12 Winter Events in Thunder Bay You’ll Love

When the first snow hits the ground, Thunder Bay wakes up in colour and sound. Lights flicker on downtown, markets spill into the streets, and the city’s artists, musicians, and makers turn up the volume on winter.  

1. Artisans Northwest Art & Fine Craft Show

For over half a century, Artisans Northwest has celebrated creativity with a juried showcase of local art, textiles, pottery, woodwork, and jewelry. This long-running tradition is a favourite for collectors and gift-givers alike, an ideal place to find something unique and beautifully made by Northern hands.

2. Holiday Craft Revival

The Waterfront District becomes a hub of festive energy as over 175 local vendors, musicians, and performers take over streets and venues for the Holiday Craft Revival. From live music at Goods & Co. Market to horse-drawn carriage rides and a certain green prankster stirring up mischief, it’s one of Thunder Bay’s most anticipated holiday weekends.

3. The Guild Christmas Pottery Sale

The Thunder Bay Pottery Guild’s annual holiday sale offers an incredible range of handmade ceramics, from mugs and serving dishes to sculptural works. Each piece reflects the Guild’s dedication to craftsmanship and community, making this event a perfect stop for thoughtful, functional gifts.

4. The Holiday Train

When the CPCK Holiday Train rolls into Thunder Bay, the city comes alive with light and music. Country artists perform live from a boxcar stage while volunteers collect food and donations for local charities. It’s a short stop, but one filled with generosity, song, and the warmth of shared purpose.

5. Westfort Winter Wonderland

Westfort Village hosts one of the city’s most charming neighbourhood celebrations with bonfires, live music, Santa sightings, and hot cocoa. Local businesses stay open late, the tree lighting ceremony caps off the evening, and the whole scene feels like something out of a vintage holiday card.

6. Parade of Lights

Transport trucks decked out in thousands of lights line Memorial Avenue for this beloved annual parade. Families fill the sidewalks, cocoa in hand, as the city glows in support of charities.

7. Indigenous Fine Arts & Crafts Market

This gathering of Indigenous artists from across the region fills the CLE grounds with beadwork, moccasins, mittens, and traditional foods. Hosted by the Indigenous Artworks Group of Northern Ontario, it’s the largest event of its kind in the North and a celebration of artistry rooted in culture and community.

8. Holiday Pops with the TBSO

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert delivers a joyful blend of classical sparkle and seasonal favourites. Expect sing-alongs, festive flair, and moments of musical brilliance that make this show a cherished local tradition.

9. Magnus Theatre Holiday Show

Magnus Theatre keeps the season bright with a holiday production that mixes laughter and heart. Past favourites have included cheeky retellings of Christmas classics and family-friendly comedies that balance holiday nostalgia with wit and warmth.

10. Some Kind of Christmas Show

Thunder Bay’s creative community takes centre stage for this free variety show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium featuring music, dance, and comedy. It’s a lively, all-ages event that showcases local talent and captures the city’s collaborative spirit.

11. Winter Solstice Celebration at Fort William Historical Park

Held inside the Great Hall, the Winter Solstice Celebration combines history, fine dining, and reflection. Guests gather for an evening of seasonal food and storytelling, honouring the turning of the year in one of Canada’s most atmospheric heritage settings.

12. New Year’s Eve Family Frolic

Also at Fort William Historical Park, Family Frolic closes out the year with an evening of skating, crafts, games, live music, and fireworks. It’s a family-friendly favourite that ends early enough for little ones to dream their way into the new year.

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