See You Around Town This December in Oshawa

The last month of the year always affords me the opportunity to look back and reflect on how far I’ve come. Sometimes that’s with friends over champagne and something savoury. But most of the time, it is in the solitude of my living room, with a fantastic acoustic album and a journal. 

The weather took away some of my seasonal joy this year with the cancellation of the Santa Claus Parade of Lights. It is difficult to get into the season without these annual events that bring people together. But, as always, Oshawa has a plan to keep people connected. 

Over the last month, I had the pleasure of meeting folks who live, work, and play in Oshawa. They add to the robust culture and energy of the city, and they wanted to make their voices heard as the City of Oshawa develops its new Culture Plan. At the various focus groups, there was an emphasis on music, creativity, visual arts, heritage, festivals, and other aspects. My favourite was the discourse around the environment and everything I learned about Friends of Second Marsh. It was here that my passion for the city was amplified. I got to meet some of the people who make ideas real. I left the sessions feeling renewed faith that Oshawa’s workers, dreamers, thinkers, artists, and volunteers are all doing the work to give us more of who we are and who we can be. To have your voice heard about how Oshawa can improve and renew itself, check out the Culture Plan Feedback Form (submissions will be accepted until noon on Monday, December 15^th, 2025).  

Express your creativity at The Neighbour's Art Hive at the RMG.

On Thursday, December 11, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, join us at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery for The Neighbour’s Art Hive. In collaboration with the LivingRoom Community Art Studio, this event offers patrons the opportunity to ponder the moments in between, the potential born out of empty walls and blank canvases, the creation that can only happen in that room with those people at that time. As the RMG website explains, “Public Practice Art Therapist and LivingRoom Community Art Studio Founder Mary Krohnert will be on hand to discuss the role Gallery Art Hives can play in encouraging creative wellness and growth in community, and guests will have opportunities to participate in the creation of works of art that will inspire others in the weeks ahead. All ages are welcome, no previous art-making experience required, just a willingness to play, connect, and explore what making art and being an artist means to you.” Some of my fondest moments in the last two years have come from the creatives I have met at the RMG. Seeing the unwavering commitment to community, with a priority on wellness and inclusion, this is definitely an event that gets me into the holiday spirit and grounds me. It is gatherings such as these that remind me of what I find truly important, truly inspirational, and recharges my energy for the year to come. 

This is a time of year when people are usually travelling, which reminds me of some of the best trips I have been on. No matter the city, I always look for an apothecary and pick up something earthy, homemade, and environmentally conscious. Without going back to New Orleans or heading to Peterborough, I find some of my essentials at 360 Eco Market (81 Bond Street West).

Eco-consciously refill your household supplies at the 360 Eco Market.

The eco market is perfect for stuff that I like, but when it comes to gifts for every occasion, one place in particular comes to mind: The Collective Market Oshawa (83 Centre Street South). About their business, they say, “The Collective Market houses over 50+ local makers, creatives & vendors. Shop from a variety of unique small businesses for any occasion! Grab a latte from the coffee bar and sit and enjoy our "FRIENDS" inspired seating area. If you are looking to get some work done, grab your laptop and hunker down in our working room. Bring your kids and enjoy our free-to-use toddler room and craft/art room on the second floor. We also have a branding room and loft space that is perfect for photographers and workshops. Make sure to inquire about hosting events at The Collective Market in Downtown Oshawa.” 

I first saw one of the vendors featured in The Collective Market Oshawa at Oshawa’s annual Convergence Festival. I go every year so I can get the most unique stuff! My favourite vendor was Blind Date With a Book. I loved the homemade packaging, the stickers, the pens, the bookmarks, and all the other accoutrements of a stone-cold bibliophile! I loved the coziness of settling in with a book, paired with the surprise of not knowing what’s beneath the beautiful brown wrapping. I especially appreciated that it made my gift giving so simple for all of my cozy friends. If you know they love books but aren’t sure what to get them, and don’t want to just leave it at a gift card, give them an adventure!

After visiting one of the many local shops mentioned in this blog, grab yourself a hot beverage or baked good at The Collective Markets!

This December, I plan to check out a new joint in Oshawa, Freshslice Pizza (1A Simcoe Street North). Their menu boasts the classics, as well as a host of other staples, such as Butter Chicken, Fiesta Feast, BBQ Chicken Bacon, and the ability to customize. My favourite feature, however, is that I can order one pizza consisting of eight different slices. There is nothing better than having a little bit of everything and sharing it with those nearest and dearest to us.

It is difficult for me to enter this time of year without considering the amount of consumption that goes into the holidays. I wanted to offer some alternatives, some ways to give back, some opportunities to stay grounded or rooted in what matters all year long. Personally, I love going for a hike in the winter, especially during the holidays, because the trails are usually so empty. It is quiet, peaceful, and I sometimes spot an owl (my favourite omen). This season, I hope we all take excellent care of ourselves and of one another. I hope we do something out of the ordinary. We should remember that quality time is precious and that Oshawa has so much to offer. See you around town!