Your Canadian Senior Moment Weekend Roundup
November 29 – December 7, 2025
Hello there, and happy first weekend of December!
Can you believe we’re already in the final month of 2025? The holidays are just around the corner, the decorations are going up across the country, and there’s that special energy in the air that only December brings. Whether you’re planning festive outings or cosying up at home, we’ve gathered everything you need to know for the week ahead.
Chuckles Corner
“December is that magical time of year when we put up a tree inside the house and eat cookies for breakfast. If that’s not living right, I don’t know what is.”
Senior News Spotlight
Federal Anti-Fraud Strategy Announced
Big news on the scam-fighting front! The federal government has announced Canada’s first-ever National Anti-Fraud Strategy, including new legislative amendments requiring banks to have policies to prevent and address fraud while giving consumers more control over their bank accounts. Canada.ca This is exactly what many of us have been asking for. The new Financial Crimes Agency will coordinate efforts across sectors to tackle the increasingly sophisticated scams targeting Canadian seniors.
Scam Alert: Stay Vigilant This Holiday Season
The scammers never take a holiday, folks. Here’s what’s circulating right now:
The “Extra Payment” Scam Websites with false information are claiming the CRA is sending extra payments to low-income seniors, with some containing links to join Telegram or WhatsApp instant messaging groups. Canada.ca Remember: Only refer to official Government of Canada web pages for information about government benefits.
CRA Text Message Fraud Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency regarding a line from the taxpayer’s most recent tax assessment, asking the taxpayer to respond “Y” for yes to resolve the issue. Canada.ca The text then sends a fake CPP-related link that takes you to realistic impersonations of CRA and banking websites asking for personal information.
Three Things the CRA Will NEVER Do:
- Text you or use WhatsApp/Telegram to discuss your taxes
- Ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or e-Transfer payments
- Threaten immediate arrest
If something feels off, it probably is. Hang up, delete the text, and contact the CRA directly using the number on their official website.
Upcoming Events Coast to Coast
BRITISH COLUMBIA
VanDusen Festival of Lights – Vancouver November 28 – January 3 Explore 15 acres adorned with over 1 million twinkling lights, themed displays, food vendors and more! Enjoy a Sensory-Friendly evening on December 2 with reduced capacity, lowered volume levels and all flashing lights turned off. Super, Natural BC
Para Cup Hockey Tournament – Dawson Creek November 30 – December 6 Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will take on China, Czechia and the United States at the 4,500-seat Ovintiv Event Centre. Hockeysask
Strathcona Symphony Orchestra: Transitions – Vancouver December Performances Concertgoers enjoy an exciting range of pieces from classical works, such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, and Elgar’s Nimrod Enigma Variations, to Canadian composer Godfrey Ridout, and other seasonal favourites. Super, Natural BC
ALBERTA
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
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
Calgary Flames Home Games December 4, 6, 8, 10, 18, 20, 27, 29, 31 Catch the Flames taking on nine teams at the Scotiabank Saddle Dome throughout December!
SASKATCHEWAN
Couldn’t find anything of note this week. If you know of anything please place in comments below to let our readers know.
MANITOBA
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland – Winnipeg November 28 – January 3 Manitoba’s largest drive-through light show features more than 25 theme areas and displays with over a million twinkling lights. Tourism WinnipegLivingat300main
Winnipeg Pops Orchestra Christmas Concert – Winnipeg Check local listings for dates Get into the holiday spirit with this beloved annual tradition!
Zoo Lights – Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg Through December Warm your heart in the festive atmosphere featuring Manitoba’s largest light maze, a new indoor experience, and more than a million dazzling lights! Tourism Winnipeg
ONTARIO
Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival November 15 – January 4, 2026 Festive lights and activities throughout downtown Amherstburg. To Do Canada
Cambridge Winterfest November through January Community celebrations across Cambridge with various winter activities.
St. Marie Among the Hurons – First Light Festival – Midland November/December Experience the historic site illuminated for the holidays.
Bright Lights Windsor November through January Light displays and festive activities throughout the city. To Do Canada
QUEBEC
German Christmas Market – Quebec City November 20 – December 23 (Thursday-Sunday only) 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 CityTiny Footsteps Travel
Toboggan New Year’s Celebration – Quebec City December 27-31 Winter Village open daily from 5 to 11pm with bonfires, food, free ferris wheel rides and outdoor bar service, followed by entertainment by DJs. On New Year’s Eve, there’s a big bash with fireworks on the evening of the 31st. Tiny Footsteps Travel
Salons des Artisans de Quebec November 29 – December 8 Over 200 artists converge on this event to showcase their works—great place to shop and explore. Quebec’s Best Places
ATLANTIC PROVINCES
JON BRYANT presents MARITIME MISTLETOE – Nova Scotia December Dates A Holiday Folk Experience celebrating Maritime music traditions. The Sanctuary Arts Centre in Dartmouth, NS.
Community Christmas Events Check your local community centres and churches for carol services, craft fairs, and holiday concerts happening throughout the region this week.
Travel Deal of the Week
VIA Rail Senior Discount Reminder
Planning holiday travel to visit family? VIA Rail offers 10% off train tickets for seniors aged 65 and older. VIA RailFlyerTalk Simply select “Senior (65+)” when booking online and provide valid government-issued photo ID when boarding.
Pro Tip: Book on Tuesdays for additional “Discount Tuesday” savings of 10-20% on select routes. Sign up for VIA Rail’s newsletter to get weekly offers sent directly to your inbox.
Cruise Deals for Winter Getaways
Dreaming of warmer weather? Air Canada Vacations is offering up to $600 per pair on the flight portion of select Flight & Cruise packages with Celebrity Cruises, and up to $1,400 in cruise fare savings. Book by December 7, 2025 for departures between November 20, 2025 and October 31, 2026. Air Canada Vacations
Celebrity Cruises also offers special savings on select sailings available exclusively for guests who are 55 years of age and older. Celebrity Cruises
Do You Know of a Local Event?
We’d love to help spread the word about senior-friendly events happening in your community! Whether it’s a holiday concert, craft fair, or community dinner, email us at [your email] and we’ll include it in next week’s roundup.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the magic of December!
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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