Top Things to Do in Peterborough This December

Whether you're a local looking for the freshest fun or a visitor exploring the city's charm, there's something exciting to do every month.

Each month, we pull together this list of highlights focused on cultural highlights, seasonal activities, and events. You can use this list to make some incredible memories of your time in Peterborough.

Holiday Night Market + First Friday Art Crawl

The third annual Holiday Night Market showcases gifts and goods produced by more local creators. This event coincides with the monthly First Friday Art Crawl, which gets people out and exploring studios, galleries and other arts spaces in downtown Peterborough.

When: Friday, December 6, 2024

Where: Bankers Commons Courtyard (alley access at 383 Water Street)

Learn more about First Friday Art Crawl

In From The Cold

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this well-loved seasonal concert presents a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter songs. Funds raised go to the YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

When: Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, 2024

Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street

Tickets are available through Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

Christmas Shopping at Local Businesses

Shop local this holiday season at small businesses in Downtown Peterborough and beyond. 

When: All Month Long!

Where: Downtown Peterborough (and other local shops)

Learn more about the Peterborough DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passport

New Stages Presents: A Christmas Carol Comedy

Join Linda Kash and Canadian Comedy Award winner Kerry Griffin, for a fun-for-the-whole-family performance that layers in elements of quirky Monty Python style humour with Dickens’ Ghosts of Past, Present and Future.

When: December 11 - 15, 2024

Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street

Tickets available through Market Hall’s Box Office

Enjoy the Tranquility of the Outdoors

Take some time to have a breath of fresh air, make some memories, and perhaps even enjoy a fresh snowfall at trails and parks throughout the City.

Where: Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary Trails, Jackson Park, Rotary Greenaway Trail (and others)

Learn more on the Nature and Outdoors Page

The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition

Holiday magic with a Canadian flair. This delightful classic is brought to life with stunning Canadian landscapes (created in collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection). Experience Tchaikovsky's well-loved score set amongst the backdrop of snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties and creatures of the woods.

When: Wednesday, December 11

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George Street North

Tickets available through Showplace Performance Centre

4th Line Theatre presents “The Verandah Society: Up to Snow Good”

Cozy up with Kate Suhr and Meg Murphy and enjoy festive stories and songs that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. There will be heartwarming and humorous original storytelling, foot tapping music with inspiring vocals, surprise special guests, and that magical feeling that happens when people gather in a theatre to share and be entertained.

When: Wednesday, December 11 – Sunday, December 15, 2024

Where: Peterborough Theatre Guild, 364 Rogers Street

Tickets available through the 4th Line Theatre Box Office

Holiday Tree Lighting

Downtown will once again come alive as a hub for festive fun and community togetherness with a tree lighting ceremony and market event. Activities include official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent), live DJ, giant board games from Boardwalk Board Game Lounge, merchandise and treats available for sale.

When: Saturday, December 14, 3 – 8 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte Street

Full details on the City of Peterborough’s website