Christmas Events for Kids in Peterborough, Ontario (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

4 min read

For 2026, we confirmed 7 Christmas events for kids in Peterborough, Ontario. The season opens on November 14 with Medieval Christmas Market and runs until December 13 with A Christmas Carol Comedy. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Peterborough: 7
  • First: Medieval Christmas Market, Peterborough, November 14
  • Free events: None confirmed yet

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Peterborough, Ontario

Kids’ Christmas events
7 confirmed for 2026
Cities and towns
Peterborough
Season
November 14 to December 13
Free events
None confirmed yet
Last checked

Christmas events for kids in Peterborough

Listed soonest first: 7 confirmed events in Peterborough.

Christmas market

Medieval Christmas Market

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Blades of Glory lists 21 medieval merchants, live music, knights in armour, a falconer, Santa and the Grinch, axe throwing and a catapult game. Photo opportunities are available, and visitors are encouraged to wear medieval garb. At the door, adults pay $15 and youth and seniors pay $10. Online general admission is $10 plus HST and fees. Children 6 and under are free. Hours are not listed on the page.

Parent tip: Tickets are sold separately for Saturday and Sunday, so pick your day when you buy online. Call Blades of Glory at (705) 957-0872 for hours.

Host
Blades of Glory (opens in a new tab)
Where
Austin Doran Hall, Mount Community Centre, 1545 Monaghan Road, Peterborough (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Blades of Glory (opens in a new tab)

New events in Peterborough, Ontario every week

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 6 more Peterborough, Ontario events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 3 Santa
  • 2 Markets
  • 1 Parades
  • 1 Breakfast and treats

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Family Christmas event

Holiday Tree Lighting at Quaker Foods City Square

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Peterborough Tourism lists the Holiday Tree Lighting on November 27, 2026, from 5 to 7pm, with the lighting around 7pm. Vendors will be on site, and skating depends on the weather. The same tourism site gave the square's address as 215 Charlotte Street in a 2024 entry. In 2025 the Peterborough DBIA and the City organized the ceremony, the third annual one. No price is stated.

Parent tip: Skating is weather-dependent, so check the Peterborough DBIA before bringing skates.

Host
Peterborough DBIA and City of Peterborough (opens in a new tab)
Where
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte Street, Peterborough (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Peterborough DBIA and City of Peterborough (opens in a new tab)

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Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa at The Venue

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Peterborough Tourism lists Breakfast with Santa at The Venue Peterborough on November 29, 2026, with an all-you-can-eat buffet. The page says tickets are going fast and links to the venue for tickets. It does not give a start time, a price or a street address, so check the venue before you plan.

Parent tip: Tickets are reported to be going fast, so buy early through the venue link on the tourism page.

Host
The Venue Peterborough (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Venue Peterborough (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Venue Peterborough (opens in a new tab)

New events in Peterborough, Ontario every week

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Christmas market

First Friday Holiday Night Market

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Peterborough Tourism lists the market for December 4, 2026, from 5 to 9pm in the Bankers Common Courtyard, in the alley beside 383 Water Street. The 2025 edition was the fourth annual one and had 24 artists and makers, four musicians and food from five downtown restaurants, according to kawarthaNOW. The 2026 vendor list has not been posted on the pages opened.

Parent tip: Downtown shops stayed open late during last year's First Friday, so it works as an early evening outing before bedtime.

Host
Peterborough DBIA (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bankers Common Courtyard, Alley beside 383 Water Street, Peterborough (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Peterborough DBIA (opens in a new tab)

New events in Peterborough, Ontario every week

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Santa Claus parade

Peterborough Concert Band Santa Claus Parade Concert

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The band's event page lists the concert on December 5, 2026, from 3:45 to 4:45pm at Peterborough Square, 340 George Street North. That is the same afternoon as the Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade. The page does not state a price. A 2025 kawarthaNOW article described that year's concert as free. The band's page also shows a December 3, 2022 date, which looks like an old entry.

Parent tip: An hour of music at Peterborough Square before the parade is an easy way to get kids ready for a cold evening on George Street.

Host
Peterborough Concert Band (opens in a new tab)
Where
Peterborough Square, 340 George Street North (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Peterborough Concert Band (opens in a new tab)

New events in Peterborough, Ontario every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Peterborough, Ontario every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Santa Claus parade

Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade

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Peterborough Tourism lists the 51st annual parade on December 5, 2026, starting at 5:15pm along George Street from City Hall at 500 George Street North, with the theme It's a Winter Wonderland. The Kinsmen's own 2026 page gives a 5pm start for the parade and says it starts at City Hall, goes down George Street and turns right onto Princess Street. The Kinsmen run the parade as volunteers. Admission is not stated on the pages opened.

Parent tip: Last year the City posted parking restrictions from 1:30pm and road closures from 4:15pm, and the Peterborough Concert Band plays at Peterborough Square just before the parade. Check the City of Peterborough for 2026 closures.

Host
Kinsmen Club of Peterborough (opens in a new tab)
Where
George Street, downtown Peterborough, George Street, from City Hall (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Kinsmen Club of Peterborough (opens in a new tab)

New events in Peterborough, Ontario every week

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Carol concert

A Christmas Carol Comedy

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Peterborough Tourism lists A Christmas Carol Comedy at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre from December 9 to 13, 2026. Linda Kash plays Scrooge and Kerry Griffin plays all the other roles. The same tourism site called the 2024 run, at 140 Charlotte Street, suitable for the whole family. Tickets are sold through the Market Hall box office. The 2026 page gives no showtimes or prices.

Parent tip: Show times are not posted on the pages opened, so check the Market Hall box office before choosing a day.

Host
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (opens in a new tab)

New events in Peterborough, Ontario every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Peterborough, Ontario every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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More Christmas events for kids in Canada

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Christmas events for kids in Peterborough, Ontario: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Peterborough, Ontario?

For 2026, we confirmed 7 Christmas events for kids in Peterborough, Ontario, each on its host’s own page: Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade (Peterborough), Medieval Christmas Market (Peterborough), A Christmas Carol Comedy (Peterborough) and 4 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Peterborough, Ontario?

Where to see Santa: Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade (Peterborough), Medieval Christmas Market (Peterborough) and Breakfast with Santa at The Venue (Peterborough). Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 8, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Peterborough, Ontario

Peterborough's Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade held its 50th edition in 2025 and heads down George Street from City Hall again on December 5, 2026. Its downtown tree lighting is much newer, and the 2025 one was only the third.

Fifty parades down George Street

The Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade ran for the 50th time on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and the 51st is listed for December 5, 2026. The Kinsmen, Kinettes and Kin clubs are volunteer service groups, and they staff the route and the float staging.

The parade starts near City Hall and goes down George Street. The Peterborough Concert Band plays a concert at Peterborough Square beforehand, and the City posts parking and road closure notices each year.

A third tree lighting and a PTBO sign in 2025

The tree at Quaker Foods City Square was lit on Friday, December 5, 2025, in its third annual ceremony, with Mayor Jeff Leal flipping the switch at 5:30pm. The tree came from Treescape Canada and the lights from Barry Electric.

The weekend also had a night market with 24 artists, a DBIA market, and an illuminated PTBO sign as a photo spot. Vendors sold hot chocolate and BeaverTails, and downtown parking was free for two hours. The parade started at 5:15pm on Saturday.

Knights, a falconer and a benefit concert in its 26th year

Peterborough's Christmas calendar includes some unusual traditions. The Medieval Christmas Market is in its third year in 2026 and has knights in armour, a falconer, axe throwing and a catapult game, along with Santa and the Grinch.

In From The Cold, a Christmas concert at Market Hall for the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, was in its 26th year in 2025 and had raised more than $220,000. The 2024 downtown tree lighting added an outdoor rink, giant board games and a DJ.

Traditions today

  • Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade: The 51st annual parade is listed for Saturday, December 5, 2026, along George Street from City Hall, with the theme It's a Winter Wonderland.
  • Holiday tree lighting: The downtown ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is listed for November 27, 2026, from 5 to 7pm, with vendors and weather-dependent skating.
  • Concert Band parade concert: The Peterborough Concert Band plays at Peterborough Square from 3:45 to 4:45pm on December 5, 2026, before the parade.
  • Medieval Christmas Market: The market at the Mount Community Centre runs November 14 and 15, 2026, with 21 merchants and Santa and the Grinch.
  • First Friday Holiday Night Market: The Bankers Common Courtyard market is listed for December 4, 2026, from 5 to 9pm.
  • In From The Cold: The Christmas benefit concert for the YES Shelter is held at Market Hall, and the 2026 dates are not confirmed here.

A fact for kids

Peterborough's downtown Christmas sign spells out PTBO in lights, and families used it as a photo spot during the 2025 holiday weekend.

Questions about Christmas in Peterborough, Ontario

When is the Peterborough Santa Claus Parade in 2026?

The Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade is listed for Saturday, December 5, 2026, along George Street from City Hall. Peterborough Tourism calls it the 51st annual parade with an It's a Winter Wonderland theme and lists a 5:15pm start, while the Kinsmen's own page gives 5pm for the parade.

What time did the Peterborough parade start last year?

The 50th annual parade started at 5:15pm on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at City Hall and ran south on George Street. The City posted parking restrictions from 1:30pm, transit detours from 3:30pm and road closures from 4:15pm, with closures expected to end by 8pm.

What streets close for the Peterborough Santa Claus Parade?

In 2025 the City closed George Street from Parkhill Road to Brock Street, plus several cross streets from Aylmer Street to Water Street, Princess Street from George to Park, and Aylmer Street from Lansdowne to Romaine. Check the City of Peterborough for the 2026 notice.

Who runs the Peterborough Santa Claus Parade?

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough runs it. The club's page describes the Kinsmen, Kinettes and Kin clubs as the country's largest all-Canadian service groups, made up of volunteers. Groups register floats through the Kinsmen website, and entries gather in a staging area before the parade.

Is there something to do before the Peterborough parade starts?

Yes. The Peterborough Concert Band plays a Santa Claus Parade concert at Peterborough Square, 340 George Street North, from 3:45 to 4:45pm on December 5, 2026. A 2025 article called that year's concert free, but the band's 2026 page does not state a price.

How old is the Peterborough parade?

It held its 50th annual edition on December 6, 2025, and the 51st is listed for December 5, 2026. The parade is run by volunteers from the Kinsmen Club. Its route starts at City Hall and follows George Street through downtown.

When is the Peterborough tree lighting in 2026?

Peterborough Tourism lists the Holiday Tree Lighting at Quaker Foods City Square on Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5 to 7pm, with the lighting around 7pm. Vendors will be on site and skating is weather-dependent. Last year's ceremony was on December 5, so the date moved earlier.

Where is the downtown Peterborough Christmas tree?

The tree stands at Quaker Foods City Square, which Peterborough Tourism gave as 215 Charlotte Street in a 2024 entry. The 2025 ceremony was the third annual one, organized by the Peterborough DBIA and the City, with the tree supplied by Treescape Canada.

Can kids skate at the Peterborough tree lighting?

Peterborough Tourism says the 2026 tree lighting includes skating, weather permitting. In 2024 the event at the same square had an outdoor rink, a DJ and giant board games, so skating has been part of the evening before. Check weather conditions on the day.

What is the Medieval Christmas Market in Peterborough?

It is a two-day market at Austin Doran Hall in the Mount Community Centre, 1545 Monaghan Road, on November 14 and 15, 2026. It has 21 medieval merchants, live music, knights in armour, a falconer, Santa and the Grinch, axe throwing and a catapult game.

Does Peterborough have a Nutcracker or other ballet at Christmas?

A 2024 tourism entry listed The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition at Showplace Performance Centre on December 11, 2024. No 2026 Nutcracker date was found on the pages opened, so check Showplace directly.

How much is the Medieval Christmas Market in Peterborough?

At the door, adults pay $15, and youth and seniors pay $10, with HST included. Online general admission is $10 plus HST and fees. Children 6 and under are free both online and at the door. Tickets are sold separately for Saturday and Sunday.

Is there Breakfast with Santa in Peterborough in 2026?

Peterborough Tourism lists Breakfast with Santa at The Venue Peterborough on Sunday, November 29, 2026, with an all-you-can-eat buffet. The page says tickets are going fast. It gives no start time, price or street address, so check the venue's ticket link.

What is the First Friday Holiday Night Market in Peterborough?

It is a downtown night market in the Bankers Common Courtyard, in the alley beside 383 Water Street, listed for December 4, 2026, from 5 to 9pm. The 2025 edition was the fourth annual one and had 24 artists and makers, four musicians and food from five restaurants.

What is In From The Cold in Peterborough?

It is a Christmas concert at Market Hall that raises money for the YES Shelter for Youth and Families. The 2025 show was the 26th annual one and the event had raised more than $220,000. Check Market Hall for the 2026 dates.

Is there a Christmas play for families in Peterborough?

A Christmas Carol Comedy plays at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre from December 9 to 13, 2026, with Linda Kash as Scrooge and Kerry Griffin in all the other roles. A 2024 tourism entry called the show suitable for the whole family. Showtimes are not posted yet.

Is there a holiday concert for kids with the Peterborough Symphony?

Peterborough Tourism lists a Peterborough Symphony Orchestra holiday concert called Making Light, A Holiday Tale for All Ages, narrated by Linda Kash. The page gives no date, so check the orchestra before you plan. In 2025 the orchestra's family holiday concert was on December 6 at Emmanuel United Church.

Where can kids see Santa in Peterborough?

Peterborough Tourism lists Breakfast with Santa on November 29, 2026, Santa and the Grinch at the Medieval Christmas Market on November 14 and 15, and the Kinsmen parade on December 5. It also mentions photos with Santa at Lansdowne Place with dates still to be announced.

Is parking free downtown during Peterborough's holiday weekend?

In 2025 downtown municipal spaces and garages offered free two-hour parking during the holiday weekend, according to kawarthaNOW. Parade day also brought parking restrictions from 1:30pm and road closures from 4:15pm, so arrive early. The 2026 parking details had not been posted when this was researched.

What is the best way to plan Christmas with kids in Peterborough?

Start with the November 27 tree lighting, add the Medieval Christmas Market or Breakfast with Santa, and finish with the December 5 parade. Rally Takes the Train's Peterborough Christmas events guide lists the 2026 dates and details for each outing so you can choose.

Sources

  1. Festive Fun in Peterborough, Peterborough Tourism
  2. Santa Claus Parade 2026, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough
  3. Parking Restrictions and Road Closures Downtown During the Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade, City of Peterborough
  4. Downtown Peterborough lights up with festive celebrations this weekend, kawarthaNOW
  5. Santa Claus Parade Concert, Peterborough Concert Band
  6. Medieval Christmas Market, Blades of Glory
  7. Top Things to Do in December in Peterborough, Peterborough Tourism
Kelsey Cecil
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