The holiday season is here and we’ve got the receipts to prove it! December is stuffed full of themed events to keep your family in the spirit – or to just unwind from the hustle and bustle. Check out some ideas below and be sure to check out the Events Calendar for a sleigh full of December activities. 

Holiday Express

Blackberry Farm transforms into a winter wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and happy holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train and hop aboard the hay wagon, too. Back in the historic pioneer village, you’ll enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse, and a special visit with Santa!

When:
Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays, Dec. 2 (Special Needs Night), 9 and 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: All
Purchase tickets online

Nutcracker

Bring your loved ones to enjoy a true holiday classic, as our Steppin’ Out Dance Studio presents its adaptation of “The Nutcracker” – an enchanting performance right here in Aurora!

When: Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m
Where: Prisco Community Center
Ages: All
Purchase tickets online

Brunch with Buddy the Elf

Who glows with more Christmas spirit than Buddy the Elf? Everybody’s friend, Buddy’s inviting families to enjoy a special holiday brunch at Vaughan Athletic Center! Photo ops aplenty, the kiddos will also get to share story time and a fun craft project with Buddy.

When: Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
Purchase tickets online

Splashing with Santa

Swim ‘n splash in the Leisure Pool and hang out with the jolly old elf before he trades his snorkel for his sleigh! A party host will assist in taking photos at “Santa’s Surf Shack;” Santa’s elves will lend helping hands as children make reindeer food to take home, and guests will receive a “Splashing with Santa” magnetic picture frame!

When: Saturday, December 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: All
Purchase tickets online

Family New Year’s Eve Bash

For the littler ones (or maybe mom and dad?) who, try as they might, drift off to sleep before the clock strikes midnight, this mid-day celebration guarantees no one will miss any of the excitement! Bring the family to enjoy inflatables, crafts, games, a DJ and – of course – the balloon drop at Noon sharp!

When: Saturday, December 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
Purchase tickets online