Your Canadian Senior Moment Weekend Roundup for Dec 6 – Dec 14, 2025
Hello there, and welcome to the second full week of December!
The holiday season is in full swing across Canada, with Christmas markets, festive lights, and community celebrations happening coast to coast. Whether you’re wrapping up your shopping, enjoying seasonal performances, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s plenty to see and do this week.
Chuckles Corner
“December is the month when your credit card gets more exercise than you do.”
Senior News Spotlight
Payment Date Reminder
Your next CPP, OAS, and GIS payment arrives Tuesday, December 23, 2025. If you’re planning holiday shopping or need to manage end-of-year expenses, mark this date on your calendar.
No “Extra $844 Payment” – It’s a Scam
Websites with false information are claiming the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is sending extra payments to low-income seniors, with some containing links to join Telegram or WhatsApp instant messaging groups. Canada.ca This is completely false. Only refer to official Government of Canada web pages for information about government benefits.
Scam Alert: Holiday Season Targets
The scammers are extra active during the holidays. Here’s what to watch for:
Text Message Scams
Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regarding a line from the taxpayer’s most recent tax assessment, asking the taxpayer to respond “Y” for yes to resolve the issue. The text message scam then sends the recipient a fake CPP-related hyperlink, which takes them to a realistic impersonation of the CRA and banking websites, asking for personal information. Canada.ca
Fake Interac e-Transfer Deposits
A text message of an image with the Government of Canada logo claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offering a fraudulent Interac® e-transfer deposit. Following the image, a separate text message containing a link to a realistic impersonation of a sign-in portal for financial institutions is sent. Canada.ca
Recovery Scams
Messages target individuals who have already lost funds to a scam, promising to help them recover it. However, these messages are actually attempting to steal more money or your personal information. They often request that you first make a deposit or provide information before you can receive recovered funds. Canada.ca
Protect Yourself:
- Never reply to unexpected text messages claiming to be from the CRA
- Never click on links in unsolicited messages
- The CRA will never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or e-Transfer
- If in doubt, hang up and call the CRA directly using the number on their official website
Upcoming Events Coast to Coast
BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Peak of Christmas – Grouse Mountain, Vancouver November 21 – December 24 Step into a festive atmosphere high above the city at Vancouver’s North Pole. You can enjoy the natural beauty of The Light Walk around the Blue Grouse Lake, which is illuminated by enchanting light installations, and experience the unique charm of mountaintop ice skating on the outdoor pond. The kids will love visiting Santa’s Workshop, getting creative with Christmas crafts, meeting vixen in the reindeer habitat, and having a chance to meet characters like the Grinch and friendly elves. Grouse Mountain
Vancouver Christmas Market Until December 24 For 2025, the Vancouver Christmas Market is introducing several fun new experiences, including Breakfast with Santa (December 6 – book early), daily snow showers, creative crafting workshops like painting and crocheting, a brand new “Santa’s Workshop”, and even a festive new feature drink—the hot Aperol Spritz. The Better Beyond Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place Cost: $6.99 – $21.99 (children under 7 free)
VanDusen Festival of Lights – Vancouver Until January 4, 2026 In 2025, the Festival of Lights runs from November 28th to December 24th, and again from December 26th to January 4th, 2026. On event days, the garden is open from 4:00 to 10:00 pm, with last entry between 8:30 and 9:00 pm. Vancouver’s Best Places
ALBERTA
Once Upon a Christmas – Heritage Park, Calgary Weekends, December 6-23 Step into a winter wonderland at Heritage Park’s Once Upon a Christmas, filled with festive charm, cozy wagon rides, carollers, visits with Santa, and holiday magic around every corner. New this year, make the season even brighter with the Heritage Holiday Train Add-On — the Park’s first-ever winter train ride aboard a new diesel-electric locomotive, complete with onboard entertainment and holiday cheer for all ages. Visit Calgary
ZOOLIGHTS – Calgary Zoo Until January 4, 2026 Over 2 million lights and 200 displays light up the night with fire pits and activity zones in this winter wonderland. Visit Calgary
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market – Calgary December 5-7, 12-14, 19-24 Step inside the 36,000 sq. ft. Equi-Plex to warm up with snacks, films, and festive displays. Visit Calgary
ONTARIO
Distillery District Christmas Market – Toronto Until December 24 Toronto’s premier European-style Christmas market with artisan vendors, live entertainment, and festive drinks. The 55-foot Christmas tree creates a magical backdrop for holiday photos.
One Of A Kind Christmas Show – Toronto Various dates in December The annual One Of A Kind Christmas Show has become a downtown tradition for locals and visitors in Toronto. Meet the makers of hand-crafted apparel, jewellery, art and other unique products. Themed days include a late-night shopping party on December 4, special perks for seniors and a candy cane competition. Destination Ontario
Ottawa Christmas Market – Lansdowne Park December 19-21, 26-28, 30-31 The Ottawa Christmas Market returns to Lansdowne for another year of one-of-a-kind festive finds, artisanal goods and tasty treats. This holiday hub even includes live music from local performers and Lansdowne’s iconic giant Christmas tree. CAA North & East Ontario
Rink of Dreams – Ottawa City Hall Open now A 12,500-square-foot refrigerated ice surface located right outside City Hall. CAA North & East Ontario
QUEBEC
German Christmas Market – Quebec City November 20 – December 23 (Thursday-Sunday) In the heart of Old Québec, exhibitors of this authentic outdoor European Christmas market offer delicious traditional products like mulled wine, gingerbread, and grilled sausages, as well as decorative items made for the Holiday Season. Visit Québec City
Christmas in Old Aylmer – Gatineau Until December 7 The heritage sector of rue Principale comes alive with thousands of lights. The European-style outdoor Christmas market welcomes visitors looking for original gifts, local products, crafts or to enjoy tasty treats (more than fifty vendors). Quebec Getaways
Christmas Market at Our Lady of the Cape Shrine – Trois-Rivières December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 Held at the stunning Our Lady of the Cape Shrine in Trois-Rivières, this Christmas market invites you to browse local products, meet talented artisans, and enjoy festive activities, such as carriage rides, enchanting concerts, live performances, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus! Quebec Getaways
The Choralies – Montreal Weekends in December Every weekend in December, enjoy a festive program of holiday melodies from around the world in the stunning Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel in Old Montréal. Before each performance, a trombone duo will be playing on the chapel’s forecourt, and complimentary wassail — a hot mulled cider drink — will be served. Quebec Getaways
MARITIME PROVINCES
Symphony Nova Scotia Presents: The Nutcracker – Halifax December 5-7 & 11-14 Halifax’s favourite holiday tradition! When a young girl’s toy comes to life, she’s whisked away to an enchanted world where she meets magical creatures, colourful friends, and the ferocious Mouse King. Tourism Nova Scotia Where: Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax
Windsor Christmas Market – Windsor, NS December 6 & 13 Windsor Christmas Market & Parade of the Woodland Animals. Tourism Nova Scotia
Shediac Christmas Market – Shediac, NB December 6-7 This Christmas Market in Shediac features holiday-themed events throughout the season. East Coast Mermaid
Annual Kiwanis Christmas Concert – Liverpool, NS December 7 Astor Theatre, Liverpool. Tourism Nova Scotia
KOLIADA Fest 2025: Ukrainian Christmas Fest – Moncton, NB December 7, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm This Ukrainian Christmas event is happening at the Irishtown Community Centre where you can take part in a festive celebration of Ukrainian culture and traditions. East Coast Mermaid
Halifax Evergreen Festival Until December 14 Taking place from November 21st to December 14th, 2025 in downtown Halifax. The event consists of holiday light displays, an open air market on the waterfront in wooden chalets, and live music performances. You can also follow the hot cocoa trail for the best hot chocolates in the city. Nova Scotia Explorer
The Once Christmas – Halifax & Pictou December 9 (Halifax), December 12 (Pictou) Light House Arts Centre, Halifax and DeCoste Performing Arts Centre, Pictou. Tourism Nova Scotia
Irish Descendents Christmas Concert December 13 (Halifax), December 14 (Western Shore) Bella Rose Arts Centre, Halifax on December 13, 2025 and Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, Western Shore on December 14, 2025. Tourism Nova Scotia
Christmas by the Sea Fest – St. Andrews, NB December 14, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm Stroll through the enchanting downtown of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, where twinkling lights, carolers, and gingerbread house creations fill the air with festive cheer. Sip hot chocolate or mulled cider in a keepsake mug, shop local, and cozy up by the fireplaces in Market Square—perfect for magical holiday photo ops. And don’t forget to vote in the annual Gingerbread House Competition! East Coast Mermaid
Halifax Mooseheads Game December 14 The Halifax Mooseheads take to the ice on Dec. 14 against the Charlottetown Islanders. Novascotiabucketlist Where: Scotiabank Centre, Halifax
Prince Edward Island:
- Ledwell & Haines: A Trailside Christmas (Dec 8-10, 8-10pm, Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown) – Comedy and music holiday show
- Artisan Christmas Markets (Dec 7 & 14, 10am-3pm, Charlottetown Farmers Market)
- The Mistletoe Market (Weekends through Dec 21, 12-4pm, Boulder Park, Charlottetown) – Open-air holiday market
- Deck the Hall Holiday Market (Weekends through Dec 21, Founders’ Hall, Charlottetown)
- A Very Forte Christmas (Dec 14, 2:30pm, Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown)
- Island-Wide Hot Chocolate Trail (Weekends through Dec 21, various locations province-wide)
Newfoundland & Labrador Events:
- The Celtic Tenors: A Celtic Christmas 2025 (Dec 14, JAG Soundhouse, 115 George Street West, St. John’s) – World-renowned trio bringing classical, Irish, and festive music
- Shallaway Youth Choir: Christmas at the Cathedral (Dec 7-8, Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. John’s) – Multiple choirs performing holiday music
- Grand Ol’ Christmas Show Vol. 3 (Dec 7, 7:30 PM, Holy Heart Theatre, 55 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s) – Featuring Justin Martin, Kim and Lorraine Conway, Randy Matthews with the NL Promotions Band
- The Spirit of Mummering (Ongoing through December, The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s) – Traditional Newfoundland Christmas celebration with actors, folklorists, dancers, and musicians
- Polar Express Movie Night (Dec 10, 4:00 PM & 6:30 PM, Johnson Geo Centre, 175 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s) – Family-friendly festive film
- Santa Shuffle (Dec 6, The Royal St. John’s Regatta Boathouse, 10 Clancey Drive, St. John’s) – Fun run/walk supporting The Salvation Army
- Rum Ragged Christmas Concert (Majestic Theatre, St. John’s) – New Christmas album “All The Bells and Wassails” celebrating Newfoundland musical heritage
Yukon:
- 12 Days of Christmas Fireweed Community Market (Dec 8-21, Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Whitehorse) – Yukon’s largest Christmas market with locally crafted art, farm products, specialty foods, and baked goods
- “A Child’s Christmas” Concert (Dec 6-7, 7:30pm, Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse) – Four choirs, storytelling, benefiting Whitehorse Food Bank
- Yukon Crafts Society Christmas Boutique (Dec 5-21, 10am-7pm daily, Old Fire Hall, Whitehorse)
Northwest Territories:
- ATTI! Indigenous Artists Performing Arts Mentorship Showcase (Dec 6, Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, Yellowknife) – Debut performances from Indigenous mentorship program
Nunavut:
- Iqaluit Christmas Games (Running through New Year’s Eve, Cadet Hall, Iqaluit) – Traditional Inuit games and competitions, no events Christmas Day
Travel Deal of the Week
VIA Rail Senior Discount + Holiday Special
VIA Rail offers 10% off train tickets for seniors aged 65 and older. VIA RailWagJag But here’s an even better deal for the holidays:
VIA Rail’s Canada Strong Pass allows children and youth aged 17 and under to travel for free in Economy class when accompanied by an adult, and adults aged 18 to 24 save 25% on Escape and Economy fares. Valid for travel between December 12, 2025 and January 15, 2026. VIA Rail
How to Book:
- Select “Senior (65+)” when booking to get your 10% discount
- Book on Tuesdays for additional “Discount Tuesday” savings of 10-20% on select routes
- Combine your senior discount with the Canada Strong Pass if traveling with grandchildren
This is perfect timing for visiting family over the holidays!
Do You Know of a Local Event?
We work hard to cover events across all provinces and territories, but we can’t catch everything! If there’s a senior-friendly holiday event happening in your community, email us and we’ll include it in next week’s roundup.
**Your turn:** Hit reply and share your thoughts! We read every response and often feature reader stories in future articles.
Enjoy the festive season, stay warm, and watch out for those scammers!
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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