday rush! Doesn’t this sound inviting: private wine tasting, morning mindfulness, outdoor exploration, spa services brought to you, holistic farm-to-table menu , yoga and a luxurious place to relax and rest your head? Sign us up – stat! Set for two weekends, Nov. 3 to 5 and again Nov. 17 to 19 at Corbeyville’s Black Bear Ridge, everything is taken care of here with weekend or day experience packages available.
Shop it all this fall – under one roof! Fifteen Quinte West merchants are coming together on Nov. 4 and 5 at Trenton High School at 15 Fourth Ave., Trenton for a huge fall sale. Cross some things off of your holiday shopping list on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Community Partners for Success will also be attending and food or toiletry donations would be appreciated to assist their many clients. Free admission!
It’s a little slice of culinary heaven: three weeks of prix fixe dining, savouring the unparalleled foodie landscape of Prince Edward County! Nosh on locally produced farm-to-table fare during Countylicious running from Nov. 3 to Nov. 19, 2023 and discover 19 County eateries highlighting top local chefs for lunch and dinner at great prices. Plan ahead to make it a full experience with accommodations, cooking classes at The Waring House or even taking part in a tour through Sandbanks Vacations!
5. Wassail
Toast to the vines! Wassail in Prince Edward County celebrates the grape harvest and putting the vines to bed for winter. Download the Wassail passport and join the participating wineries for special offerings over three weekends: November 18-19, November 25-26, and December 2-3. Looks for mulled wines, comfort foods, carolling and the perfect vintages for the holidays. Looking for more? Make it a feast for the senses and discover unique County art. Meet artisans on the arts trail and through studio tours!
6. Amherstview Santa Claus Parade
It’s that time of year again! Rediscover the magic of the holidays at the Amherstview Lions Club Santa Claus Parade. The jolly old elf himself swing into Amherstview on Sunday, November 5 starting at 1 p.m. Join in the fun and watch the festive floats and bands stroll by. It’s the 42 annual Santa Claus parade in Amherstview – kick start your holiday season!
7. Bath Artisans Get Ready for Christmas Show and Sale
Looking for unique gifts or maybe something special for your own stocking? The Bath Artisans have you covered. Discover artist-made cards, fabric sculpture, glass art, pottery, watercolours, acrylic oil, alcohol ink, fabric wall art, wooden creations, jewellery and even bowls and more from more than 20 local artisans. Taking place at St. John’s Community Hall in Bath, on Nov. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – no entry fee!
This cherished community event in Loyalist Township is celebrating 21 years on Saturday, November 25, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. by returning to its roots. The afternoon will include hayrides, carolling, a theatre performance, ornament making, holiday helper visits – and cookies and hot chocolate, of course! Trees will be lit for the first time at the event and then lit nightly until the beginning of February. Loyalist Township has also set up Community Holiday Trees at heritage locations and is encouraging schools, families and organizations to make decorations to add to the trees. Ornament supply kits are available to get your creativity flowing!
9. Live Music at Hotel Wolfe Island
November may be getting colder, but the music scene is heating up at Hotel Wolfe Island! From Slocan Ramblers to Ace of Wands to Grievous Angels, there’s even an Old School Camp Bluegrass Intensive planned on Nov 4 and 5 with workshops, instrument classes and camper open mics. Find what moves you this month.
10. Maple Ridge Farm Wreath Making Workshops
These have become an annual tradition! No experience of talent needed, the fine folks at Maple Ridge Farm will guide you through the carefully crafted process of making a stunning hand-tied wreath so you can decorate with nature this holiday season. Stay tuned for dates and upcoming workshops!
11. Storrington Lions Club Community Christmas Sale
Come one, come all! Find deals at the popular Christmas sale at Storrington Lions Club Hall, Inverary on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Warm lunch for sale, free parking. Feel merry and bright!
12. Women’s Soccer National Championships
Witness the thrill of women’s competitive soccer! Queen’s University is hosting the Women’s Soccer National Championships at Richardson Stadium November 9 to 12. Come see them put it in the back of the net!
Enter your 80s era! Known as the newest, queerest and throwbackiest dance party to hit Kingston, the Eras Queer Dance Party is ready to dance the night away at Something in the Water Brewery. Featuring dance music, a few drag numbers by hostess, Rowena Whey, and special guest ProbleMatthew. Free entry until 9 p.m. then $5 at the door.
It’s that time of year again – sauna season! While others are feeling the holiday hectic, why not be stress free and experience a guided thermal cycle? Alternating between custom-made saunas and relaxing around a fire pit with friends to cool off (or cold plunging!), Stoked Saunas at the Frontenac Club promise to help you unwind and ready to tackle the holiday rush. Sessions are booking now from Thursday to Sunday. Psst! Gift cards are available, too!
15. Paint and Pints at Daft Brewing
Sip and paint! The popular Paint and Pints event at Daft Brewing is ready to for creativity and savouring some great brews. Celebrate happy hour in a unique way and make life colourful on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets include instruction, all necessary art supplies, and a drink from Daft Brewing – reserve in advance.
In Kingston for the epic football event that is the Vanier Cup? Make a weekend of it! From Friday, November 24 to Sunday, Nov.26 there are amazing accommodations in Kingston which have Vanier Cup packages available! From waterfront hotels to charming inns, all special packages include two premium gold-seat Vanier Cup tickets so you can cheer on your team in style. Did you know? The championship on Nov. 25 will be the first Vanier Cup game played in Kingston! Talk about a real touchdown.
Be captivated by the ultimate tribute to the music of the James Bond films! With a 13-piece show band, Rebecca Noelle and Michael Hanna Sr. on vocals, a powerhouse horn section, driving rhythms section and elegant strings, audiences are enthralled from “Thunderball” to “Skywall”. Staging at Kingston’s Grand Theatre on Nov. 8 it’s sure to be a time of mystery and delight.
18. Le Centre Culturel Frontenac Presents: Ferline Regis
Finalist of the hit show La Voix (The Voice), Haitian-Canadian Ferline Regis is a songwriter, producer and singing teacher – and will be performing at The Tett! Regis brings her pop soul music to the Tett to mark National Francophone Immigration Week, in partnership with Le Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone de l’Est de l’Ontario. She performed at The National Arts Center (NAC), Parliament of Canada, CBC Canada, Ottawa Bluesfest, Canada Day and la Fête nationale du Québec – now is your chance to see Regis in Kingston on Nov. 8, 2023 at 7 p.m.
19. Half Moon Run
Montreal’s Half Moon Run is set to take over the stage at Kingston’s Grand Theatre on Nov. 24! They netted two Juno Awards both for ‘Adult Alternative Album of the Year’ in 2020 for A Blemish in the Great Light, and again in 2022 for their EP Inwards & Onwards. In 2021 they were nominated for ‘Group of the Year’ – and they’re returning with new music for 2023. Presented by Grand OnStage and Flying V with guest Billie Marten.
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
20. Merrickville Makers Christmas Market
Join 30 different makers with all original wares on Saturday Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Merrickville Community Centre. This is handmade heaven: from botanicals to pottery to honey to vintage designs to jewellery to woodworking and everything in between! Plan to attend for a perfect dose of holiday cheer.
Make the trip to what seems like a real-life Christmas village as Westport rolls out the festively-red carpet for its annual Shop and Hop event! Join in this gingerbread themed event from Nov. 24 to 26 with outdoor markets, carollers, in store events, an ugly sweater competition and even a gingerbread contest! Christmas begins in Westport.
22. 46th Annual Arts and Crafts Show Prescott
Find out why this show is always on everyone’s calendar! Friday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at South Grenville District High School, the sale is hosted by the John Howard Society of Kingston & District and Connect Youth. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students but children are free entry. Meet talented local artisans and vendors!
23. Lyndhurst Santa Claus Parade
Floats, candy and Santa – oh my! Feel the magic at the Lyndhurst Santa Claus Parade Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the small village with big heart. This small parade is celebrating 40 years this year!
24. Rotary Christmas Craft Fair
Find unique items to gift at this gigantic two-day Christmas Market with more than 80 vendors! Set for Nov. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gananoque Secondary School, this annual craft fair is much anticipated. Food and beverages will be sold and a raffle for gift basket full of goodies for the holidays. Admission is $3; the event is put on by the Rotary Club of Gananoque. Enjoy live Christmas music while browsing!
25. Gananoque Christmas Tree Lighting & Opening of Candy Cane Lane
Is it possible for Gananoque to be any more picturesque? They certainly know how to light up the Town!
The grand opening of Candy Cane Lane happens on Friday, December 1, 6:30pm – 8:00pm and includes live entertainment and free goodies provided by the Town of Gananoque and local businesses. The town will then be decked out for the holidays with lights and special experiences 7 days a week until Dec. 31st.
Experience the joy of the season with sleigh rides, music, festive activities, Santa Claus himself and strolling enchanting open streets in a winter wonderland of shopping! Be a part of the Miracle on King Street on Friday, Nov. 17 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and see what holiday magic is all about in Downtown Brockville!
27. Brockville Santa Claus Parade
Vibrant floats, festive music and loads of holiday cheer! The beloved Brockville Santa Claus Parade promises to transport you to a winter wonderland on historic King Street on Saturday, Nov. 25. We hear that after the parade, the festive River of Lights will kick off!
Magic abounds on Blockhouse Island! Witness thousands of twinkling lights and floodlights paired to festive music. Stroll through the displays or stay in your car and tune the radio to 88.1 FM and enjoy the show from the warmth of the vehicle. River of Lights kicks off Nov. 25 and runs until Jan. 2, 2024 each night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pure joy and a great family event!
29. Christmas at Fulford Place
This opulent mansion becomes even more grand during the holiday season! The Friends of Fulford Place are hosting this annual Christmas open house on Sunday, Nov. 26, complete with lavishly adorned decorations, live music, goodies, giveaways and holiday demonstrations.
The third annual Christmas shopping event in Alexandria! Taking place Thursday, Nov. 23 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. it’s the perfect chance for a night out with friends, dinner and shopping. Tackle your shop local list with unique finds in time for the holidays while experiencing good, old-fashioned Christmas shopping.
31. Annual Trunk Sale at Marlin Orchards
Start your holiday shopping with more than 120 vendors, while supporting adults with developmental disabilities attending Beyond 21! The trunk sale for 2023 will be on Nov. 4 and 5 but was started in 2010 as a way of helping local charities achieve their goals. It has grown in the most wonderful way with a strong focus on handmade and local! The sale is carefully curated to ensure and engaging show that appeals to all.
32. Christmas in the Country Studio Tour
Love road trips and discover gems in the countryside? Then this is for you! Christmas in the Country Studio Tour encompasses some back roads around Winchester, Morrisburg, Chesterville and Williamsburg Saturday Nov. 4 and Sunday Nov.5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Special gems and Christmas cheer is right around the corner!
33. Live at the Bakery – Tom’s Pantry
Intimate concerts featuring local and young musicians, at a cozy cafe and organic bakery? Yep! The Live at the Bakery series will kick off on Sundays started Nov. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. at Tom’s Pantry in Alexandria. Watch for more info on Tom’s Facebook page. We hear even Christmas carols will be added to line up closer to December!
34. Shane Cook & the Woodchippers
This celebrated five-piece group takes the Aultsville Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.! Part of the Cornwall Concert Series, Shane Cook & the Woodchippers draws on their deep foundation in the traditional music, as well as Celtic, folk, roots, bluegrass and swing.
Make those taste buds tingle from Nov. 8 to 17 at various local restaurants around Cornwall! They’ll be bringing back the flavours with Burger Love – where foodies rejoice as local restaurants dish out unique takes on the beloved burger. Now that’s a festival that you can sink your teeth into! Stay tuned for all the entries and get ready to find your favourite.
Downtown Cornwall comes alive to celebrate the best in food, art, fashion, gifting, pampering, healthy living and more on Nov. 9! Enjoy an evening with friends and family exploring the businesses downtown as they stay open late with merchant giveaways, draws, demos and samples. The perfect way to discover downtown!
This special musical of the Great War will be staged on Remembrance Day at the Aultsville Theatre in Cornwall. Through tales of triumph and tragedy surrounding World War 1, 100 Years from Now tells the story of Canada’s coming of age based on the inspiring life of Mae Belle Sampson. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
38. Heritage Valley Christmas Craft Show
This annual holiday market is looked forward to all year long! Heritage Valley Christmas Craft show on Nov. 11 and 12 is a popular annual event with more than 100 vendors selling unique gems for the holidays. Held at the Cornwall Civic Complex, look for lots of handmade creativity. We hear there will be decorations, gnomes, preserves, signs, ornaments, wreaths and small trees all decked out for the holidays – and much more!
39. Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour
Visit five professionally-decorated porches on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each with an outdoor vendor, and find hints for the Gnome Scavenger Hunt along the way! Tour participants can walk from porch to porch – tickets are $25 and include one holiday cocktail at the Windsor Tavern, one Beavertail at the kiosk, a map and gnome scavenger hunt entry form.
The jolly guy in the red suit is coming to the Township of Russell this month! The Embrun Santa Claus parade is set for Saturday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and the Russell parade is on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. Make is a full weekend of festive cheer and plan to attend both!
South Eastern Ontario is the place to spend late fall and gear up for a fantastic holiday season. Stay tuned for another post about holiday markets in the region! With all of these events happening in November, what will you do first?
