Good morning, Markham!

Geez, there are so many events happening this week—the holiday season is really kicking into gear! Quick question for you, when’s the right time to put up holiday decor? In my culture, it’s September 1st 😆… but maybe that’s a little early for most people!

Note: Events marked with a “➡️” are not in Markham but they’re too good not to share!

We won’t keep you waiting, so let’s dive right in and see what’s going on!

CITY UPDATES

Transportation Master Plan Public Meeting

The City of Markham is working on a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to make getting around the city easier and more efficient, including updates for the Robinson Glen East area (McCowan Rd – Major Mackenzie to Elgin Mills Rd E). Come join the Public Meeting on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 6–8 PM to learn more and share your thoughts.

Learn more here.

MPL Library Blind Bag Challenge

MPL is kicking off their first-ever Library Blind Bag Challenge! Complete fun challenges to collect all 6 keychains, and once you’ve got the full set, you’ll unlock a bonus secret-design keychain. Ready to start?

Learn more here.

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

Holiday Market ➡️

📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 York Region Administrative Centre, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Celebrate the season at York Region’s annual Holiday Market, featuring over 80 local vendors with unique gifts, handmade treats, artisan crafts, and more. Enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn while browsing festive offerings, and take part in a silent auction with great prizes. Learn more here.

Markham Home for the Holidays – 38th Annual Show

📅 Friday–Sunday, November 21–23, 2025

📍 Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road, Markham, ON

🎟️ Admission at the Entrance (Cash Only): Adults $14 | Seniors $12 | Youth $3 | Children 12 & under Free

Celebrate the holiday season at the 38th annual Markham Home for the Holidays! Explore over 130 juried exhibitors offering Christmas decorating accents, personalized ornaments, handcrafted jewellery, Shabby Chic & custom furniture, festive foods, greenery, and thousands of unique gifts. Learn more here.

Canada's Wonderland WinterFest ➡️

📅 November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026

📍 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON

🎟️ Park Admission Required

WinterFest is back! Since starting a couple days ago, the park is dazzling visitors with festive lights, live shows, select rides, Santa, and specialty holiday food and drinks. Enjoy a magical winter experience for the whole family, with most attractions included in park admission. Learn more here. 

Bells & Bows Craft & Bake Sale

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Markham Guild of Village Crafts, 11 Church Street, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Browse handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and delicious baked treats at this cozy annual craft sale. Perfect for holiday shopping and supporting local makers! Learn more here.

Whitchurch-Stouffville Holiday Market ➡️

📅 Friday, November 21, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📍 2 Park Drive, Stouffville, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Celebrate the season at the town’s largest winter event, featuring artisan vendors, festive lights, food and drinks, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Enjoy live musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance! Learn more here. 

Happy Cute Mart Holiday Show

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Shop local with 80+ small businesses and artists offering stationery, jewellery, plush, toys, home goods, food, and more. Enjoy exclusives, giveaways, and tons of cute finds under one roof. Follow @happycutemart for updates and event details!

Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace ➡️

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📅 Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Richmond Green Park, 1200 Elgin Mills Road, Richmond Hill, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Step into a winter wonderland at Richmond Hill’s annual Merry Marketplace! Enjoy festive lights, seasonal spirit, and a magical outdoor market experience beneath thousands of twinkling lights at Richmond Green Park. Learn more here. 

Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars Parade ➡️

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 2 Orchard Heights Boulevard, Aurora, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Kick off the season at Aurora’s magical Santa Under the Stars Parade! Enjoy festive floats, dance groups, and marching bands as the parade travels south along Yonge Street. Don’t miss Santa’s special appearance lighting up the night! Learn more here. 

ARTS & CULTURE

DIY Holiday Cards: Crafty Kit & Cozy Sips

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewery, Markham, ON

🎟️ CA$48.00

Unwind with a cozy crafting session where you’ll create nine elegant holiday cards—no experience needed. Your ticket includes all supplies plus a drink of your choice. Register early, as space is limited and the first five participants receive a special holiday treat! Tickets here.

Get Engaged in Art! Stains

📅 Thursday–Sunday, November 20–23, 2025 | Hours: Thu–Fri 12 PM–6 PM, Sat–Sun 10 AM–6 PM

📍 McKay Art Centre, 197 Main St, Unionville, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Visit TCCSA’s “Stains” Visual Art Exhibition featuring nine newcomer artists from Turkey, Iran, Brazil, and China, reflecting on their journeys through art. Join a free public tour on Saturday at 2 PM to learn more about the works and inspirations. Learn more here. 

Sake & Shochu Tasting at Taro’s Fish

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

📍 7240 Woodbine Ave, Unit 100, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Sample a curated selection of Japanese sake, shochu, and non-alcoholic drinks at Taro’s Fish! Enjoy offerings from well-known Japanese breweries, including yuzu and ume sodas and specialty bottles you can try and purchase on-site. Learn more here. 

Bell Axcellent Communications Presents: Anime Celebration 2025

📅 Saturday & Sunday, November 22–23 & November 29–30, 2025

📍 1/F & 2/F Centre Court, North Entrances, Pacific Mall, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Anime fans, don’t miss this exciting pop culture event featuring a lively marketplace and stage shows. Enjoy two weekends of cosplay, collectibles, performances, and fun activities for all ages. Join the celebration and immerse yourself in the anime world! Learn more here.

Society of York Region Artists – Small Works Art Show ➡️

📅 Friday, November 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Unwind Yarn House, 390 Davis Drive #103–104, Newmarket, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Discover over 100 small artworks (12” x 12” or less) at this charming show hosted inside Unwind Yarn House. It’s the perfect spot to find a unique holiday gift—or a little piece of art for yourself. Browse, enjoy, and take home a small work that needs a new home! Learn more here. 

Make & Take Holiday Reindeer Planter

📅 Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 Kate’s Garden, 227 Main Street North, Markham, ON

🎟️ $85

Create a charming reindeer planter filled with winter greens and frost-proof berries—perfect to reuse each year. All tools and materials are included. A fun and festive hands-on workshop to kick off the holiday season! Tickets here. 

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Village of Stouffville Ladies’ Night ➡️

📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 19 Civic Avenue, Stouffville, ON

🎟️ $15 (supports local food bank)

Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, and entertainment along Stouffville’s Main Street. Take advantage of exclusive deals, giveaways, pop-ups, and festive bites while supporting local businesses. Tickets include access to all Ladies’ Night specials and help families in the community. Learn more here. 

Vaughan Speed Dating (Ages 30–42) ➡️

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

📍 8290 Highway 27, Vaughan, ON

🎟️ Tickets from $31.59

Meet new singles in a fun and fast-paced environment with up to 15 mini-dates in one night. Enjoy appetizers while using a digital platform to help streamline matches and conversations. Expand your social circle and connect with like-minded professionals for an unforgettable evening. Get tickets here. 

FRIENDSgiving Trivia & Paint Night

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Crock A Doodle, 159 Main Street Unionville, Markham, ON

🎟️ $20

Bring your friends for a fun night of painting, trivia, and friendly competition inspired by Friends. Choose from a variety of pottery pieces, including your own coffee mug. Register in-studio or online to save your spot! Learn more here. 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

 Community Holiday Event with MPP Paul Calandra

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM

📍 Stouffville Legion, 150 Mostar Street, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Join MPP Paul Calandra for a festive community celebration with free photos with Santa, food, hot drinks, and live music. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of holiday cheer! Learn more here.

SHOWTIME IN MARKHAM

VIP Experience: Rock Star INXS 20th Anniversary Reunion ➡️

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM

📍 10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON

🎟️ $25

Celebrate 20 years of Rock Star: INXS with an exclusive VIP experience featuring a meet-and-greet, appetizers, a signed poster, and more. Connect with original cast rockers as they perform iconic songs and share stories from the show. Limited spots—let’s rock! Tickets here. 

Ensemble Vivant

📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, ON

🎟️ $40

Experience over three decades of extraordinary music from Ensemble Vivant, known for blending classical, jazz, ragtime, and Latin styles. Enjoy beloved works from Bach to Piazzolla and beyond. Their acclaimed artistry promises an uplifting and inspiring performance. Tickets here. 

Dr. Mike Daley Presents: The Beach Boys Story ➡️

📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 3:00 PM

📍 10066 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON

🎟️ $43.63

Enjoy an engaging lecture-concert exploring the history of The Beach Boys, complete with live performances of their greatest hits. Follow their journey from the surf-rock era to Pet Sounds and beyond. A must-see event for fans of classic music and vocal harmony. Tickets here.

Candlelight Markham: Tribute to Coldplay

📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 8:45 PM

📍 Toronto Marriott Markham, ON

🎟️ Starts at $50

Experience the music of Coldplay like never before at Candlelight Markham, where live performances are paired with a magical candlelit atmosphere. Enjoy a multi-sensory concert in a stunning setting, perfect for music lovers ages 8 and up. Tickets here.

SHOPPING BUZZ

Lisa’s Cosmetics Christmas Warehouse Sale 2025

📅 November 15 – December 7, 2025 | Mon & Fri 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sat & Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 135 Commerce Valley Drive East, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free Admission

Shop top brand cosmetics, skincare, and health & beauty products with savings up to 80%! Featured brands include Elizabeth Arden, Stila, Revlon, Milani, Juicy Couture, and more. Don’t miss this festive warehouse sale! Learn more here.

LEARN & GROW

Preparing Your Financial Umbrella

📅 Monday, November 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Online Event by Markham Public Library

🎟️ Free Admission

Are your financial affairs prepared for the unexpected? Join the Ontario Securities Commission for this informative online workshop to learn how to save for emergencies, manage market volatility, and develop an estate plan. Gain practical tips and insights to ensure your finances are organized and resilient. Learn more here.

Navigating The Vehicle Market: An Expert Guide to Informed Car Purchases

📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Online Event by Markham Public Library

🎟️ Free Admission

Join the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) for a virtual workshop to help you feel confident when buying or leasing a vehicle in Ontario. Learn tips on all-in price advertising, contracts, negative equity, and OMVIC’s Compensation Fund. Get the insights you need to make smart, informed car purchases. Learn more here. 

How to Win Scholarships for College or University

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Markham Public Library - Unionville Branch

🎟️ Free Admission

Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are more accessible than many think and can make a big difference for students and their families. Join Christopher Grafos, Ph.D., founder of BridgesEDU Scholarships, to learn how to find and win funding for high school, college, and university. Learn more here. 

Wagging Tails, Happy Hearts: An Introduction to Responsible Dog Ownership

📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

📍 Markham Public Library - Cornell Branch

🎟️ Free Admission

Join Valerie from SSH Canine Academy for an engaging presentation on responsible dog ownership. Learn essential skills for caring for your furry friend, including training, exercise, health, and budgeting. Discover the joys of having a canine companion while gaining the confidence to be a compassionate and responsible pet owner. Learn more here. 

BUSINESS BOOST

MBT November After 5 Networking

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (EST)

📍 McOuat Partnership, 306 Town Centre Blvd Suite 100, Markham, ON

🎟️ MBT Members: Free | Non-Members: $45 + HST

Join MBT for an evening of networking, refreshments, and reconnecting with fellow members. Enjoy a relaxed after-work atmosphere and a chance to win door prizes from event sponsors. A great opportunity to build connections and meet new professionals! Learn more here. 

CPAC Enlight AI Networking Event

📅 Friday, November 21, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍 Hilton Markham, 8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON

🎟️ $45

Connect with young professionals from diverse industries at CPAC Enlight’s annual networking event. Build meaningful relationships, gain inspiration, and hear stories from peers shaping the future. A great night for anyone starting their career or looking to level up! Tickets here. 

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fiona MacCool’s Richmond Hill | Open Mic | November 18th | 7PM-10PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | November 20th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | November 20th | 10PM to Close

🎤 Col. Mustard Sports Bar | Karaoke | November 21st | Begins at 9PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | November 21st | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | November 21st | 7PM-10PM

🎵 Rouge River Brewery | Keys Entertainment | November 21st | 7PM-9PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | November 22nd | Begins at 4PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Live Music | November 22nd | 8AM-1PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | November 22nd | 10PM to Close

🎵 Rouge River Brewery | Open Jam | November 23rd | 2PM-5PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Giordano Cattonar | November 23rd | 6PM-9PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v St. Louis Blues | November 18th

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Columbus Blue Jackets | November 20th

🏀 Toronto Raptors v Washington Wizards | November 21st

🏀 Toronto Raptors v Brooklyn Nets | November 23rd

🏀 Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers | November 24th

THANKS FOR READING!

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