Christmas in Cobourg 2022 should be more like the ones we used to know – pre-COVID, that is.
The Community Services Division is pleased to announce the return of the ever-popular Christmas Magic Lighting Up Ceremony, the evening Santa Claus Parade and First Night, not to mention an amazing array of concerts and shows at the Victoria Hall Concert Hall.
Christmas Magic
Residents are invited to the kick-off of this dazzling display at the Lighting Up Ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, in the Rotary Harbourfront Park (35 Albert St.), after which they can enjoy a stroll among the more than 200,000 lights from the Rotary Harbourfront Park, along the Esplanade, through the campground to Victoria Park. There will also be a wonderful variety of displays throughout, such as spiral trees, holiday cut-outs for the children, holiday vignettes, reindeer and other festive animals. Children are also advised to keep an eye out for Santa, who will be making an appearance.
The Rotary Club of Cobourg invite you to visit their special 100th-anniversary tree in the Rotary Harbourfront Park, decked out in Rotary colours. The club is also partnering with Habitat For Humanity Northumberland to serve up hot chocolate and cookies in Victoria Park.
The town encourages everyone to come out for a fun, festive evening that is made possible by the thousands of hours given by both staff and volunteers – and perhaps enjoy a nice meal beforehand at one of the many dining options downtown.
And remembering that the holidays can be challenging for many in our community, everyone who is able to do so is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank. You can hand in your donation at the Rotary Harbourfront Park in exchange for a glow stick to carry on your rounds.
Nov. 25 is also the day the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign begins for the holiday season.
Santa Claus Parade
This beloved annual tradition only recently switched to an evening event. This year, on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m., it begins at the Cobourg Public Library and heads east to end at D'Arcy Street (reversing the route it took as an afternoon parade). Letters to Santa and donations of canned goods for the food bank will be collected at the start of the parade.
The Cobourg Santa Claus Parade Planning Committee encourages participants to design and decorate float entries based on a festive theme. For 2022, that would be a Favourite Holiday Song and a Light Show to showcase both musical and lighting components.
Parade attendees are reminded to dress warmly and wear reflective clothing. Those who cannot attend can take advantage of the live streaming with commentary offered on COGECO's YourTV Northumberland (Cable 10/HD Cable 700).
The town is now accepting registrations from community organizations, groups and businesses that want to be part of the parade. Everyone is encouraged to review the rules, regulations and eligibility guidelines prior to submitting the registration form on the Experience Cobourg website – deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 28.
A Downtown Christmas
Downtown Cobourg businesses aim to make spirits bright this holiday season. The DBIA kicks it off with A Downtown Christmas on Dec. 3, a mini-event that runs from noon to 5 p.m. offering some fantastic family-friendly activities – photos with Santa, hot chocolate, character meet-and-greets, gift-wrapping workshops, live music and, of course, shopping and dining.
Home Decorating Challenge
Bringing the holiday spirit to each neighbourhood, the Town of Cobourg challenges residents to decorate their homes and submit the images for a chance to win a gift card to a local business of their choosing. Images of these decorated homes will be used to develop a driving map that will be available on the Experience Cobourg website and shared on the town's social-media pages. Submit your photos by Monday, Dec. 12, by e-mailing Jackie Chapman Davis at jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca
Holiday Shows
A number of holiday productions are in store at the Victoria Hall Concert Hall (55 King St. W.), with tickets available on-line at cobourgboxoffice.ca or by calling the box office at 905-372-2210. Among the shows to look forward to are:
Nov 26 – 8 p.m. - VOS Theatre presents A Christmas Gala Fundraiser, featuring both a screening of White Christmas and cast members from previous VOS productions of this beloved classic, coming together to raise funds for scholarships and future productions.
Dec. 2-4 – Northumberland Players presents A Wonderful Christmas Time, featuring some of the best local performers and musicians.
Dec. 10-11 – 2 p.m. - Northumberland Players Youth Theatre present A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Dec. 17 – 8 p.m. - A Very Merry Motown Christmas offers a holiday tribute to the best from the legendary music powerhouse era.
Dec. 20 – 7 p.m. - Ken Prue/A Loft Production presents Sultans of String, joined by guest vocalist Rebecca Campbell and Saskia Tomkins on the nykelharpa.
As well, La Jeunesse is back with Heartsong!, a festive concert at Trinity United Church (284 Division St.) on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.
And the traditional Concert Band of Cobourg holiday concert for all ages (led by Musical Director Paul Storms) will take place Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Cobourg Community Centre (750 D'Arcy St.). Tickets are now on sale at the Cobourg Box Office.
Mayor's Skate
Bring your family and friends, and lace up for the annual Mayor's Community Skate – this year on the Pond arena at the Cobourg Community Centre Thursday, Dec 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Members of the Cobourg Cougars will be there, and don't forget the donation bin for the Fare Share food bank. Everyone is welcome at this free event,
First Night
Celebrate New Year's Eve in downtown Cobourg on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Rotary Harbourfront Park outdoor skating rink. More details will be announced soon.
Stay up to date on what's happening in Cobourg at ExperienceCobourg.ca, and follow the Town of Cobourg and Experience Cobourg on social media. And if you are planning an event in Cobourg, submit it to the town's Community Event Calendar on-line.