Things to do in Decmeber in Simcoe County
As Christmas draws near, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season falls upon us. There is still so much to see and do to get you in the holiday spirit, so take some time to enjoy these events happening around the region this month!
Winter Wonderland
When: December 1 – January 7, every evening from 6:00-9:00 pm
Where: Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket
What Is It: Dazzling holiday light displays and a free outdoor skate. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, children can ride the Tim Hortons Express train (weather permitting). The Ice Lounge offers a cool outdoor lounge to gather with friends. New this year, enjoy Frozen Fridays and Surprise Saturdays!
www.newmarket.ca/events
A Canadian Christmas Eh!
When: December 1:00-2:00 pm
Where: Collier St United Church, Barrie
What Is It: Enjoy a musical evening with the Bravado Show Choir as they perform seasonal favourites showcasing the diversity of Canadian heritage.
www.bravadoshowchoir.com
Community Turkey Dinner
When: December 1, 5:00-7:00 pm
Where: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Innisfil
What Is It: Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner including all the trimmings! All are welcome to this free dinner event!
https://innisfil.ca/events/calendar#
Boughs and Bevvies
When: December 1, 6:00-9:00 pm
Where: Norman’s Garden Gallery
What Is It: Hosted by Norman’s Garden Gallery and Ciboulette et Cie, spend the evening making your own holiday wreath followed by food and cocktails. Admission $57.50 per person.
www.facebook.com/events/1384583401667261/
The Men of the Deeps
When: December 1, 8:00 pm
Where: Meaford Hall
What Is It: A group of working and retired coal minors from Cape Breton Island, the Men of the Deeps bring their spectacular musical ensemble to town. Today, this group represents more than just a singing group, they are an institution carrying on the heritage and legacy of coal mining.
www.menofthedeeps.com
Christmas Market at the Mill
When: December 1, 8 & 15, 5:00-8:30 pm
Where: Coldwater Mill
What Is It: Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday shopping experience bringing together numerous local artisans and vendors.
www.coldwatermill.com/news-upcoming-events
Jingles and Joy
When: December 2 – January 6
Where: Blue Mountain Village, Collingwood
What Is It: Stroll through the Blue Mountain Village taking in the magical sights of thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy festive shopping, family activities, horse and wagon rides, music and fireworks displays every Saturday night.
http://bluemountainvillage.ca
Elmvale Christmas Craft Show and Sale
When: December 2-3
Where: Main St Community Hall, Elmvale
What Is It: Check off some gifts from your Christmas shopping list at this traditional holiday market. Browse from numerous local vendors and artisans.
www.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca/index.html?p=12&s=0&m=12&y=2017
Pancakes and Pyjamas
When: December 2, 9:30-10:30 am
Where: Midland Public Library
What Is It: Bring the little ones in their pyjamas for a delicious pancake breakfast and enjoy a visit with Santa Claus. Admission is free!
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Christmas Craft and Gift Show
When: December 2, 9:30-2:30 pm
Where: Blue Mountain Village, Collingwood
What Is It: Over 20 local artisans and vendors come together to deliver a festive holiday market. Be sure to stop by the Cookie Bar to buy cookies by the pound and enjoy lunch and treats.
www.facebook.com/events/1981963002022865/
A Day in the Life with Santa Claus
When: December 2, 10:30-11:30 am
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: Gather for an intimate conversation with jolly old St. Nicholas as he describes his preparations for the big day! Enjoy arts and crafts and treats too. Admission is free.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
When: December 2, 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Orillia
What Is It: Get into the Christmas spirit as you shop the numerous local businesses in downtown Orillia. Hop aboard the sleigh for a free ride around town.
Guess How Much I Love You
When: December 2, 2:00 pm
Where: Georgian Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Presented by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, this tale is adapted from award-winning author Sam McBratney. Guess How Much I Love You is a story of the love between father and son hare rabbits. Tickets are $23.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/barrie/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=1703&cboEvent=713
Orillia Concert Band
When: December 2, 3:30 and 7:30 pm
Where: St Paul’s Centre, Orillia
What Is It: Delight in the traditional music and songs of the season performed by the Orillia Concert Band.
www.cba-ontario.ca/owe/two-christmas-concerts-to-choose-from
Concert at the Beach
When: December 3, 1:00 pm
Where: Lighthouse Community Church, Wasaga Beach
What Is It: Supporting the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank, enjoy an evening of music with the Barrie Concert Band. Singing seasonal favourites, this evening is sponsored by the Waterside Retirement Lodge and Lighthouse Community Church. Donations to the food bank collected as admission.
www.barrieconcertband.org
Good Lovelies Christmas Concert
When: December 3, 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: Enjoy an evening of music with the Good Lovelies as they travel through Canada with their holiday tour. Tickets are $33 per person or $38 per person for balcony seats.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Christmas Past and Present
When: December 7:00-8:00 pm
Where: Simcoe County Museum , Minesing
What Is It: Experience the wonder of Christmas as it would have been celebrated in years past. All proceeds support the Friends of Simcoe County Museum.
http://museum.simcoe.ca
Coal Patrol: Christmas Comedy Revue
When: December 7, 4:00-5:00 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: An evening out with friends at this fun-filled event. Enjoy a buffet dinner provided by the Café Roxy and a comedic performance by Good Morning Apocalypse.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Kenny and Dolly: Together Again
When: December 8, 8:00-10:00 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: Country music fans will rejoice over this spectacular show direct from Las Vegas. This ultimate tribute delivers all your favourite hits from Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
11th Annual Open House
When: December 9 – 10
Where: Dickey Bee Honey, Cookstown
What Is It: Tour the showroom, honey house, teaching facility, shop and museum while enjoying complimentary refreshments and baked goods.
www.dickeybeehoney.com
Christmas Gift and Craft Show
When: December 9, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Where: Angus Arena
What Is It: Celebrating its 5th year, this traditional craft show offers visitors a holiday shopping experience. Pick up unique gifts from numerous local vendors and artisans.
www.essatownship.on.ca/community/communityevents
7th Annual Christmas Homes Tour
When: December 9, 4:00-8:00 pm
Where: Various Locations Throughout Midland
What Is It: Presented by the Midland Heritage Committee, enjoy a magical tour of Christmas past by viewing six beautifully decorated homes by local retailers.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
A Holly Jolly Christmas
When: December 9, 6:00-11:00 pm
Where: North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre, Midland
What Is It: Celebrate the holidays at the Town of Midland’s Annual Holiday Party. Enjoy cocktails, a buffet dinner by ELM Catering, dancing, and a cash bar. Tickets $37 per person.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Christmas Goes Pop
When: December 9, 7:30 pm
Where: Collier St United Church, Barrie
What Is It: Nothing says Christmas like the sound of carols. Join the Barrie Concert Band for an evening of carols, sing-a-longs and classical tunes. Tickets: $15 for students and seniors, $20 for adults, and children under five are free!
www.barrieconcertband.org
Crazy Hair Christmas Dance
When: December 14, 7:00-10:00 pm
Where: Angus Recreation Centre
What Is It: Gearing up for Christmas, youth aged 7-13 are invited to a holiday dance with a crazy holiday hair theme. Cost is $10 at the door.
www.essaminorhockey.com
Potter – the Panto
When: December 15 – 16
Where: New Life Church, Collingwood
What Is It: Young wizards rescue their Academy from evil in this show of singing, dancing and comedy. A show of magic, laughter and fun, this hilarious parody is sure to please viewers of all ages and maybe even get you on stage in the action!
http://sandcastletheatre.com/our-shows/potter-the-panto
A Blues Brothers Christmas
When: December 15, 8:00 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: Enjoy a fun-filled musical evening of blues, jazz and R&B with the Blues Brothers accompanied by a spectacular seven-piece band. Tickets are $30 or $33 for balcony seats.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Second City: Dysfunctional Family Holiday
When: December 16, 8:00 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: A fun-filled evening of comedy and laughter. The Second City brings you up-and-coming comedy stars to deliver a satirical performance that’s far from the traditional. Tickets are $30 per person.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
HSO’s Christmas List
When: December 17, 1:00 pm
Where: Collier St United Church, Barrie
What Is It: Join the Huronia Symphony Orchestra for a night of traditional music and a sing-a-long. The evening ends with an appearance by Santa Claus himself!
http://huroniasymphony.ca
Skydiggers
When: December 17, 2:00 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre
What Is It: Enjoy an afternoon of roots rock musical delight brought to you by the Skydiggers. Tickets $30 or $35 for balcony seats.
www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Orillia Silver Band
When: December 17, 2:30 pm
Where: St Paul’s Centre, Orillia
What Is It: Sleigh Bells and Brass… this traditional performance delivers classic Christmas tunes with an interactive sing-a-long.
www.orilliasilverband.com/upcoming-events.html
Live Nativity Pageant
When: December 21-23 at 7:00 & 8:00 pm, December 24 at 7:00 pm
Where: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket
What Is It: A Journey to Bethlehem uses a live cast and real animals to tell the story of Jesus’ birth and recreate a live nativity scene. Stay warm with free hot chocolate.
www.newmarket.ca/events
Santa In The Town
When: December 23, 5:00-8:00 pm
Where: Innisfil
What Is It: In all of his bright red Christmasy cheer, Santa Claus makes his way through town in a fire truck handing out candy and holiday cheer to all! Non-perishable food donations and unwrapped gifts will be collected for the Community Church.
https://innisfil.ca/events/calendar#
Frozen in Time
When: December 28-30
Where: Collingwood
What Is It: Wander through a winter wonderland viewing unique ice sculptures throughout downtown Collingwood. Enjoy live carving demonstrations and a battle of the chainsaws carve-off. Kids of all ages can enjoy crafts, ice block building, ice games, snowshoeing, wagon rides and more! Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at the Fireside Family Lounge.
www.collingwooddowntown.com
Downtown Countdown
When: December 31, 1:00 pm
Where: City Hall, Barrie
What Is It: Ring in the new year in downtown Barrie! The city’s annual celebration will feature live music, activities and a fireworks display.
Tim Horton’s First Night
When: December 31, 5:00-9:00 pm
Where: Magna Centre, Newmarket
What Is It: Close out 2017 with a fun-filled evening for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment, free skating and swimming and a fireworks display.
www.newmarket.ca/events