Moonlight Magic Christmas Event
Visitors can gather at the grandstands for the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony featuring children's entertainment, a carol sing, and a visit from Santa. Throughout the evening, guests can take complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street, listen to local choirs and bell-ringers, and take photos with surprise guest mascots. Downtown small businesses offer extended shopping hours alongside food vendors, cafes, and community donation drives.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 All ages Free admission and free parking.
See more other Christmas activities near Bowmanville
Plan Your Visit
Hours
5:00pm until 9:00pm; ceremony starts at 6:30pm; horse-drawn wagon rides start at 5pm; downtown businesses offer extended shopping hours until 9PM.
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Bowmanville
Food & Drink
Event vendors and downtown restaurants and cafes offer dinner, snacks, and hot drinks.
Parking
Parking is free. Temperance Street is closed all day Friday; road closures begin at 4PM Friday and there is no street parking after 3PM. Parking is available in municipal lots on King Street, Silver Street, Church Street, and Division Street, and on local side streets.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Come early to get a spot on the large grandstands in front of the stage before the tree-lighting ceremony begins.
- Park in a municipal lot on King, Silver, Church or Division Street, because Temperance Street is closed all day and street parking ends in the afternoon.
- Bring non-perishable food to drop off for Feed The Need in Durham at the corner of King and Temperance.
- Take a free horse-drawn wagon ride along the main street, or shop the late-opening stores downtown, while you wait for the ceremony.
- Look for Santa's elves in select store windows all through December as part of the FIND THE ELVES window hunt.
Special Events & Promotions
- Downtown small businesses stay open late for one night only
- FIND THE ELVES window hunt: Santa's elves peek out of select store windows from December 1 to 31
Links & Contact
Run by Bowmanville BIA
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
Parking is free in the municipal lots on King, Silver, Church and Division Streets and on the side streets. Temperance Street is closed all day.
What is there for kids?
The tree-lighting ceremony has children's entertainment, a carol sing and a visit from Santa. Before it starts, there are free horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street and photos with surprise guest mascots.
Where's the best spot to watch the ceremony?
On the large grandstands in front of the stage on Temperance Street. Come early to get a spot.
Is there food?
Yes. Vendors and the downtown restaurants and cafes serve dinner, snacks and hot drinks.
How can I donate?
Feed The Need in Durham collects non-perishable food and money at the corner of King and Temperance. There are also local food and toy drives during the evening.
Browse Christmas in Clarington
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.