Five things to do on Christmas Day in Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Oshawa and Whitby

The presents have been opened, the kids are bored, and frankly, so are you. The fact it’s Christmas Day doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the house with nothing to do, though. If outdoor activities are your thing, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy on Christmas Day.

Whitby Lights the Night

One hundred thousand lights transform Celebration Square (downtown), Civic Square (Rossland Road) and Grass Park (Brooklin) into a winter wonderland. Find the perfect family photo or selfie location among the lights and enjoy your tour!

From November 25 to January 5.

Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights

While we’re thinking of the pretty lights, a country drive to Uxbridge might be the ticket as well. There are 75-plus displays from businesses, families and local organizations from all over the Township, all congregating at Elgin Park in downtown Uxbridge.

The drive-through event runs until January 1.

Go skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Ski Lakeridge

There’s the solution to bored children! Get thy family to Ski Lakeridge in Uxbridge (Chalk Lake Road), which is open Christmas Day from 10 am to seven pm for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as the ever-popular tubing.

You won’t be alone but expect to have plenty of room to carve out some tracks in the fresh powder (or whatever skiers do).

Walk the Waterfront Trail

Or just a piece of it. There are nearly 100 kilometres of trails along Lake Ontario, some maintained and some not.

Bring your hiking boots and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.

Visit a conservation area

There are more than a dozen to choose from all around the region. Enjoy a winter picnic, Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Or just listen to the birds and let the Christmas/Covid pressures just melt away. Whether that works for the kids is up to you.

Merry Christmas!