Good morning, Markham! 

Did you know that Markham is home to over 350 parks? Random, LOL, but thought I’d kick off your day with a little fun fact.

There’s quite a bit happening this week, and I’ve been digging far and wide to round up as many cool events as I could find for you. 

Alright, let’s get into it!

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

CITY UPDATES

Inclusionary Zoning Public Meeting – Elgin Mills Road East (Ward 6)

A public meeting about the phased Inclusionary Zoning approach will be held Tuesday, December 9 at 7 PM at the Markham Civic Centre (Council Chambers) and online via Zoom. It’s a chance to learn about plans for more affordable housing near transit. Learn more here. 

2026 Recycling & Garbage Schedule

Markham’s 2026 recycling and garbage schedule is out. Sign up for personalized reminders so you never miss a pickup or important service alert. Learn more here. 

MARKHAM FEEL-GOOD FILES: CITY OF MARKHAM PARTNERS WITH SENECA POLYTECHNIC

Mayor Frank Scarpitti of Markham and Seneca Polytechnic President David Agnew were joined by students from Seneca’s School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology.

Seneca Polytechnic and the City of Markham are teaming up to make fire safety careers more accessible! Starting in Winter 2026, bursaries will be awarded to students from equity-deserving groups joining the firefighter training program. Plus, the City donated two retired fire trucks to give students some hands-on experience. (Source: City of Markham, Dec 2025)

WHAT’S HAPPENING MARKHAM?

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

CTV Toy Mountain at the Pride of Canada Carousel

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

📍 Pride of Canada Carousel — 8080 Birchmount Rd, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free

A community toy drive with a live CTV broadcast, all focused on supporting local families during the holidays. Anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy also gets a free carousel ride as a little bonus. Learn more here.

Santa Visits the Museum ➡️

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

📍 Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre – 14732 Woodbine Ave, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON

🎟️ $15 (kids); Parent/guardian free

A festive afternoon for kids ages 3–10 with Santa visits, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, and heritage buildings decorated for the season. A cozy family-friendly event with lots of holiday charm. Tickets here. 

Santa's Paw-Parazzi Party

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM

📍 Pet Valu Thornhill — 7355 Bayview Ave, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free

A festive pet-friendly holiday party with Santa photos, swag bags, a treat bar, and giveaways. Perfect for pups and their humans to celebrate the season together. Reserve here. 

Pacific Mall Christmas Celebration 2025

📅 December 13, 20, 25 & 27, 2025 | Times Vary

📍 1/F Centre Court, Pacific Mall – 4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free

A festive lineup featuring Santa meet-and-greets (Dec 20 & 25), stage shows (Dec 13 & 27), and Boxing Week lucky-draw entries for shoppers who spend $80+. A fun mix of performances, giveaways, and holiday activities for families and visitors. Learn more here. 

TTG’s 10th Annual Holiday Market ➡️

📅 Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

📍 Stouffville Legion — 150 Mostar St, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON

🎟️ Free

A festive market with handmade goods, artisan foods, crafts, and family-friendly treats. Supports For Little Monkeys Charity with a dedicated fundraiser during the event. Learn more here. 

A Family Christmas ➡️

📅 Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

📍 Hillary House — 15372 Yonge St, Aurora, ON

🎟️ $5

A festive day at a beautifully decorated historic home with holiday crafts, Santa photos, treats, and cozy seasonal fun for the whole family. Tickets here. 

Breakfast with Santa on Main Street Unionville 

📅 Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Seatings

📍 December 14: Jake’s on Main, 202 Main St., Unionville, ON

🎟️ Details/Prices vary by venue *EDIT: This event has sold out!

A magical morning of festive fun at Breakfast with Santa. Share a holiday meal, take pictures, and experience the joy and laughter of meeting Santa up close. A cheerful family tradition on historic Main Street Unionville. Tickets here. 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

South Markham Community Summit

📅 Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 6:00 PM–8:30 PM

📍 Milliken Mills Community Centre (South Hall), 7600 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free

A community-focused evening exploring housing, safety, and advocacy through practical tools and local insights. A laid-back summit aimed at strengthening connections and supporting safer, more resilient neighbourhoods. Reserve a spot.

Cornell Library Community Social

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM–11:30 AM

📍 Cornell Library - 3201 Bur Oak Ave, Markham, ON

🎟️ Free

A relaxed community meetup for chatting, sharing local tips, and swapping holiday and staycation ideas. Perfect for connecting with neighbours and celebrating the season together. Register here. 

Markham Skating Club – Annual Holiday Family Skating Party

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

📍 Markham Village Arena, Markham, ON

A festive afternoon on the ice with Santa, Toonie Jars, and holiday fun for the whole family. Bring your skates, some cash for MSC merchandise, and enjoy a cheerful winter celebration. Learn more here. 

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Home Alone Paint & Trivia Night

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM

📍 Crock A Doodle — 159 Main St, Unionville, ON

🎟️ $20 (Pre-registration required)

A festive night combining pottery painting with Home Alone trivia fun. Paint holiday-themed pieces while testing your knowledge of Kevin, booby traps, and all the classic movie moments. Register here. 

Pokémon Rave ➡️

📅 Friday, December 12, 2025

📍 Sugar Cafe & Lounge — Times Square, Richmond Hill, ON

🎟️ $9.93

A nostalgic Pokémon-themed night with live DJs, card trading, art vendors, themed drinks, and giveaways. Perfect for fans to dance, hang out, and relive the Pokémon magic. Tickets here.

Sip & Paint ➡️

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM

📍 Wine On Main — 186 Main St S, Newmarket, ON

🎟️ $55.65

A cozy Christmas workshop to sip, relax, and paint festive ornaments. A fun, creative way to make your own holiday keepsakes. Tickets here. 

ARTS & CULTURE

Paint Nite: Down Through The Chimney Comes Old Saint Nick

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewery — 50 Bullock Dr Unit 8, Markham, ON

🎟️ $45 per person (supplies included)

A festive evening of painting, drinks, and holiday cheer. A relaxed, creative way to get into the Christmas spirit in Markham.

Markham Animal Adoption and Education Event

📅 Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, 2025

📍 Thornhill Community Centre & Library — 7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill, ON

An adoption weekend spotlighting cats and other small animals through the MAAEC’s partnership with the Ontario SPCA. A great chance to meet pets looking for homes and learn more about local animal welfare efforts. Learn more here. 

Puppy Yoga by Yoga Kawa Markham – Caucasian Shepherds

📅 Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM

📍 F45 Training Markville, Markham, ON

🎟️ $61.68

A fun, relaxing yoga session with adorable Caucasian Shepherd puppies joining in. Perfect for anyone looking to stretch, unwind, and get some puppy cuddles at the same time. Tickets here.

SHOWTIME IN MARKHAM

UHS Music – Winter Fantasia 2025

📅 Tuesday, December 9 & Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 7:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

🎟️ $20

A two-night showcase featuring UHS’s large and small music ensembles in their annual winter performance. A relaxed seasonal concert highlighting student talent and classic favourites. Tickets here. 

A Charlie Brown Christmas – The Music of Vince Guaraldi ➡️

📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | Doors 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM

📍 Harmony Hall — 14663 Woodbine Ave, Vandorf, ON

🎟️ $30 advance / $40 at the door

A cozy, nostalgic jazz show bringing the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack to life with warmth and charm. A laid-back holiday pick for anyone who loves the timeless Vince Guaraldi sound. Get tickets here. 

Classic Albums Live Performs: The Beatles – Revolver

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

🎟️ $78–$88

A note-for-note performance of Revolver by top-tier musicians, bringing the album’s iconic sound to life on stage. A great pick for Beatles fans who want to experience the record in a fresh, live setting. Tickets here. 

RHCPA Presents Classic Albums Live: The Eagles – Greatest Hits ➡️

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

📍 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts — 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON

🎟️ Members: $46.75 | Standard: $55

A live, note-for-note performance of The Eagles’ Greatest Hits, bringing classic 60s and 70s tracks to the stage. Perfect for fans who want to relive the soundtrack of their lives. Tickets here. 

Broadsway (featuring Heather Bambrick): The Most Wonderful Time… Maybe

📅 Friday, December 12, 2025 | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

🎟️ $78–$88

A fun, music-filled holiday show blending Broadway vibes, jazz, and plenty of humour from four standout Canadian vocalists. A cozy, lighthearted way to enjoy seasonal classics and some unexpected hidden gems. Tickets here. 

Serena Ryder: Merry Myths

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 8:00 PM–10:30 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

🎟️ $83–$93

A festive concert where Serena Ryder mixes holiday classics, soulful originals, and fun storytelling inspired by seasonal folklore. A warm, lively show with top-tier Canadian musicians that leans into the magic (and weirdness) of the holidays. Tickets here. 

SHOPPING BUZZ

Herschel Supply Co. Sample Sale ➡️

📅 December 9–14, 2025 | Times Vary

📍 111 Tycos Dr, Unit 107, North York, ON

🎟️ Free

Big deals on backpacks, hip packs, luggage, apparel, and more — a solid spot to upgrade travel gear without the premium price tag. Hours vary by day, so it’s worth checking the schedule before dropping by. Learn more here. 

Winter Parka Warehouse Sale 2025 ➡️

📅 December 9–11, 2025 | Times Vary

📍 The Terrace — 1680 Creditstone Rd, Vaughan, ON

A huge winter coat sale with over 10,000 parkas for women, men, and kids at major discounts. Long opening hours make it easy to swing by and snag a solid deal before winter hits. Learn more here. 

Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale

📅 December 11–14, 2025 | Times Vary

📍 Markham Fairgrounds, Building 1–3, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON

Shop your favorite beauty brands at incredible prices! Find deals on Estee Lauder, MAC, Smashbox, Clinique, Aveda, Darphin, Glamglow, Lab Series, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford Beauty, Origins, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on premium products at unbeatable discounts. Learn more here. 

LEARN & GROW

Skilled Trades Pathways 101

📅 Monday, December 8, 2025 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM

📍 Online by Markham Public Library

🎟️ Free

A beginner-friendly workshop exploring careers in skilled trades, how to secure apprenticeships, and tips for students preparing for the trades. Includes a live demo of Apprentice Search to find opportunities across Ontario and Canada. Register here.

Tax Strategies for Self-Employed

📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

📍 Online by Markham Public Library

🎟️ Free

A practical session for self-employed business owners covering tax deadlines, deductions, and efficient ways to pay yourself. Includes tips on tracking expenses, using MyCRA, and planning for retirement as an entrepreneur. Register here. 

BUSINESS BOOST

MBT December Breakfast Networking

📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 7:30 AM–9:30 AM

📍 Bayview Golf & Country Club, Thornhill, ON

🎟️ MBT Members: $34.95 + HST | Non-Members: $49.95 + HST

A relaxed morning meetup with breakfast and plenty of time to connect with local professionals. A simple, easy way to start the day and build a few new business contacts. Tickets here.

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fiona MacCool’s Richmond Hill | Open Mic | December 9th | 7PM-10PM

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

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | December 11th | 10PM to Close

🎤 Col. Mustard Sports Bar | Karaoke | December 12th | Begins at 9PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | December 12th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Rouge River Brewery | Kareoke | December 12th | 8:30PM-11PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | December 12th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | December 13th | Begins at 4PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Live Music | December 13th | 8AM-1PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | December 13th | 10PM to Close

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Perri Priolo | December 14th | 6PM-9PM

🎤 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts | Open Mic | December 14th | 2PM - 4PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Tampa Bay Lightning | December 8th

🏀 Toronto Raptors v New York Knicks | December 9th

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v San Jose Sharks | December 11th

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Edmonton Oilers | December 13th

THANKS FOR READING!

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