Discover the joy of holiday crafting at Parkwood National Historic Site with a hands-on ornament painting workshop led by artist Sarah Shaw. Unleash your creativity in a historic setting and create keepsakes for generations.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, no prior art experience needed.
Wildlife
History
Parkwood National Historic Site was once a grand estate, showcasing early 20th-century architecture and landscape design. It’s now preserved as a cultural treasure for visitors.
Conservation
The site maintains sustainable practices to protect its historic structures and natural landscapes, ensuring the site remains vibrant for future generations.
Parkwood National Historic Site
Discover the joy of holiday crafting at Parkwood National Historic Site with a hands-on ornament painting workshop led by artist Sarah Shaw. Unleash your creativity in a historic setting and create keepsakes for generations.
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.
Prepare for the weather
Dress in layers and bring an apron or smock to protect your clothing during painting.
Arrive early
Getting to the workshop early ensures you settle in comfortably and gain the full experience.
Bring a camera
Capture your creative process and the scenic surroundings to remember your experience.
Reserve in advance
Spaces are limited, so booking ahead guarantees your spot in this popular workshop.
Apron or smock
Protects your clothing from paint splashes during the workshop.
Sketching pencils and eraser
Helpful for planning your ornament designs before painting.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the session.
Comfortable shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as you may be standing for part of the workshop.