Adventure Brief
Discover the magic of the season at Parkwood’s Christmas Tours, where historic charm meets festive splendor. A perfect holiday outing packed with history and holiday cheer.
1–1.5 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover the magic of the season at Parkwood’s Christmas Tours, where historic charm meets festive splendor. A perfect holiday outing packed with history and holiday cheer.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Built in the early 1900s, Parkwood was the family estate of the McLaughlin Motor Car Company founder, living its legacy as a symbol of industry and elegance.
Conservation
The estate actively maintains its historic landscape with eco-friendly practices, emphasizing preservation while allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover the magic of the season at Parkwood’s Christmas Tours, where historic charm meets festive splendor. A perfect holiday outing packed with history and holiday cheer.
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 the best experience
Getting there early ensures you avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate tour of the decorated mansion.
Dress warmly during winter visits
Temperatures can drop, so bundle up in layers to stay comfortable while exploring the historic grounds.
Capture seasonal photos
Take advantage of the festive decorations and historic backdrop for memorable holiday photos.
Engage with guided tours for richer stories
Join guided sessions to learn fascinating details about the mansion’s history and holiday traditions.
Warm clothing
Layered clothing keeps you comfortable while viewing the outdoor grounds and inside the mansion.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture festive moments and beautiful decorations during your visit.
winter
Comfortable walking shoes
Explore the grounds and interior comfortably with sturdy footwear.
winter
Holiday accessories (hat, gloves, scarf)
Accessories help stay cozy while enjoying the outdoor parts of the estate.
winter