Here’s a roundup of some local festive events this month to mark on your calendar:

 

1. Belleville Festival of Lights

When: November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Where: Jane Forrester Park (30 South John St.)
Cost: FREE

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Belleville Festival of Lights. This event promises a dazzling display of lights with new and exciting installations, including a gingerbread man, penguin, and an interactive snowman. For more information visit the City of Belleville Website.

 

2. Home for the Holidays Light Tour

When: December 1, 2023 to December 25, 2023
Where: Belleville – Interactive Map
Cost: FREE

If you think you have a holiday-decorated front yard that’s sure to melt Scrooge’s heart, send Discover Belleville your photos and address, to share the magic of the season. They will publish your holiday photos in an interactive map available from December 1 to 25. For more information visit the Discover Belleville Website.

 

3. Quinte West Holiday Market

When:

• Dec. 1, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Dec. 2, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Dec. 3 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Centennial Park (12 Couch Crescent, Trenton)
Cost: FREE 

This winter, the Quinte West Pop-ups will be transformed into a holiday winter wonderland showcasing festive decorations, delicious food, winter-themed activities, entertainment and unique vendors. For three days only, visit Centennial Park and experience the Quinte West Holiday Market. For more information visit the City of Quinte West Website.

4. Men’s Christmas Breakfast

When: December 2, 2023 @ 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Where: 490 Dundas Street W, Belleville
Cost: $15

The annual Men’s Christmas Breakfast sponsored by The Pentecostals of Quinte is back. Men across the Quinte area are invited to join for a huge full breakfast, fun entertainment and prizes. For more information or to register visit The Pentecostals of Quinte Website.

 

5. The Holly and the Ivy Artisan Show and Sale

When: December 2, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: John M. Parrott Art Gallery (254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville)
Cost: FREE

Come get all of your Holiday shopping done in one place, with lots of fun activities for all ages – live music, door prizes, and more! Support local artists and artisans, and the John M. Parrott Art Gallery! For more information visit the Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery Website.

 

6. Christmas at O’Hara

When: December 2, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area (638 Mill Road, Madoc)
Cost: FREE

A day when the homestead is decorated for Christmas. Hot chocolate and cider. Warming fires. Horse and sleigh rides. Music. Demonstrations of vintage skills, make your own decorations, food booth, a special visit from Santa, and more! For more information visit the O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area Website.

 

7. Holly Trolley Tour

When: December 2, 2023 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hop On and Off Locations: City Hall, Fraser Park, Quinte West Holiday Market at the Pop-ups, & Frankford Tourist Park
Cost: FREE

This is your chance to enjoy a magical evening in Quinte West on the Holly Trolley! The San Francisco themed heated trolley will take you to see the beautiful Fantasy of Lights displays in Trenton and Frankford. New this year, a stop at the Quinte West Holiday Market at the Pop-ups will be part of the tour! Hop off to enjoy holiday activities and then hop back on the next trolley or bus to see another fantastic display! For more information visit the Bay of Quinte Events Page.

 

8. Bellevegas VI – Hip for the Holidays Christmas Concert and Fundraiser

When: December 2, 2023 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Maranatha Church Auditorium (100 College St. W, Belleville)
Cost: $25

The Dan Shaer Big Band is kicking off the Holiday Season with Bellevegas VI – Hip For the Holidays Christmas Concert in support of Gleaners Food Bank and The Grace Inn Shelter. Joining the Dan Shaer Big Band for this concert will be six vocalists including Wendy Shaer, AJ Stewart, Sonya Zaback, Lenni Stewart, Jeanette Arsenault and Sam Brady. Groove to some hip Christmas music and help raise much needed funds for local shelters and our local food bank. For more information visit the Event Brite Page.

 

9. The Duncan Cooper Trio & Friends

When: December 3, 2023 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Eastminster United Church (432 Bridge St. E Belleville)
Cost: FREE

Eastminster United Church presents An afternoon of Christmas Cheer and Christmas Jazz. The Trio and Friends will perform selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas and other festive favourites. Featuring Bob Arlidge, Duncan Cooper, James Mackenzie and special guests Michelle Fraser-Found, Micheline Cox, Janet Graham. For more information visit the Bay of Quinte Events Page.

 

10. Holiday Makers Market

When: December 8, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Your Creative Junction (444 Dundas St W, Belleville) 
Cost: FREE

Join Your Creative Junction and Little Miss Beads for their first annual Christmas Market. Meet the maker’s, VIP specials, ornament making, treats and lots of holiday spirit! Free draw….bring a friend for an extra entry. For more information visit the Facebook page.

 

11. Glanmore Aglow: Evening Holiday Tours

When: December 7, 12, 14 or 19, 2023 – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Glanmore National Historic Site (257 Bridge Street East, Belleville)
Cost: $6 – $10

The historic house is aglow with holiday cheer! Explore at your own pace as Glanmore is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. A Belleville holiday tradition! Timed Entry admission. Advanced tickets strongly encouraged! Find them or more information at the Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada Website.

 

12. Lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah in Fraser Park

When: December 7, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Fraser Park, Trenton
Cost: FREE

The first night of Hanukkah will be celebrated on Dec. 7 with the lighting of the menorah in Fraser Park. For more information visit the City of Quinte West Website.

 

13. Ugly Sweater Bonspiel for Newer Curlers

When: December 9, 2023 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Quinte Curling Club (246 Bridge Street West, Belleville)
Cost: $30 per person or $120 per team of 4

Designed for those who have curled for fewer than five years – it’s all about the fun! Lunch included – Win cash prizes. Prize for best/worst Ugly Sweater. For more information visit the Quinte Curling Club Website.

 

14. Merry Christmas Market

When: December 9, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Belleville & District Shrine Club (160 Catharine Street, Belleville) 
Cost: FREE

Finish checking off your Christmas list – there are a variety of vendors with something for everyone. For more information visit the Bay of Quinte Events Page.

 

15. A Very Chic Christmas

When: December 9, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Decor Chic Living (6835 Hwy 62, Belleville)
Cost: FREE

Drop in for a lavender latte and gourmet snacks. Get Christmas ready with holiday gift ideas, decor and how to set your holiday table! Special Guest Kerry from Beeotch Barn, honey and more! For more information visit the Decor Chic Living Website.

 

16. Glanmore’s Home for the Holidays Family Fun Day

When: December 9, 2023 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Glanmore National Historic Site (257 Bridge Street East, Belleville)
Cost: FREE admission with a donation to Gleaner’s Food Bank. Tickets Required.

Add a little magic to your December holidays with this family-friendly event. Explore the historic house to see seasonal displays, antique toys and more! Make a simple Victorian-style ornament to take home! For more information visit the Bay of Quinte Events Page.

 

17. Christmas at The Wings

When: December 9, 2023 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm  or December 10, 2023 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre in the Wings (30 Bridge Street East, Belleville)
Cost: $15

Celebrate the season with music, comedy and drama, featuring members of River & Main Theatre Company along with some very special guests. Santa will be there…and Krampus…in a new 10-minute play from Peter Paylor. A Glo-Worm will be there in a heartwarming new 10-minute play from Marc Coyle. It’s a good, old-fashioned Christmas variety show. For more information visit the Theatre in the Wings Website.

 

18. Adore’ A Christmas Worship Experience

When: December 9 & 10, 2023 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: 490 Dundas Street West, Belleville
Cost: FREE

This year, the Pentecostals of Quinte debuts “ADORE: A Christmas Worship Experience”. Come enjoy both beloved classics as well as modern Christmas songs performed by POQ Worship, David Munar, POQ Kids Choir, and special guest Ricardo Hatfield. There will also be a live nativity, photo booth and Christmas cookie reception following. Doors open at 5:30 pm. For more information visit the Pentecostals of Quinte Website.

 

19. Downtown Trenton’s Annual Christmas Wagon Rides

When: December 10, 2023 to December 23, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pick-up and Drop-off Location: Trent Port Historical Society (55 King Street, Trenton)
Cost: FREE

Wagon rides are first-come, first-serve basis (please line up accordingly). Weather Permitting. For more information and updates visit the Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Area Facebook Page.

 

20. Quinte West Holiday Home Tour

When: December 15, 2023 to December 25, 2023 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: City of Quinte West
Cost: FREE

It’s time to tour through a Winter Wonderland with the 2023 Holiday Home Tour! The Holiday Home Tour is a self-guided tour of the best-decorated, holiday-themed homes. Make your way around the city to check out the homes with the best holiday decor. For more information or to register your home visit the City of Quinte West Website.

 

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, enjoying live music, or participating in festive parades, there’s something for everyone in this area!