BoQ HOLIDAY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES GUIDE 2025
Bright lights, wagon rides, parades, vendor markets… the magic of the holiday season is just getting started around here in the Bay of Quinte. We’ve made the list and suggest you check it twice so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Read time: 3 min
PARADES
SANTA… We know him! The jolly old man in red will be making his way across the region in the parades so you can take your pick of 5 chances to see him:
Nov 16 – Belleville Santa Claus Parade
Nov 21 – Brighton Santa Claus Parade
Nov 29 – Frankford Santa Claus Parade
Nov 30 – Trenton Santa Claus Parade
Dec 6 – Greater Napanee Parade of Lights
BIG, BRIGHT LIGHTS
The Belleville Festival of Lights Launch Night will take place on November 14 at Jane Forrester Park with live music, food truck vendors and a drone show. The display will run until January 6.
Quinte West’s annual Fantasy of Lights returns in both Fraser Park (Trenton) and Frankford Tourist Park. The lights officially turn on after the Nov 29 parade in Frankford and the Nov 30 parade in Trenton, and will remain lit until January 1.
Light Up Brighton takes place in Memorial Park in downtown Brighton at 6 pm on November 21, just before the Santa Claus Parade! The park will remain lit until after New Year’s.
Greater Napanee’s Light Up the Park takes place in Conservation Park from 5-7 pm on November 28, with a special performance from NorthFire Circus. The lights will stay lit until early January as well.
VENDOR SHOWS AND MARKETS
Check out these holiday markets and craft sales around the region to stock up on locally-made items for all your gift-giving needs.
Nov 15 – The Holly and the Ivy Artisan Show and Sale (Belleville)
Nov 15 – Mistletoe Magic Artisan Show (Belleville)
Nov 15 – XXL Scrunchie Christmas Warehouse Event (Belleville)
Nov 15 – St. Alban’s Centre Christmas Holiday Market (Greater Napanee)
Nov 20/21 – 4th Annual Mistletoe Market on the Ridge
Nov 22 – Side Hustle Christmas Market (Belleville)
Nov 22/29 – Winter at The Willows Christmas Market (Belleville)
Nov 29 – Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Christmas Craft Sale (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory)
Nov 29 – Greater Napanee Holiday Market
Dec 6/7 – Holly Jolly Holiday Market (Belleville)
CPKC HOLIDAY TRAIN
The CPKC Holiday Train will be in the Bay of Quinte region on November 29, making stops in Belleville and Quinte West with performances by Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse. Food bank donations are being collected in each community.
WAGON RIDES
Live out your Hallmark holiday movie dreams in December! The Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Area will have free horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the downtown every day from December 15th to 23rd, 5:30-8:30 pm.
ENCHANTED IN THE DISTRICT
Experience the magic in downtown Belleville from Friday, November 14, to Sunday, November 16.
Get ready for a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, carriage rides, dazzling window displays, festive music, cozy treats, holiday shopping, and special surprises around every corner.
This year, you’ll be able to visit with real reindeer on Saturday, Nov 15, 10 am–4 pm, in the parking lot beside Ekort Realty.
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QUINTE WEST HOLIDAY MARKET
On December 6 and 7, the Quinte West Pop-ups will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with artisan and food vendors, entertainment and activities, including a visit from Santa.
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TOURS
One of our favourite holiday activities is driving around looking at the lights. These tours will guide you to the best of the best.
Dec 13-25 – Quinte West Holiday Home Tour (self-guided)
Dec 6 – Quinte West Holly Trolley Tour
DOWNTOWN TRENTON'S GRISWOLD CHRISTMAS CRAZE
Think you know National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation trivia? Test your knowledge and compete for a chance to win a $100 to spend at participating businesess! Dress as your favourite National Lampoon’s character on November 20 for an evening of fun, trivia and adventure as you visit different locations throughout downtown Trenton.
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Get into the holiday spirit with one of these live performances:
Nov 29 – Quinte Symphony’s Tinsel and Tango (Belleville)
Dec 6 – Winter Serenade by Shout Sisters, Happy Harmony and Military Wives Choir (Belleville)
Dec 13/14 – Quinte Ballet School of Canada: The Nutcracker Sweets (Belleville)
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
The Quinte Mall’s annual Photos with Santa are running from November 15 to December 24. Walk-up visits are welcome, but reservations are recommended for shorter wait times and easier checkout.
MAGICAL SNOWGLOBES
The Waterfront River Pub & Terrace’s snowglobes are back for the season! Stay cozy and warm with a 360-degree view of the outdoors while you dine at this Greater Napanee favourite. They get even more magical after dark with the glow of the string lights covering the roof.
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CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Children’s Safety Village of Belleville on Saturday, December 6! This free community event is filled with festive fun for the whole family, from twinkling lights and holiday music to sweet treats for the kids.
Walk through the beautifully decorated Village, enjoy the cozy Christmas atmosphere, and make memories with your loved ones in this safe and family-friendly holiday tradition.
NAPANEE'S 18TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SHOPPING PARTY
Get your holiday shopping done and enjoy campfires & hot apple cider at Market Square, horse & wagon shuttles to the L&A Museum’s Friday Night Lights and late-night shopping with lots of in-store specials!
