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What’s Happening: December 4–10

The holiday season is in full swing, and Thunder Bay is packed with festive events, music, and community celebrations! Here’s what’s happening this week:


36 Hours of Cheer – December 4 & 5

Starting at 6:00 AM on Thursday, December 4, the Acadia Broadcasting studios at Cumberland and Water Street will transform into the heart of generosity for 36 Hours of Cheer, a live broadcast supporting the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund.

For 36 consecutive hours, the team will be live on air sharing stories, inspiring donations, and rallying Thunder Bay to make a difference. Danny and John will take on the marathon challenge on 99.9 The Bay, while Dee and Paige keep the energy high on Country 105. Outside the studio, Candi will be live collecting donations throughout the event.

Since its launch four years ago, this initiative has raised over $1 million, providing food and toy hampers to families in need. Join us, tune in, donate, and be part of something extraordinary.
Donate now: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/thunder-bay-christmas-cheer-fund/


Helping Hands Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar

Date: Friday, December 5 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Pioneer Ridge Auditorium

Find the perfect holiday gifts while supporting Pioneer Ridge’s Helping Hands Auxiliary. Expect penny auction baskets, baked goods, nearly new tables, and used books. All proceeds enhance life enrichment for residents.

For details, call Shannon at 807-632-7812.


Messiah – Rejoice Greatly

Dates: Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6 | 7:30 PM
Venue: St. Paul’s United Church

Celebrate the season with Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and chorus. This holiday tradition features the Hallelujah Chorus and other timeless works.
Featuring: Rosemary Thomson (Conductor), Daniela Agostino (Soprano), Barbara Towell (Alto), Ernesto Ramírez (Tenor), Jorell Williams (Baritone).
Tickets: Available at tbso.ca


Parade of Lights

Date: Saturday, December 6
Details: Parade of Lights

Thunder Bay’s beloved Parade of Lights returns for its 28th year, lighting up the streets with dazzling floats, festive music, and holiday magic. Starting at Manitoulin Transport and ending at Water Street and Fort William Road, this spectacular event brings thousands of people together to celebrate the season.

But the Parade is more than just a beautiful tradition — it’s a powerful fundraiser for four local charities:

  • George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation
  • Autism Ontario – Thunder Bay Branch
  • Special Olympics Thunder Bay
  • Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association

Last year, the Parade raised over $50,000, with all proceeds split evenly among these organizations, helping provide essential services for children, individuals with disabilities, and athletes in our community. Donations can be made along the route or online through CanadaHelps.

Bundle up, bring your family, and enjoy a night of lights, music, and giving back to those who need it most!


Christmas with Johnny Reid

Date: Sunday, December 7 | 7:30 PM
Venue: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Celebrate the holidays with JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Reid, whose career spans over three decades and includes multiple sold-out arena tours, countless awards, and albums totaling over 2 million units worldwide. Known for his lyrical honesty and powerful voice, Johnny brings his heartfelt holiday performance to Thunder Bay for one unforgettable night. Expect a mix of beloved hits and festive favorites that will warm your heart and kick off the season in style.

Tickets: Available through www.tbca.com or at the Box Office.


From community fundraisers and holiday concerts to festive parades and bazaars, Thunder Bay is brimming with seasonal spirit. Mark your calendars, support local events, and make this week unforgettable.

See you out there!

  • Candi Badanai is a proud Thunder Bay local, theatre enthusiast, and community cheerleader who is passionate about helping children thrive through the arts. She loves being a wife to Lawrence and mom to Emmy. You can often catch her trying out local drinks and eats — and maybe even jumping on stage for a little karaoke. Candi is all about making people smile and creating fun wherever she goes.

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