Discover the festive magic of holiday baking and history at Empire Pudding. Join a guided gingerbread workshop at this historic site and create seasonal treats rooted in tradition.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
The site has been a symbol of community and cultural heritage since its construction in the early 20th century.
Conservation
Efforts at Parkwood focus on preserving the historic structures and maintaining environmentally friendly landscaping.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover the festive magic of holiday baking and history at Empire Pudding. Join a guided gingerbread workshop at this historic site and create seasonal treats rooted in tradition.
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.
Location
Oshawa, Ontario
Located in Oshawa, Ontario
Experiences
58 listed experiences
Tours, workshops, markets and events
Seasonal Events
Holiday & seasonal programming
Markets, workshops, and tours
Designation
National Historic Site
Official historic site designation
Find upcoming dates for guided tours, seasonal markets, and hands-on workshops — reserve tickets early for popular sessions and holiday events.
Arrive early for best seating
Arriving a bit before the scheduled start ensures you get a good spot and more time for hands-on baking.
Dress warmly
Historic sites can be cool, especially in winter, so wear layered clothing to stay comfortable.
Bring an apron
Protect your clothes during the baking fun with a sturdy apron provided or bring your own.
Participate in storytelling
Engage with the host to learn even more about the traditions behind the recipes.
Apron
Keeps your clothes clean while you work with dough and icing.
winter
Warm clothing
Layered garments to stay comfortable in the historic, potentially cool environment.
winter
Notebook and pen
Jot down recipes or notes about historic holiday traditions.
Camera or phone
Capture festive moments at the workshop.