Things to do in Simcoe County in December
As the holidays approach and fresh snow begins to fall, Simcoe County is abuzz with the hustle, bustle and magical wonder of the season.
Looking for events to enjoy with your family throughout the region this Holiday Season? Check out the list below:
Drysdale’s Christmas Holiday Village
When: November 17-December 24
Where: Drysdale’s Tree Farm, Egbert
What Is It: Drysdale’s offers all the magic and wonder of the holiday season. Say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus, be amazed by the magician, and enjoy face painting, wagon rides, a cup of hot cocoa by the bonfire, and so much more. Choose the perfect Christmas tree, then shop the Evergreen store for all kinds of holiday décor and ornaments!
Drysdale’s Christmas Holiday Village
Christmas Glow
When: November 22, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Where: Bradford Greenhouse Garden Gallery
What Is It: If an evening of delicious food, one-of-a-kind gifts, and authentic light displays are something you would be interested in then Christmas Glow is one to mark in your calendars. Featuring a magic castle playground, LED swings, and an appearance by the man in red himself, this event is sure to lift the holiday spirits of all members of the family.
Christmas Glow Barrie
Winter Wonderland
When: Friday evenings from Nov 30, 2018 – Jan 4, 2019
Where: Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., Newmarket|
What Is It: Grab your outdoor gear and enjoy a dazzling a holiday light display, performances, treats, and a free outdoor skate every Friday evening at the Newmarket Riverwalk Commons. Children will gather with friends to admiring performances by Bex in Motion, Scarlet Black, and Hoop U while adults gather in The Ice Lounge, sponsored by Jay Miller Real Estate to relax.
Winter Wonderland Newmarket
Bravado! Show Choir Presents “Christmastravaganza”
When: November 30th – December 1st, 7:30pm; December 1 Children’s Matinee – 1:00pm
Where: Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier Street
What Is It: What better way to celebrate the coming holiday season than with a “Christmastravaganza.“ Spectators will enjoy a combination of Broadway, Hollywood, the Muppets, bell ringers, Bravado!
Christmastravaganza in Midland
First Light
When: Evenings November 29-December 1, December 6-8
Where: Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, Midland
What Is It: Recognized by Festivals and Events Ontario as one of the Top 100 Events, experience an amazing display of over 5,000 illuminated candles. Enjoy activities for all ages, folk music, aboriginal dance and so much more!
First Light
Blumination
When: Dec 1st, 2018 – January 6th, 2019
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains
What Is It: Gather the family and head to Blue Mountain to experience the wonderful, illuminated sights of “Blumination”. It’s a holiday celebration every night of the week, with an extra extravagant schedule on Saturday nights, featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, visits from Santa, and fireworks.
Blumination at Blue Mountain Village
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Friday Harbour Resort
When: December 1st, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Friday Harbour, 311 Big Bay Point Rd., Innisfil
What Is It: Join your community to admire a magical tree lighting ceremony at Friday Harbour Resort. A variety of activities will be available for the whole family to enjoy, including photo opportunities, DJ performances, campfires, carolling, Christmas-themed crafts and more. A toy drive will be available to accept donations for local families in need.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Friday Harbour Resort Innisfil
A Very Hewitt’s Christmas with Santa
When: Dec 8 – 9th, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Hewitt’s Farm Market, 3331 Town Line, Severn
What Is It: Come one, come all, to enjoy the magic of Christmas with your loved ones at Hewitt’s Family Farm. Be sure to bring your camera! Santa will be in his workshop ready to receive your wish list. Daily activities include wagon rides, visits with the farm animals, FREE cookie decorating in the farm market store, draws and prizes, samples in the market, holiday crafts and more! Admission: $8 per person (Under 24mths always FREE).
A Very Hewitt’s Christmas with Santa Severn
Traditional Moccasin Making Workshop
When: Dec 1, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, 16160 Highway 12 E., Midland
What Is It: Enjoy an afternoon of traditional indigenous crafting under the guidance of Marie Brunelle Moreau at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. In addition to a full day of learning and creativity, guests will leave with an authentic set of moccasins, making a wonderful gift for the holiday season. Cost: $90.00 + HST per person (includes all-day admission to centre & trails).
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Midland
Thornton Christmas in the Village
When: Dec 2, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Thornton Creek Gazebo, Across from the Thornton Library on Robert St., Thornton
What Is It: Bring the family to meet Santa Claus! Hot chocolate will be served with treats for little ones!
Christmas in the Village Thornton
Barrie Concert Band Presents A Christmas Fantasy
When: Dec 8 – 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Collier Street Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
What Is It: Purchase a ticket to Barrie Concert Bands Annual event to indulge in an evening of familiar and inviting melodies, favourite sing-a-long carols, and of course new arrangements that will make your Christmas pop! Admission: Students $10; Adults: $20; Under 5 Free
Barrie Concert Band Presents A Christmas Fantasy Barrie
A Reel Celtic Christmas
When: Dec 9th, 7:00 am – 9:30 pm
Where: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland
What Is It: An evening of traditional and contemporary seasonal music performed by Celtic supergroup “The Celts.” Tickets are $25+fess and tax.
A Reel Celtic Christmas in Midland
12th Annual Christmas Open House
When: Dec 9th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Dickey Bee Honey, 4031 3rd Line, Cookstown
What Is It: Still looking for that perfect stocking stuffer? Spend the day at Dickey Bee Honey to learn about local honey, shop locally-crafted goods, meet Santa and enjoy complimentary refreshments and baked goods.
Dickey Bee Honey in Cookstown
Victorian Christmas
When: Dec 13th
Where: Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Highway 26, Springwater
What Is It: Travel back in time to celebrate the tradition of Christmas the way our ancestors did many years before.
Victorian Christmas in Springwater
Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec 15, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Centennial Museum, 13 Burke St., Penetanguishene
What Is It: Breakfast with Santa is fast approaching and its time to mark it in your calendars! Enjoy a hearty breakfast of waffles, sausage and beverages and a visit with the big man in red. Games, crafts and a scavenger hunt offer fun the whole family can enjoy for only $7 per person.
Breakfast with Santa in Penetanguishene
Brunch with Santa – Barrie Country Club
When: Dec 16, 2018
Where: Barrie Country Club, 635 St. Vincent Street North
What Is It: Word around town is Santa is making a pit stop in Barrie, and you have the chance to meet him at The Barrie Golf & Country Club. Attendees can indulge in a premium eggs benedict breakfast while children share their wishlist with the big man in red. Admission: Adults: $27.95, Kids 6-12: $19.95, Kids 5 and under: Free (plus taxes and gratuities on all).
Brunch with Santa in Barrie
8th Annual Christmas Home Tour
When: Dec 10, 3:00 am – 7:00 pm
Where: Various – five homes throughout Midland
What Is It: Presented by the Midland Heritage Committee, enjoy a magical tour of Christmas past viewing five homes beautifully decorated by local retailers. Tickets are available for purchase a: Town Hall, Midland Public Library, North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre.
Annual Christmas Home Tour Midland
Thornton Volunteer Firefighters Santa Tour
When: Dec 15, 10:00 am
Where: Thornton
What Is It: Calling all Thornonites! The Thornton Volunteer Firefighters are looking for food donations to help families in your community. Listen for the sirens, and have your donations ready for the morning of Dec 15th.
Volunteer Firefighters Santa Tour Thornton
Live Nativity Pageant
When: Dec 22, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Fairy Lake Park, Water St., Newmarket
What Is It: This 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.
Live Nativity Pageant Newmarket
“Elf” at Five Points Theatre
When: Dec 22, 2:00 pm
Where: Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie
What Is It: Gather with loved ones to watch the story of “elf” unfold. A story of an elf who realizes he is human alongside his adventure to NYC, meet his true family, and spread Christmas Cheer. Admission: Kids under 12: $8 (includes decorate your own sugar cookie), Adults: $13.
Elf at Five Points Theatre Barrie
Winter Break Activities
When: Dec 22 – Jan 6, 2019, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, 16160 Highway 12 E., Midland
What Is It: Discover the beauty of Nature on the stunning winter terrain of Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre this winter break. Daily activities include but are not limited to, hiking, bannock roasting, visits from the “feature creature,” swan stories, and snowshoe discovery guided tours.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Midland
Santa Claus Express
When: Saturdays and Sundays Only, November 24-December 16
Where: Tottenham
What Is It: All aboard! What could be more magical than a train ride with Santa? Hop aboard the South Simcoe Railway’s 1920s vintage coach. Santa will make his way through the train visiting with each boy and girl as his elves deliver a candy cane treat. Reserved tickets begin on November 1st.
South Simcoe Railway
Rogers Hometown Hockey – Collingwood
When: Dec 29th – 30th
Where: City Hall – Hurontario Street, Collingwood
What Is It: The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour is the ultimate hockey fan experience, making stops in communities across Canada. This free festival wraps-up in Collingwood and will feature family-friendly programming and activities all weekend long. Enjoy virtual autographs, meet your favourite NHL Alumni, and cheer for your local minor hockey teams in the Cheer Like Never Before contest! Hometown Hockey hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will broadcast live from Collingwood! You won’t want to miss this!
Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour
Coldwater Mill Christmas Market
When: Every Friday, November 30-December 21, 5:00 pm-8:30 pm
Where: The Coldwater Mill
What Is It: A unique Christmas shopping experience shopping from numerous local vendors and artisans offering hand-crafted delights.
Coldwater Mill Chrismas Market