Discover the art of wreath-making amid the historic landscapes of Parkwood. Join us for a festive, hands-on holiday experience that blends craftsmanship with local history.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2-3 hours
Fitness Level
No specific fitness level required, just enthusiasm for crafts and history.
Wildlife
History
The Greenhouses at Parkwood were established in the early 20th century, serving as a hub for horticultural innovation and community gatherings.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving native plant varieties and sustainable greenhouse practices to reduce environmental impact.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover the art of wreath-making amid the historic landscapes of Parkwood. Join us for a festive, hands-on holiday experience that blends craftsmanship with local history.
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
Getting there a bit early ensures you find your spot and settle in comfortably.
Dress for the Season
Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes suited for greenhouse environments.
Bring a Camera
Capture the beautiful greenery and your handcrafted wreath to remember the day.
Enjoy the Greenhouse Tour
Take time to explore the historic greenhouses and learn about their conservation.
Warm Clothing
Stay comfortable while moving around the greenhouse spaces.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable moments of your wreath and the historic surroundings.
Comfortable Shoes
Ensure easy movement inside the greenhouses and around the site.
Notebook and Pen
Jot down tips or plant names during the tour.