📬 Hello, Thunder Bay!

It has been a feel good week in T-Bay. From record breaking Giving Tuesday wins for the hospital and NICU, to big boosts for the RFDA, city projects and festive shop local contests, there has been a lot of generosity and good news around town.

This weekend keeps the momentum going with cozy Christmas markets, Handel’s Messiah, the Parade of Lights, family friendly shows like SpongeBob and Elf Jr, plus a chocolate and beer tasting for the grown ups. Scroll down, pick a few favourites and make your weekend feel a little more “Thunder Bay.”

📝 What We’re Buzzing About Today
📢 What Happened This Week
🎭 Events Today and This Weekend
💌 Share T-Bay Buzz and unlock your hidden gems guide

📢 What Happened This Week (December 1–4, 2025)

Monday, December 1, 2025

💙 Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation launches 24-hour NICU fundraiser

Giving Tuesday focused on raising $30,567 in 24 hours for a new NICU isolette, with donations matched up to $15,000.

🎁 “There’s No Place Like Your Thunder Bay for the Holidays!” contest

Shop local and enter to win $1,500 in gift cards to Thunder Bay businesses, with daily entries open through December 18.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

💰 Thunder Bay 50/50 grand prize blasts past 2.5M guarantee

The December Thunder Bay 50/50 draw quickly blew past its 2.5 million dollar guaranteed prize, with big early bird draws on top.

🍪 Tbaytel launches “12 Days of Christmas” community campaign

Tbaytel kicked off 12 days of surprise giveaways and donations, including thousands of cookies and a major gift to the RFDA.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

🥫 RFDA receives 850K boost for “Building Hope” campaign

The Regional Food Distribution Association secured 850,000 dollars to expand its hub and support food security across the northwest.

🎄 Off-duty firefighters serve at Boston Pizza for Toys for Tots

Thunder Bay firefighters waited tables at Boston Pizza to raise money so more local kids can wake up to toys and warm gear this Christmas.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

🌟 Health Sciences Foundation smashes Giving Tuesday goal at 73K plus

Donors more than doubled the original Giving Tuesday target, funding two new pieces of hospital equipment in just one day.

🏗️ City council approves first multi year capital budget for Thunder Bay

Council locked in about 300 million dollars over two years for roads, transit upgrades, an organics facility and other local projects.

🎭 Events Today and This Weekend (December 5 - 7, 2025)

Friday, December 5, 2025

🎄 West Thunder Christmas Craft & Vendors Market
Wander Westfort’s Christmas market, grab baked treats and shop local makers with your neighbours. 😊

🎨 “Christmas Art Market” – 11th Annual and Final One!
Pop into Gallery 33 for cozy vibes, local art and giftable pieces at this final Christmas Art Market. 🎁

🎷 Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Settle in by the water for smooth live jazz, cocktails and an easygoing Friday night at Anchor & Ore. 🎶

🎼 TBSO presents Messiah – Rejoice Greatly (Voices #2)
Join the symphony and chorus for Handel’s Messiah, a big, classic Thunder Bay holiday tradition.

  • Time: 7:30 pm

  • Location: St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley St, Thunder Bay

🎭 All The Daze Productions – The SpongeBob Musical
Catch SpongeBob on stage with bright costumes, big songs and tons of local talent at the auditorium. 🧽

Saturday, December 6, 2025

🛍️ December Dreams – Fine Arts & Crafts Show (Day 1)
Browse one of Thunder Bay’s biggest holiday markets packed with local makers, treats and gifts. 🎄

🎄 Creekside’s Holiday Local Artisan Market
Take a short drive to Creekside for a cozy country style market with makers, greenery and festive goodies. 🌲Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

🎶 TBSO presents Messiah – Rejoice Greatly (Second Performance)
Round two of Handel’s Messiah, with the same powerful choir and orchestra for another festive night out. 🎺

  • Time: 7:30 pm

  • Location: St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley St, Thunder Bay

🎅 Thunder Bay Parade of Lights
Bundle up, grab a hot drink and watch decorated trucks and floats light up the city for local charities.

  • Time: 7:00 pm (parade start)

  • Location: Parade begins near Manitoulin Transport on Main St and travels along Harbour Expressway and Memorial Ave toward the Waterfront district

  • More Info: Parade of Lights

Sunday, December 7, 2025

🛍️ December Dreams – Fine Arts & Crafts Show (Day 2)
Last chance to stroll the aisles at December Dreams, pick up gifts and support Rotary at the same time. 😊Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

🎨 Family Art Days – Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Drop in for free, hands on art activities that keep kids busy and warm on a Sunday afternoon. 🎨🧡Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

  • Location: Thunder Bay Art Gallery, 1080 Keewatin St, Thunder Bay

  • More Info: Family Art Days

🎶 The Sounds of Christmas – Community Concert
Enjoy choirs and musicians sharing carols in a cozy church setting at St. Andrew’s. 🎵

  • Time: 4:00 pm

  • Location: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 Brodie St S, Thunder Bay

🍫 Chocolate & Beer Tasting – Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
Sip local brews, sample chocolates and learn fun pairings at Sleeping Giant Brewing. 🍻

🎤 Christmas with Johnny Reid – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Johnny Reid brings Christmas tunes, stories and big stage energy to the auditorium. 🌟

🎭 Elf Jr. The Musical – Paramount Theatre
Laugh along with Buddy in this fun Elf Jr. staging, starring local kids and teens downtown. 🎄

⚠️ Event Reminder
Event details may change. Dates, times, and venues are subject to updates or cancellations by the organizers. Always double check the official event page before attending.

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