Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in the world. Billions of people around the globe celebrate Christmas in over 160 countries. Canada is known for its extravagant celebrations that start in November and continue until January. Exciting festivals, markets, and events occur in cities across Canada during this magical time. As a newcomer, it’s nice to discover and enjoy some of the seasonal traditions, Christmas festivals, and markets!
What is Christmas Like in Canada?
Like many countries, Canadians celebrate Christmas Day on December 25th. However, many things make a Canadian Christmas unique. Canada is home to people from many cultures and each brings traditions that contribute to a unique mix!
Common Christmas Traditions in Canada
One thing you will notice about Canadians is they usually wish you “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. This is because they are mindful of the people who do not celebrate Christmas. “Happy Holidays” encompasses all the celebrations during this time, like New Year’s Day, Hanukkah, and Christmas including other faiths.
Another common tradition that has emerged in recent years is how Canadians celebrate Christmas. Christmas is originally a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. However, not all Canadians who celebrate Christmas are Christians. Because of this, Christmas has become more of a secular family holiday. So, you don’t need to be Christian to join the holiday cheer.
Decorations for Christmas in Canada
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During November and December, decorations for Christmas in Canada are a common sight. Christmas trees, reindeer, holiday gifts, and snowmen are decorations you might see around your neighbourhood. Red and green are the two Christmas colours so those are a common sight leading up to Christmas.
Top Christmas Festivals and Christmas Markets in Canada
Canada is well-known for its extravagant Christmas festivals and markets. No matter what city you visit, you see the streets lined with Christmas lights and decorations. Let’s take a look at some of the best festivals and Christmas markets that Canada has to offer.
People skating outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, during the Cavalcade of Lights
Cavalcade of Lights | Toronto, Ontario
November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Cavalcade of Lights is a Christmas festival in the heart of Toronto. This festival lights up and transforms Nathan Phillips Square into a Christmas wonderland. It’s full of Christmas-themed activities like ice skating and is lined with Christmas trees, lights, and ice sculptures.
This year, you can even take advantage of free ice skating rentals on Saturday, December 4 – January 7, from 4 – 7 pm. Cavalcade of Lights is sure to get you feeling festive in no time!
The Christmas tree is decorated with over 70,000 lights to brighten the Distillery Winter Village!
Distillery Winter Village | Toronto, Ontario
November 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village is Canada’s biggest and liveliest Christmas market. It receives almost 700,000 visitors each year! Whether you attend the exciting Christmas tree lighting ceremony or visit the quaint outdoor shopping cabins, you’ll feel the excitement of the season!
Parking is tough to find near the Distillery District of Toronto. This makes Toronto’s public transit system a better alternative to get to the market.
Christkindl Market | Kitchener, Ontario
December 5 – 8, 2024
The Christkindl Market in Kitchener is one of the first Christmas Markets in Canada. The Christkindl Market lights up the heart of Kitchener every December. The market has anything and everything Christmas, with a touch of German culture at every corner.
Christkindl Market is designed to look like a Christmas market straight from Germany. This is because Christmas markets originated in Germany and the country is also credited with having some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The Christkindl Market strives to recreate some of those markets while maintaining Canadian Christmas traditions.
The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital, are lit with Christmas lights.
Ottawa Christmas Market | Ottawa, Ontario
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
This next Christmas Market brings us to Canada’s capital; Ottawa. The Ottawa Christmas Market transforms Lansdowne Park into a vibrant Christmas wonderland. The already-spirited Lansdowne Park, which overlooks the Rideau Canal, provides the perfect festive atmosphere for a Christmas market. The Ottawa Christmas Market is full of holiday lights, decorations, and, of course, holiday shopping. The market has everything from food and drinks to music and special Christmas activities!
ZOOLIGHTS | Calgary Alberta
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Another great festival taking place in Calgary, Alberta is ZOOLIGHTS. Celebrating its 28th season, the Calgary Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. You’ll get to experience light displays to ignite your festive spirit. The event is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Zoolights has unique activities to join if you happen to be in Calgary.
Banff Christmas Market | Banff, Alberta
Banff is a 90-minute drive west of Calgary, Alberta, and is one of Canada’s most scenic national parks, and year-round tourist destinations. This makes Banff a great spot for a Christmas market. Banff Christmas Market gives visitors a unique experience. Most Christmas markets are located at the heart of cities or suburbs. This makes most Christmas markets feel urbanized. The Banff Christmas Market, however, is anything but that. The market has a rural, countryside feel that offers a unique experience to city dwellers.
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Winnipeg, Manitoba
November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is a lively Christmas festival that offers a 2.5 km ride through Red River Exhibition Park. During the ride, you can admire all sorts of Winter-themed light displays. This festival is a great way to join in on the holiday cheer without going outside. After all, Winnipeg, Manitoba is known to have one of the chilliest winters in Canada.
Capilano Suspension Bridge at Christmas
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge | Vancouver, British Columbia
November 22, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Visiting the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, located a 15-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, is a truly unique experience. Every year the Capilano Suspension Bridge lights up with dazzling light displays and lasts all the way till Christmas day. Even without the lights, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular destination for millions of tourists. The bridge is 140 meters long and hangs 70 meters above the Capilano River. When the whole place lights up in December, it is a truly magnificent sight.
These are just some of the Christmas festivals taking place this year. But, every Canadian city has its own unique Christmas traditions. No matter what city you live in there will probably be a Christmas celebration to enjoy!
Visting a Christmas market in Canada is a fun way to join in common holiday traditions and activities. With Christmas markets in cities across Canada, you’ll experience the best of the holiday season!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
New Canadians may shy away from renting a basement apartment. Many imagine a dark and damp basement with bad living conditions. But this is far from the truth. It may not sound appealing, but in Canada, basements are usually quite nice and no different from any other part of the house. Discover the pros and cons of renting a basement apartment in Canada and if it’s the right option for you!
It’s common for people to start renting a basement apartment, especially if they want to live downtown in high-rent cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Basement apartments are usually more affordable than one- or two-bedroom apartments.
Pro: Basement Apartments are More Affordable to Rent
If you are new to Canada, you probably want to find affordable housing, especially while you search for a job. In that case, basements will be your best bet. Landlords who rent out basement apartments often live in the home above the basement. As a result, they may charge lower rental prices because they are renting out only a part of their house.
Because basement apartment rental prices are more affordable than other rental options, you can live in a neighbourhood that might otherwise be out of your budget.
If you live alone, or have a small family, basement apartments have more than enough living space. If you have a large family, you might want to look for a larger living space, such as a 2-bedroom apartment.
If you’re searching for a basement apartment in Canada, determine how much space you need. View online listings to get a sense of the space. But, be sure to visit the rental property to inspect it and ensure the size and layout meet your needs.
Also, ask the landlord if utilities such as hydro and water are included in the rent and what amenities are included. Not all basement apartments will have a washer and dryer. So, make sure a laundromat is nearby for convenience.
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Ensure a laundromat is nearby if the apartment does not have a washer and dryer.
Walk-Up versus Walk-Out Basement Apartments in Canada
The two main types of basements are walk-up basements and walk-out basements. This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a basement apartment.
A walk-up basement apartment is located mostly below ground.
Walk-Up Basement Apartment
In a walk-up basement apartment, you climb stairs to enter and exit. This type of basement is mostly located below ground and usually offers less natural light.
A walk-out basement can offer more natural light.
Walk-Out Basement Apartment
A walk-out basement has an entrance/exit on ground level so you do not need to climb stairs to exit. These basement apartments have an entrance at the back of the house where the backyard is. As a result, walk-out basements have more natural light. Living in a walk-out basement can feel like you live on the ground floor.
Which Basement Apartment is Better for You?
Many people prefer walk-out basements to walk-up basements. Walk-out basements have more natural light, better backyard access, and feel more open. And because of this, you don’t feel like living in a basement. However, finding a walk-out basement is hard because the house needs to be on a slope. So walk-out basements are a find.
If you find a walk-out basement, it may be more expensive than a walk-up basement apartment. However, it is possible to find a well-priced walk-out basement. Just make sure to start your search early.
Walk-up basements are more common. Most rooms will have ground-level windows so you will get natural light. However, the basement apartment you choose depends on your needs and preferences.
Do I Need Tenant Insurance for a Basement Apartment?
Tenant insurance is good to have no matter what type of housing you rent. However, it’s brilliant to have if you rent a basement apartment. The risk of water damage caused by the rental unit above you is higher (water flows downward). So, consider buying to protect your contents and valuables and reduce the costs if you have to move out while repairs are done.
A landlord checks a fire alarm to meet fire safety regulations.
Are Basement Apartments Legal?
Landlords must ensure that the basement apartment meets provincial regulations and standards to ensure it is a safe and appealing living space. But, as a tenant, you should verify the legal status of the rental unit.
Landlords must be able to provide:
An ESA certificate that indicates the electrical system complies with safety standards.
2. A fire certificate to confirm the basement apartment meets fire safety requirements.
3. A certificate of compliance to prove the basement is registered and compliant with regulations and all city bylaws.
You can file a complaint with the local municipality If a landlord doesn’t provide these documents. Landlords who do not meet compliance standards can face fines of up to $25,000. Regulations and safety features ensure that occupants and neighbourhoods are not at risk of injury, death, or severe damage.
I’m Ready to Buy a Home, Why Should I Rent?
Buying a home in Canada is a long-term commitment and can be more expensive than renting a home. So, it’s smarter to rent before you buy a house in any city. No amount of online neighbourhood or city research will give you as much insight as living in it.
Renting is a shorter-term commitment. And, as the whole country is new to you, you may want to wait until you are certain where you want to live. If you rent in your city of choice before buying a home, you can explore and experience different neighbourhoods.
If you buy a home, you may discover you don’t like the neighbourhood or the city. You may want to move to another city or province for better job opportunities in your field. Relocating to another home, city, or province is expensive. It’s better to take your time before you buy a home.
A basement apartment is a great choice if you want a temporary place. It allows you to gain a sense of the city before you buy a house. A more affordable basement apartment will decrease your living costs while you settle in Canada.
I Don’t Have any Credit History in Canada, Will this be a Problem?
This is a problem that many newcomers in Canada face. And while this can be a stumbling block, you can rent a home in Canada without a credit history. Get tips here to rent a home in Canada without a credit score.
Renting a basement apartment can be an affordable housing solution, offering a beautiful, safe, and comfortable living environment. Explore your options! You may discover a basement apartment is the perfect solution.
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
Step into a world of vibrant colours and joy as people celebrate Diwali in Canada in 2024! Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. As Canadians embrace Diwali celebrations, we show our commitment to the multiculturalism that makes our country unique. Discover Diwali dates and events taking place across Canada in 2024!
Across Canada, Diwali illuminates communities with dazzling lights to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. It is a time when families gather to exchange gifts, share delicious feasts, and light traditional diyas.
The festival brings joy to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities and serves as a bridge to connect people from different cultures. Canadians from all walks of life join in the festivities, events, and the beauty of Indian culture. As Diwali spreads warmth and radiance across Canada, we celebrate diversity and the power of unity.
When is Diwali 2024?
In 2024, people will celebrate the five days of Diwali from Tuesday, October 29th to Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. The main Festival of Light celebration is on November 1st.
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This annual celebration usually falls between October and November. The Hindu lunisolar calendar determines the exact date of Diwali 2024 by the movement of the moon and the sun. The festival occurs in the middle of Karkita, the 8th month in the Hindu calendar. Some versions of the calendar also put Karkita as the 7th month.
What are the Five Days of Diwali and Dates in 2024
The five days of Diwali 2024 are a time to reflect on the significance of the festival and its spiritual meaning.
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Day One: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity. A common ritual for people is to clean their homes and purchase new utensils, and gold, or silver items as a symbol to invite wealth.
Day Two, Thursday, October 31, 2024
This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the importance of inner light. A common ritual is to light small lamps (diyas) to dispel darkness and negativity.
Day Three: Friday, November 1, 2024
This is the main day of Diwali, which celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his victory over the demon king Ravana. A common ritual is to decorate homes with light rows of diyas.
Day Four: Saturday, November 2, 2024
This day is associated with Lord Krishna lifting the Govardan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains and flooding. Preparing vegetarian dishes and sweets to offer Lord Krishna is common.
Day Five: Sunday, November 3, 2024
The last of the 5 days of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, symbolizing love, protection, and sibling relationships. Families come together for a special meal and joyous celebrations on this day.
Diwali Celebrations in Canada
Diwali in Canada is a cherished part of Canada’s cultural fabric. Across the nation, Diwali celebrations are marked by a sense of joy, unity, and community spirit. The festival captures the hearts of all who attend, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
Municipalities and community organizations embrace the festival and organize events and celebrations open to all Canadians. These celebrations show Canada’s commitment to diversity and culture. During Diwali, the streets and public spaces transform with vibrant decorations, dazzling light displays, and delectable sweets and snacks.
Diwali celebrations in Canada serve as a platform for cultural exchange and foster intercultural understanding. Canadians of all backgrounds join cultural performances and immerse themselves in the richness of Indian culture. And, in doing so they forge connections and strengthen the bonds of unity.
Celebrating Diwali in Canada in 2024
Although Diwali differs from celebrations in South Asia, the holiday spirit is the same! The first thing you will notice on Diwali is the lights. Families celebrating Diwali in Canada love decorating the outside of their homes with Diyas, oil lamps made of baked clay. Diyas are a common sight during Diwali, especially if you live in an area with a large South Asian population.
Because of Canada’s multicultural nature, Diwali is not just a South Asian celebration but a Canadian one too. Even though it is not a public statutory holiday, many Canadians from diverse cultural backgrounds celebrate this festival. Diwali shows us that Canadians embrace different cultural festivals. This is an amazing achievement, considering that only 7.1% of Canada’s population is of South Asian descent.
Colour festival lanterns symbolize the beauty of Diwali
2024 Diwali Celebrations and Events Across Canada
Celebrating Diwali in Canada comes with many city-wide festivals. While you can find Diwali celebrations, some of the largest Diwali events are in these cities:
Brampton, Ontario | Diwali Festival of Lights
Presented by OLG, the Diwali Festival of Lights returns to Brampton on October 19 & 20, 2024 at Shoppers World Brampton (499 Main St S, Brampton). This is the Greater Toronto Area’s largest free indoor event. Returning for its 9th year, the event will feature musical performances, Bollywood dance workshops, mouth-watering food, and fun activities for kids.
Brampton | Diwali Mela
The City of Brampton will host the second annual Diwali Mela on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Sesquicentennial Park. This exciting festival will celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Live music and performances from local and international artists, free family-friendly games, events, and delicious food vendors will be present.
Fireworks often symbolize the beauty of Diwali. However, a by-law in Brampton prevents residents from using fireworks. You can also receive a fine if you set off fireworks. But, you can still enjoy a dazzling city-run Diwali fireworks display!
Calgary, Alberta | Diwali Fest 2024
This year’s Diwali Fest on Saturday, November 23, 2024, promises a grand celebration of lights, love, and culture! Taking place at the Genesis Centre in Calgary, you can get more details and tickets from the Indians in Calgary group.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | Diwali Carnival
The Diwali Fest celebration takes place on November 2, 2024. Halifax is a multicultural city with a large South Asian population. It’s no surprise that Halifax hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the maritime provinces. Event highlights include an open dance with Bollywood music and fireworks.
Surrey, British Columbia | Diwali Downtown Surrey
Diwali Downtown Surrey 2024 at Surrey City Hall is the biggest Diwali celebration in British Columbia. The event on Sunday, October 20, 2024, offers fun activities for kids, music, live performances, and delicious food! It is impossible to have a Diwali celebration without traditional South Asian food. Diwali Fest will also host events in Coquitlam and Vancouver. British Columbia.
Ottawa, Ontario | Diwali on the Hill
In Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, Ontario the Diwali on the Hill celebration occurs on Parliament Hill on Wednesday, October 30. Organized by the Canada India Foundation, this event brings together members of Parliament, government officials, and the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The event features traditional Indian music, dance, cuisine, and lighting of the Diwali Lamp.
Diwali is a great holiday because it differs from other Canadian holidays. It gives Canadians a new perspective and a chance to experience new cultural traditions. It is great to see people from all backgrounds gather to celebrate Diwali in Canada.
The five days of Diwali 2024 are a great way for all Canadians to recognize how the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities contribute to our diverse and inclusive country. To those celebrating Diwali in Canada, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous Diwali!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
Get ready for a spooktacular good time as Halloween approaches in Canada! Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays in Canada. It’s a time for fun and adventure for kids and adults alike. For newcomers celebrating Halloween in Canada, discover more about trick or treating costumes, traditions, and safety tips to ensure a happy Halloween!
What is the Origin of Halloween in Canada?
Widely associated with haunted Halloween props and silly costumes, Halloween was first celebrated by the ancient Celts living in Ireland almost 2,000 years ago. Since then, Halloween has evolved to become the holiday we know and love today. Although Halloween is not a public holiday, it is the second-largest commercial holiday that Canadian children and adults look forward to.
The ancient Celts believed that October 31 was the only time of year when spirits from the underworld could enter the world of the living. These spirits were believed to be unfriendly and could bring the living back to the underworld. Because of this, people started dressing as spirits on the night of October 31 so that returning spirits wouldn’t harm them.
Around the 1700s, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween to Canada and new elements such as carving jack-o’-lanterns and going door-to-door for treats. And over time, people started wearing funny and less scary Halloween costumes. Now, Halloween is a day to gather with family and friends for a fun time!
When is Halloween in Canada?
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People in Canada celebrate Halloween on October 31. In 2024, Halloween is on Thursday, October 31. During this day, young children go trick or treating to enjoy the spooky delights that await. And, on Halloween day children can wear costumes to school. However, the school may have guidelines that you must follow. You may even see adults wearing Halloween costumes in the office for the day.
Preparing for Halloween is where all the fun lies! In the weeks before Halloween, people eagerly plan their costumes and decorate their homes and yards to get in the holiday spirit.
Trick or treating is a beloved Halloween event for Canadian children and their families. On Halloween night, children don costumes and go door-to-door to collect candy and treats from their neighbours. Canadians cherish this Halloween experience, and many communities organize events to celebrate!
Canadians also have unique customs that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. In Quebec, for example, the tradition of “La Guignolée” involves groups of people going door-to-door, singing traditional songs, and collecting donations for the less fortunate. This practice dates back to the 18th century and speaks to the generous spirit rooted in Canadian culture.
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Other popular Canadian Halloween traditions include hosting costume parties, with creative Halloween-themed decorations, and attending haunted house attractions and ghost tours. These activities provide a thrilling and spooky celebration!
Trick or Treating Halloween Costumes
While you can always expect to see children dressing up in spooky costumes, which is a classic choice, other costumes are downright cute. Superheroes, princesses, animals, there is no limit to creative Halloween trick or treating costume ideas. Adults too, look forward to choosing their costumes. Pop culture, group or couple costumes are popular for Halloween parties.
Whether you buy a costume or get creative and make one with supplies from your local dollar store, there are plenty of ideas to consider. But, also keep your child’s safety in mind to ensure a happy Halloween!
Halloween Decorations for Home and Yard
It is impossible to miss Halloween in Canada. Around mid-October, people start decorating the front of their homes and yards, a common sight in many neighbourhoods. For home and yard decor ideas, stores like Canadian Tire can help you create a haunted Halloween mood for your house.
Pumpkin Carving and Jack-o’-Lanterns
Carving a pumpkin is a popular Canadian Halloween tradition. Families and friends gather and carve jack-o’-lanterns and showcase their artistic talents. Or you can show off your talent by painting or decorating pumpkins with stickers.
Jack-o’-lanterns are one of the most iconic Halloween decorations. You also don’t need to buy them from a shop because they are easy to make at home! A jack-o’-lantern is a hollowed-out pumpkin, in which you place a candle. People like to carve faces on the pumpkin to make it look scary or funny.
During the night, when the candle is lit, the jack o’ lantern will be just what it sounds like, a lantern. The light shines through the carvings, to make a cool effect. If you don’t want to buy Halloween decorations, jack-o’-lanterns are a great way to show your holiday spirit.
Safety Tips for a Happy Halloween in Canada
While kids of all ages love to dress up on Halloween night, it’s important to follow costume and traffic safety tips for an extra safe and happy Halloween:
Costume Safety Tips:
Use makeup over masks so kids can easily see cars and traffic.
Choose costumes. wigs, and accessories that are fire-resistant
Add reflective tape to costumes and bags so drivers can see children in the dark
Add glowsticks or carry a flashlight to help see and be seen by others.
Go trick or treating with your kids if they are under 12 years old
Pay attention to the fall weather and dress children warmly.
Traffic Safety Tips During Trick or Treating Hours:
Watch for children walking on roadways
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
Watch for children in dark clothing
Avoid driving on Halloween if you are a new or inexperienced driver.
Candy Safety Tips:
Inspect candy and ensure the packaging is properly sealed.
Remind children to accept candy only at the door and not enter strangers’s homes or cars.
Read labels for any ingredients that kids may be allergic to like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Halloween in Canada is a time for fun and exciting activities. With these thrilling activities and trick or treating safety tips you and your children can enjoy a happy Halloween!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
Celebrating your first Thanksgiving in Canada? Here’s a quick guide to common traditions and history. From sharing a feast to great fall weekend activities, here’s how to enjoy this cherished Canadian holiday!
Why Do We Celebrate?
Canadian Thanksgiving is rooted in Indigenous values, including giving thanks for surviving winter and for receiving crops and game as a reward for their hard work. First Nations traditions would include feasting, prayer, dance and other ceremonies. However, the concept of thanksgiving was influenced by our American neighbours. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada holds deep cultural significance.
Pilgrims arriving in Massachusets.
Thanksgiving finds its origins in the 17th century. In 1620, a group of religious separatists left England to establish a colony in the New World. After landing on the coast of current-day Massachusets, the colonists allied with the nearby Wampanoag community. The Wampanoag people taught the “pilgrims”, as they are now called, how to cultivate corn, catch fish, and avoid poisonous plants.
In 1957, Thanksgiving became an official holiday in Canada. Since then, the day has served as a way to give thanks for good fortunes in the past year.
While it originally celebrated harvests, today it’s about giving thanks for all the good in our lives. It’s a non-religious holiday that fosters inclusivity across cultures and beliefs. Thanksgiving in Canada embodies a spirit of unity and gratitude.
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and helping those less fortunate and in need. Food Banks Canada holds Thanksgiving food drives to distribute food to those who need it. It’s common for Canadians to donate to food drives or volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals within their community to help others. As an important part of Canadian culture, volunteering benefits newcomers who want to contribute to and learn about their local community.
The Thanksgiving holiday falls on the second Monday of October.
When is Thanksgiving in Canada in 2024?
Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October and this year the holiday falls on October 14, 2024. It’s a time to bid farewell to summer and welcome the cooler months. The date for Thanksgiving in Canada varies but always falls in October.
Common Thanksgiving Traditions
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey, side dishes, and pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving Feast
Families usually celebrate Thanksgiving with neighbours and family friends. The Thanksgiving feast is the main event that takes place during the holiday. It is a great way to reunite with family members who don’t live close enough to meet regularly. If you don’t have family close by, you can invite friends and neighbours to a Thanksgiving dinner. Gathering for Thanksgiving in Canada often involves sharing a meal with loved ones.
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The Thanksgiving feast usually includes a roasted turkey, with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Of course, every family has its traditions and the feast can vary.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Many families celebrate over the weekend leading to the holiday on Monday, allowing for more time to gather with loved ones. Thanksgiving Weekend is a great time for family members to get together. Often, relatives living in different cities or provinces gather to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast together. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada often involves a long weekend filled with family activities.
Many Canadians take time to enjoy the beauty of autumn during the Thanksgiving weekend. Colourful leaves in Algonquin Park, Ontario.
Autumn Activities
Thanksgiving weekend in Canada is the perfect time to take part in autumn activities. Whether you take a drive to view the trees changing colours, attend a local fall fair, or visit a pumpkin patch, you’ll find many events and fun activities. You may even want to bake a pumpkin pie! Thanksgiving in Canada is also a great time to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
Sports Traditions
Canadians also enjoy watching football, with both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL) hosting Thanksgiving games on the holiday. The CFL holds a Thanksgiving classic with a doubleheader featuring four different teams. The games air on National TV as well as multiple sports channels. Sports are an integral part of Thanksgiving traditions in Canada.
Is Thanksgiving in Canada a Statutory Holiday?
Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces, although it’s optional for employers in the four Maritime provinces. That means employers may give employees the day off but they do not have to.
Thanksgiving is a day that holds meaning for many Canadians. It is a time to gather with family and enjoy a festive meal while also giving thanks for everything we have. It’s also a time to reflect on the origins of the holiday and the role of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. The First Nations people are an integral part of our culture, history and future and to whom we owe a great debt. Thanksgiving Canada is a time to acknowledge these important aspects.
To all celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada, we wish you warmth and gratitude!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
