Upper Canada Mall Holiday Events 2026: Santa, Pet Photos and Black Friday Deals
Upper Canada Mall is preparing for a packed holiday season in Newmarket. Santa returns to the Holly Jolly Lodge on November 12, while new displays, performances and community donation drives follow over the next several weeks.
The 2026 lineup includes pet photos, Saturday story time and live music. There is also a Black Friday gift card offer for shoppers tackling their holiday lists.
This marks the shopping centre’s first holiday season under Primaris ownership. Here are the dates and practical details to know before visiting.
Upper Canada Mall holiday events 2026: Quick details
- Location: Upper Canada Mall, 17600 Yonge Street, Newmarket, Ontario.
- Santa photos: November 12 to December 24 at the Holly Jolly Lodge.
- Pet photos with Santa: November 18, 25 and December 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Story time: November 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. at Boogles Playhouse.
- New holiday window: Unveiling November 14, upper level near Entrance 2.
- Live holiday entertainment: Begins November 28.
- Extended shopping hours: Begin November 28.
Santa photos return to the Holly Jolly Lodge
The Holly Jolly Lodge opens Thursday, November 12, and runs through Christmas Eve. Santa will be there from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
On December 24, Santa photo hours are shorter, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can review the latest photo options on the mall’s official Santa page before planning a trip.
There is a weekday photo-package offer earlier in the season. From November 12 to 26, visit Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and use code UCMUPGRADE26. The code upgrades the Keepsake Collection to the Holiday Wish List Collection for the same price, saving $5.
Pet photos and three Saturday story times
Pets with Paws returns on November 18, November 25 and December 2, all from 5 to 8 p.m. Families can bring their pets for Santa photos, with a portion of photo package sales supporting the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. The mall has posted the dates on its Pets with Paws event page.
Santa is also scheduled to read stories at Boogles Playhouse at 10 a.m. on November 14, 21 and 28. Families planning to stay for playtime should check with the venue about any separate admission or booking requirements.
A new holiday window and live performances
A new seasonal window display will be unveiled on November 14 near Entrance 2, on the upper level by the guest services desk. The installation is intended as a photo stop for shoppers.
From November 28, the mall plans to bring back the Alpine Merry Sheep Choir, which drew attention online last year. The entertainment lineup also includes Elf on the Shelf’s Scout, live music in Market Court and performers moving through the centre.
The mall has not supplied individual performance times in the release. Check its holiday calendar for show dates and any updates before heading out.
Holiday Heroes, Handbags of Hope and gift wrapping
York Regional Police will launch its Holiday Heroes campaign at noon on November 14 in Market Court. Visitors can donate new, unwrapped toys, cash or gift cards to support local families. Officers will return for a collection drive on December 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Until November 30, the mall is also accepting donations for Handbags of Hope, which supports Delivering Hope/Abuse Hurts. Donations can be dropped off at the guest services desk.
Starting December 5, shoppers can use the mall’s holiday gift-wrapping service near Entrance 2 on the upper level. The service supports Southlake Health Foundation. The mall has not announced wrapping fees or operating hours in the release.
Black Friday gift cards come with a 10 per cent bonus
Upper Canada Mall says it will run a gift card promotion during Black Friday weekend. Customers who buy $100 in mall gift cards will receive a separate $10 bonus gift card.
The bonus applies in $100 increments and is capped at $200 per guest. For example, a $200 qualifying purchase would come with $20 in bonus cards. Shoppers should confirm the full purchase conditions and promotion times before buying.
Extended holiday shopping hours begin November 28
Starting Saturday, November 28, the centre plans to operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Individual stores and restaurants may follow different schedules.
The mall’s posted 2026 calendar lists Black Friday, November 27, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve mall hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Christmas Day closed. Boxing Day hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For a visit focused on Santa photos, check the lodge hours first; they differ from the mall’s general holiday hours. Entertainment schedules and gift card conditions may also change as the season approaches.
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