Things to Do in Simcoe County in January
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season may soon be over, but there is still so much action and activity around the region well into the new year. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure or searching for a more relaxed outing, there is an event taking place to suit everyone. Gather your friends and family and check out some of these events happening around the region in January!
Festival of Trees
When: Dec 1 – Mar 31
Where: Barrie’s Waterfront
What Is It: Grab a warm beverage and stroll along Barrie’s waterfront, taking in a dazzling display of lights. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Barrie and numerous local businesses. www.barriefestivaloftrees.com
TIFT Presents, The Libertine
When: Dec 5 – Jan 14
Where: Park Place Theatre @ Mady Centre, Barrie
What Is It: Talk Is Free Theatre presents a satirical comedy-tragedy retelling the story of Don Juan and the decline of Western Civilization. http://www.tift.ca/prductions/the-libertine
Guided Night Snowshoe Hikes
When: Dec 28 – Mar 18
Where: Scenic Caves, The Blue Mountains
What Is It: Held on various evenings throughout winter, enjoy a 1 ½ – 2 hour nighttime snowshoe trek through a winter wonderland. $40 with snowshoe rental, $30 without. Reservations required. http://www.sceniccaves.com/activities/nordic-centre/guided-night-snowshoe
New Year’s Levee
When: Jan 8, 12:30 – 3:00 pm
Where: New Tecumseth Recreation Centre
What Is It: Come out and visit the mayor and members of town council, enjoying a free public family skate from 12:30 – 1:50 pm. http://newtecumseth.ca/events/list
New Year’s Levee
When: Jan 8, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: Newmarket Riverwalk Commons
What Is It: Join Mayor Tony Van Bynen and members of town council as they welcome in the new year. Enjoy a free family skate, musical and artistic performances, hot drinks and sweet treats. http://www.newmarket.ca/ThingsToDo/Pages/Recreation%20and%20Culture/Events/Mayor’s-New-Year’s-Levee.aspx
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
When: Jan 12, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: Orillia Opera House
What Is It: The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity brings its world tour of films about Banff to Orillia for a screening at the Orillia Opera House. $25 per person. https://www.banffcentre.ca/banffmountainfestival/tour
Discovery Harbour Skate Trail
When: January 13 – March 12, Fridays – 6:00 – 9:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 – 4:00pm & 6:00 – 9:00pm (Weather Permitting)
Where: Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene
What Is It: New for 2017, Discovery Harbour has opened a 2km Skating Trail through the historic grounds. Admission is $8 per person Children 5 & under FREE. All visitors must sign a waiver to skate on the trail. Helmets are recommended for children under 12 years of age. http://www.discoveryharbour.on.ca/dh/en/SpecialEvents/index.htm
Moonlight Snowshoe & Fondue
When: Jan 14, Feb 11, & Mar 11
Where: Hardwood Ski and Bike, Oro-Medonte
What Is It: Enjoy a guided evening of snowshoeing through 5km of woodland trails followed by a unique fondue dinner party warming up in the chalet or by a toasty bonfire. 4 sample tickets for Barnstormers Brewing Company will be available to adults, there will also be apple cider for the kids. Jan 14 & Mar 11 – $65 for general public, $55 for Passholders, $45 Under 16. Feb 11 (The Ultimate Snowshoe Fondue) $125. http://www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca/event/moonlight-snowshoe-and-fondue-3/?instance_id=231
Moonlight Snowshoe & Chili Cookout
When: Jan 15, 5:30 pm
Where: Snow Valley, Minesing
What Is It: Come out with family and friends for a moonlit guided snowshoe tour of scenic nature trails. Afterwards, warm up around a roaring bonfire enjoying hot chocolate and chili. Adults – $39.99. http://shop.skisnowvalley.com/collections/moonlight-snowshoe-chili-cookout
Barrielicious
When: Jan 20 – Feb 5
Where: Various restaurants around Barrie
What Is It: Delight in savoury culinary fare at numerous restaurants around Barrie, dining from prix fixe full course menus. Menus range from $15 – $30 per person. http://www.barrielicious.com
Mudmen 2017
When: Jan 20, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Orillia Opera House
What Is It: A high energy Celtic concert the whole family can enjoy! The Mudmen have performed for the Queen and had numerous musical TV appearances and features, performing in over 2,500 shows, producing 8 CDs and 6 music videos. Prepare to be amazed! Adults – $28. Seniors – $23. Youth 18 & under – $18. https://www.ontarioslakecountry.com/event/mudmen-2017
30th Annual MASH Bash
When: Jan 27 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: Minesing
What Is It: Hit the slopes at Snow Valley and support the child and youth mental health services at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Live entertainment, radio personalities and DooDoo the clown will provide amusement all day long. Ever-popular competitions will return on this day, including bed pan races, EMS tug-of-war, a grenade launch, bomb burst and commando challenge. Lift tickets are $20 for the day or $10 for Full-Season pass and Almost-Anytime pass holders. https://en-ca.fievent.com/e/30th-annual-mash-bash/5706726
Taylor Cup Pond Hockey Tournament
When: Jan 27 – Jan 29
Where: Bayview Wildwood Resort, Sparrow Lake/Severn Bridge
What Is It: Celebrating its 12th anniversary in memory of Judy Taylor, this two-day round robin tournament takes hockey back to the basics on a classic frozen pond. Proceeds to benefit Sarcoma Research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. https://m.akaraisin.com/12372/?Lang=en-CA
Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skate
Stroud-Innisfil Recreation Centre, 7883 Yonge St, Stroud
- Jan 3 @ 11:00am – 12:30pm
Innisfil Recreational Complex, 7315 Yonge St, Innisfil
- Jan 5 @ 8:30am – 10:00am
Angus Recreation Centre, 8529 Simcoe County Rd 10, Angus
- Dec 30 @ 3:00pm – 3:50pm
- Jan 2 @ 1:30pm – 2:50pm
- Jan 6 @ 1:00pm – 1:50 pm
Thornton Recreation Centre, 246 Barrie St, Thornton
- Jan 2 @ 3:30pm – 4:50pm
- Jan 4 @ 4:30pm – 5:20pm
- Jan 6 @ 4:30pm – 5:20pm
Creemore Arena, 220 Collingwood St, Creemore
- Jan 8 @ 12:00pm – 1:50pm
Stayner Arena, 269 Regina St, Stayner
- Jan 3 @ 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Jan 6 @ 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, 61 Maria St, Penetanguishene
- Jan 3 @ 2:30pm – 3:30pm
- Jan 4 @ 1:15pm – 2:15pm
Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Dr, Newmarket
- Jan 3 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
Brian Orser Arena, 433 Gill St, Orillia
- Jan 5 @ 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Rotary Place, 100 University Ave, Orillia
- Jan 2 @ 1:15pm – 2:45pm
- Jan 3 @ 11:00am – 12:30pm