Make something personal for the special someone on your holiday list this year! DIY gifts are often the most meaningful presents under the tree – this year, take a wintry workshop, enjoy a paint party or learn from a top local chef to get in touch with your creative side. From wreath-making to gnome paintings, there are lots of opportunities in South Eastern Ontario to be your own Christmas maker this festive season. The magic of the season is just getting started in South Eastern Ontario – throw your creativity into the mix!
1. Winter Wreath Workshop
Make a beautiful wreath and brighten up your holiday home this season at this fun Winter Wreath Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. This event, by Evermore Design Co., is taking place at StoneCorner in Camden East. Enjoy seasonal refreshments while instructors guide you step-by-step in crafting a unique wreath using a variety of winter foliage and decorations.
2. Elf Workshops at Paragon of Play
This unique workshop series at Paragon of Play in Belleville provides children aged four and up the chance to craft thoughtful gifts for their loved ones to put under the tree this festive season! The gifts are wrapped and tagged so they can be kept as a special surprise on Christmas Day. The dates include Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. A variety of crafting choices are available, and children will receive support and guidance but are encouraged to work independently during this 1.5-hour crafting time. They’ll be busy as little elves! Also, look here for family card-making, adult painting, Family Name Ornament workshops and lots more.
Need a festive spirit boost? Hop on a free horse-drawn wagon ride throughout downtown Trenton every day from Dec. 10 to 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and live your Hallmark moment! Be sure to check out all the enchanting holiday activities and events in the Bay of Quinte.
3. The Waring House Cookery School – Vegan Seasonal Sweets
Join Chef David Correa to enjoy a vegan cooking class with vegan specialty cook Josh Fox on December 7 at 5:30 p.m. or December 10 at 10:30 a.m. The class is a hands-on experience with limited numbers to enhance the experience. The class included a Waring House apron, cooking instructions package and what is prepared, as well as a glass of local red or white wine.
4. Wreath Making and craft cider night
Craft beautiful memories! Unleash your inner artist at a special wreath-making extravaganza held in the tasting room of an 1850s stone house at Crimson Cider Company, 13762 Loyalist Parkway, on November 30, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The classes are warm and welcoming; ignite your creativity and fill your home with festive charm.
5. Holiday Cooking Classes at Waupoos Estates
From starters to pies and main dishes to sides, these one-hour cooking classes at Waupoos Estates will see guests leave with the knowledge and skill to create their own perfect Christmas menu to share with friends and family. Of course, each class starts with a glass of wine to enjoy while cooking and finishes off with a pre-planned family-style meal paired with the perfect wine. Indulge, learn and enjoy!
6. Wishing jars for children and teens
Spend the morning on December 2, 2023, at the Museum of Lennox & Addington, decorating your wishing jar with fun elements to bring your holiday cheer! Then, join museum staff in creating a favourite holiday wish to seal in your jar. Starting at 10:30 a.m., this free event is great for ages 4 to 11 years old. Then the teens take over the museum and create their own special jar starting at 1 p.m.!
Look for lots of other Christmas spirit-inducing activities in L&A County this season!
7. Holiday Gnomes at the Tett
Learn about watercolours in the spirit of the holiday season! This guided workshop is hosted by book illustrator and art instructor, Alex Lowe. On Tuesday, December 12, participants will learn to paint holiday gnomes as the perfect opportunity to pick up a brush for the first time or grow your artistic horizons in a positive environment. All materials are provided; register and purchase a ticket in advance.
8. Bread by Elise
Calling all bread lovers and aspiring bakers: imagine making sourdough bread or bagels to give as part of your holiday gifts! Take a course with Bread by Elise in Kingston to master kneading, baking, and sharing the love of bread. Take a look at the upcoming classes (there’s a bread and pizza class on December 17 just in time for the Christmas break) to get your creative juices flowing and floured – we mean fired – up! This is a haven, especially for sourdough enthusiasts – and Bread by Elise provides the essentials to elevate home baking endeavours.
9. Paints and Pints – Kingston School of Art
Create your own colourful masterpiece to give to special folks this holiday – all while sipping delicious pints at Daft Brewing! Set for Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Paints & Pints provides instruction from teaching artist Lisa Leskien, all necessary art supplies, and a drink from Daft. Participants must be 19+ and ready for some fun.
10. Blacksmithing workshops with Armstrong and Carter Ironworks
Armstrong and Carter Ironworks now offers heritage blacksmith training in the intimate setting of the restored blacksmith shop attached to the Old Stone Mill National Historic Site in Delta! Guests will receive focused instruction on coal forges with an emphasis on historic tools and techniques. Gain experience in the use of a coal forge and tending a coal fire, introduction to the various uses of an anvil, as well as hammer control. Beginner-level classes will also cover basic blacksmithing techniques, including drawing out, bending, twisting and punching. Take a class to start making some amazing gifts – or give a gift training session!
Be sure to check out these Christmas makers in Rideau Lakes for some go-to local gifts this holiday season!
11. Gnome for the Holidays at Stone Manor Studios
A true felting adventure! Join in the fun on December 1, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Stone Manor Studios in Newboro to master the art of needle and wet felting. Create a pair of unique gnomes and take home materials to continue the creativity! This workshop is led by experienced instructor, Lisa Paddle of Wool & Paddle to ensure your gnomes are as festive as can be. We hear there may even be a charcuterie and refreshments involved… sign us up!
Be sure to check out these Christmas makers in Rideau Lakes for some go-to local gifts this holiday season!
12. Fun Art Paint Parties – Christmas Edition
This Brockville–based art space is brimming with colour and possibility this holiday season! Fun Art Paint Parties hosts kids, teens, adults, and senior art classes regularly, and they are winter- and holiday-focused in December. Two events that stand out are a Christmas Paint Party presented by Mallorytown Front of Yonge Township at the Mallorytown Legion for Seniors 60+ and friends, where participants will paint a cardinal scene. That’s happening on Friday, Dec. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is free with food bank donations welcome! Another is gearing up for Seeley’s Bay Community Hall, where artists will be painting Christmas baubles on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reserve your seats for these fun events soon!
13. Holiday Table Centrepiece Workshop: Wild Little Roses
Create the perfect hostess gift with your own two hands (or keep it to adorn your own holiday table)! Wild Little Roses in downtown Brockville is leading a Holiday Table Centrepiece Workshop at Richard’s Coffeehouse on Thursday, December 14. Discover the joy of designing a gorgeous centrepiece with holiday elements provided, such as Christmas greenery like pine and cedar, complemented by red roses, white daisies, berries, pinecones and more. Your talents will be the talk of the table!
14. Cookie decorating class at Maison Maitland
Elevate your cookie decorating and appetizer game to make them gift-worthy! Join Lauren Shane, professional custom cookie decorator and owner of Lyn Valley Bake Shop, to learn the art of cookie decorating on November 30, 2023. Participants will take their creations home to share for the holidays. Next, Cynthia will guide the group through creating tasty cocktail apps! Enjoy a fun day in the kitchen at the beautiful Maison Maitland and spend time with your friend or partner.
15. Beyond the Arbour Winter Workshops
Add interest to your home décor or give a gift early to your friends that they’ll actually use! Beyond the Arbour near Lansdowne runs popular evergreen workshops ranging from a Cardinal in the Window Wreath created with fresh boxwood and rosehips to birch star workshops to traditional evergreen wreaths. Grab some family members and register for a workshop – you won’t be disappointed!
16. Staying Humble with Holiday Workshops
The Village Green Flower Shop is hosting some holiday workshops at Humble Beginnings Brewing Co. in Ingleside! Get your swag and centrepiece creativity flowing like the taps at Humble Brewing Co. as guests are guided through making an outside winter door swag on November 29 and a long-lasting Christmas indoor centrepiece on Wednesday, December 6. Also, at Humble Beginnings on Thursday, November 30, don’t miss Crafts + Beer night, when patrons will be making painted glass ornaments and enjoying festive cheer (a 16 oz draught pour, in this case…).
17. Twelve Days of Holiday Cheer
This new seasonal event features activities, music and even demos taking place at participating businesses in Downtown Cornwall on Friday nights and Saturdays until December 23, 2023! The big dose of holiday cheer will feature everything from decorating pointers to charcuterie board demos in the lead-up to Christmas. Stay tuned to the event page to find out when demonstrations will happen – and enjoy all the festivities in between! We even see live music, hot chocolate and Santa visits on the list.
18. Russell Community Christmas Market and Winter Social
The popular Russell Community Christmas Market and Winter Social is a great place to gather inspiration! See some holiday cocktails being made for guests to enjoy beside the fire, chat with vendors, listen to local entertainment and get into the Christmas spirit while spreading holiday cheer! Taking place on Saturday, December 2, at the Russell Fairgrounds, it will be filled with local vendors with several even setting up shop in the outdoor space. We bet some of the amazing vendors will be showcasing their skills on site, as well!
Do you have other holiday-themed workshops coming up? Let us know! In the meantime, be your own maker by getting in touch with your creative side at workshops and demo events across South Eastern Ontario! A warm, festive welcome awaits.
Business opening hours and availability of workshops can fluctuate. Be sure to check the links to book ahead based on availability.
