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Get hands-on this holiday season with a festive Christmas Gnome Workshop at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa. Learn to craft a personalized gnome and design a cookie and hot cocoa tray, all with expert guidance and no sewing skills required.
Get hands-on this holiday season with a festive Christmas Gnome Workshop at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa. Learn to craft a personalized gnome and design a cookie and hot cocoa tray, all with expert guidance and no sewing skills required.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa, Ontario, transforms into a cozy creative hub every holiday season, and the Christmas Gnome Workshop at Parkwood Estate captures that spirit perfectly. If you're visiting the area in late November or early December, this two-hour workshop offers a unique way to embrace the festive season by crafting your very own Christmas gnome and designing an individualized cookie and hot cocoa tray — all guided by Cindy from Pretty and Sweet Co. Set in the charming Carriage House on the estate grounds, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to get hands-on with holiday décor without needing any prior sewing or crafting skills.
What sets this workshop apart is its blend of creativity and accessibility. With all materials provided and expert instruction from Cindy, even novices can create a memorable and personalized holiday decoration. The workshop uses fun crafting hacks and techniques that make each gnome truly distinctive, ensuring you leave with a festive keepsake that stands out. The focus on detail in the gnome’s design and the customized snack tray taps into the heart of Canadian winter traditions, where warm drinks and cookies are central to holiday gatherings.
Parkwood Estate itself is a vital part of Oshawa’s cultural landscape, known for its historical significance and picturesque grounds. While the estate is popular for its architectural tours and gardens, this workshop adds a creative layer to its seasonal offerings. It brings visitors closer to the community and provides a hands-on way to engage with the region’s festive culture.
The workshop is designed for adults aged 18 and up, ensuring a focused and enjoyable experience for all participants. Accessibility is a priority here — the venue, the Carriage House, is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for individuals with mobility concerns. With limited parking on site, guests are encouraged to carpool or consider nearby paid lots to ease arrival logistics.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Oshawa during the holiday season, this workshop offers an engaging way to connect with the winter festivities beyond the usual sightseeing. It blends craft, culture, and comfort food traditions in an inviting setting that highlights the warmth of Canadian winter celebrations. If you’re seeking a festive hands-on project that doubles as a heartfelt gift or seasonal décor, the Christmas Gnome Workshop delivers playful fun and cozy memories in equal measure.
easy.
2 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for all adults comfortable sitting and using craft materials.
No sewing or prior crafting skills are needed; the workshop is designed for beginners.
Participants must be 18 years or older due to the use of hot glue guns.
Check in at the Gift Shop 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Yes, the Carriage House where the workshop takes place is wheelchair accessible.
Yes, all materials needed for crafting your gnome and tray are included.
Limited parking is available at Parkwood Estate; additional paid parking is nearby, and carpooling is encouraged.
Parkwood Estate is a historic mansion built in the early 20th century, reflecting Oshawa’s industrial heritage.
The estate promotes sustainable community events and encourages minimizing parking impact by advocating carpooling and use of local transit.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site