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Discover Ontario’s Christmas food traditions and craft your own gingerbread cake in a historic setting. Join this festive culinary workshop at Parkwood National Historic Site.
Discover Ontario’s Christmas food traditions and craft your own gingerbread cake in a historic setting. Join this festive culinary workshop at Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
Nestled within the historic grounds of the Parkwood National Historic Site, this unique culinary experience celebrates Christmas food traditions rooted in the McLaughlin Family’s rich history. Located just outside of Hamilton, Ontario, Parkwood offers visitors a chance to step into a bygone era while indulging in festive culinary arts. The two-night workshop, led by a seasoned curator and culinary historian, focuses on the beloved holiday treat—gingerbread. Participants will uncover the origins of this aromatic past-time, learning about traditional recipes and the evolution of Christmas baking across generations. The highlight is creating your very own gingerbread cake, infused with seasonal spices, offering a taste of holiday nostalgia. Beyond baking, guests will explore the significance of holiday customs that have contributed to Ontario’s festive heritage, gaining insight into how family traditions evolve yet preserve their charm. This experience is perfect for history buffs, food lovers, or anyone wanting to add a seasonal flair to their culinary repertoire while immersed in the historic ambiance of Parkwood. The setting itself, with its stately architecture and sprawling gardens, adds a picturesque backdrop to the event, making it more than just a cooking class but a festive journey through Canadian holiday history. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to gingerbread making, this engaging workshop offers a warm, welcoming environment to connect with festive traditions and bring home recipes to cherish. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season and deepen your appreciation for Ontario’s holiday customs, all within a beloved historic site. Recommended for those interested in culinary history, family traditions, or holiday-themed activities, this experience makes a perfect seasonal outing that celebrates the joy of food and heritage. Join us at Parkwood and rediscover the magic of Christmas through food and history.
easy.
2 nights.
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages
No, the workshop is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners.
Yes, you can share your creation or take it home at the end of the session.
Please inform the organizers in advance. They can accommodate common dietary needs.
Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
Yes, parking is available on-site for workshop participants.
Children aged 8 and above are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Parkwood National Historic Site was the summer residence of the McLaughlin family, which played a significant role in Ontario’s automotive history.
The site emphasizes sustainable practices, preserving its historic landscape while promoting ecological awareness.
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