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Spend two hours crafting a custom Christmas gnome and personalized hot cocoa tray with local maker Pretty & Sweet Co. at the Carriage House in Oshawa. All materials are provided—no sewing required—and the class is perfect for beginner makers and holiday gift-givers.
Spend two hours crafting a custom Christmas gnome and personalized hot cocoa tray with local maker Pretty & Sweet Co. at the Carriage House in Oshawa. All materials are provided—no sewing required—and the class is perfect for beginner makers and holiday gift-givers.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
Step into the Carriage House in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada for a two-hour hands-on holiday craft that leaves you with a one-of-a-kind gnome and a personalized hot cocoa tray. The Christmas Gnome Workshop is led by Cindy from Pretty & Sweet Co., who supplies every material and walks participants through glue-gun techniques—no sewing required—so beginners can leave with a confident, gift-ready creation. The workshop meets at the Carriage House (check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes before start) and runs in an intimate group capped at 30. Expect a practical, maker-focused session: Cindy demonstrates assembly and decorative hacks, then gives time for customization; you’ll choose fabrics, trims, and text options from a supplied selection list. Because hot glue guns are in use, participants must be 18 or older; the venue is wheelchair accessible. All materials are provided and participants will be contacted by Pretty & Sweet Co. to confirm fabric and wording choices prior to class. Note there are no refunds, and parking can be limited—carpooling or using nearby paid lots is recommended. What makes this workshop special is how it blends low-stress instruction with quality components and seasonal flair. The Carriage House’s interior is practical and decorated for the holidays, lending a cozy backdrop without gimmicks. The project is compact enough to finish in two hours, but crafted so each gnome feels personal: differing hats, beard textures, and customized trays transform a class project into a distinctive holiday keepsake. For travelers, this is an easy indoor complement to exploring Oshawa—drop in before an evening out or as a rainy-day plan. Accessibility, small-group energy, and a local maker at the helm make the experience stand out in Oshawa’s roster of seasonal activities. It’s ideal for solo travelers looking to meet locals, couples wanting a casual date activity, or gift-makers aiming to skip mass-market trinkets. Practical notes: arrive early to check in at the Gift Shop, expect glue-gun safety guidance, and follow contact instructions from Pretty & Sweet Co. for pre-class selections. After the session, bring your finished tray and consider pairing it with a walk through the nearby grounds or a stop at a local café. This workshop is straightforward, creative, and rooted in local craft culture—an efficient, satisfying way to make something handmade in Oshawa without prior experience. Bring a small reusable mug if you’d like to enjoy hot cocoa later, and wear clothes you don’t mind snagging glue on. The venue’s wheelchair accessibility supports many visitors, and staff will review safety steps for hot tools. Spaces move quickly on event pages, so book early, and treat this two-hour slot as a practical way to make a personal gift while supporting a local maker: Pretty & Sweet Co.
The class is recommended for participants aged 18 and older due to the use of hot glue guns.
Yes—All materials are provided and Pretty & Sweet Co. will contact you to confirm fabric and wording selections.
Please note there are no refunds for this workshop.
Check in inside the Gift Shop at the venue 10 minutes prior to your workshop start time and present your receipt.
Yes, the meeting point at the Carriage House is wheelchair accessible.
Group size is capped at 30 to keep the class intimate and ensure individualized instruction.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site