Things To Do in Simcoe County in November – 2016
The winter chill might be in the air but these events are worth bundling up for! Gather the family and check out some of these events happening in and around Simcoe County that will get you in the holiday spirit!
Flavours of Ontario’s Lake Country
When: Oct 21 – Nov 6
Where: Various restaurants around the region
What Is It: Enjoy delicious 2-3 course meals from menus specifically designed by participating local chefs to showcase the flavours of the fall harvest.
http://flavoursoflakecountry.com
Lightfoot Days
When: Nov 3 – 6
Where: Orillia
What Is It: Enjoy live music and concerts at various venues through Orillia to commemorate the life and musical works of Canadian music artist Gordon Lightfoot.
http://downtownorillia.ca/event/orillia-lightfoot-days
BMC Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
When: Nov 4-6
Where: Barrie Molson Centre, 555 Bayview Dr, Barrie
What Is It: Experience and hop from over 140 of Ontario’s finest artisans all under one roof. A perfect way to shop local for the holidays!
http://www.areaproductions.com/arts–crafts-shows-c1bbg
Sugar Plum Fair Craft Show
When: Nov 12 – 13
Where: Nottawasaga Resort, 6015 Highway 89, Alliston
What Is It: In it’s 33rd year, the Sugar Plum Fair showcases the products and services of numerous local artisans providing a one-stop shopping experience before the holiday season. $4/adult, free/children 12 and under.
http://www.nottawasagaresort.com/pblc-sugar-plum.html
Santa Claus Parade – Angus
When: Nov 19 @ 10am
Where: Mill St, Downtown Angus
What Is It: The tradition of Christmas starts with a visit from jolly old Santa Claus himself in downtown Angus. This year’s theme is a “Disney World Christmas”.
http://www.essatownship.on.ca/community/communityevents
Santa Claus Parade – Newmarket
When: Nov 19 @ 11am
Where: Eagle & Main St, Downtown Newmarket
What Is It: Kick off the holiday season with a traditional parade and visit from Santa along the historic streets of downtown Newmarket. Non-perishable food items will be collected for the local food bank.
http://www.newmarket.ca/ThingsToDo/Pages/Recreation%20and%20Culture/Events/Santa-Claus-Parade.aspx
Santa Claus Parade & Holiday Market – Keswick
When: Nov 19 @ 1:30pm
Where: Starts at Biscayne Blvd. and the Queensway
What Is It: Santa Claus is coming to town! Starts at Biscayne Blvd. and the Queensway at 1:30 p.m., follows the Queensway to Metro Road and goes up Simcoe Street and ends at Church Street and the Queensway.
https://www.georgina.ca/events/keswick-santa-claus-parade-1
Santa Claus Parade & Christmas Festivities – Alliston
When: Nov 19 @ 4 – 9pm
Where: Bradford
What Is It: Thousands of families, both local and tourists, will line Victoria Street to catch the Lighted night time parade! Enjoy free hot apple cider, hot chocolate and again this year there will be handmade “Rurban” tree ornaments which children can decorate and take away. Don’t miss your chance to spot the jolly elf and take a quick “selfie” with Santa before the parade from 4 pm – 5:30 pm. Santa will also be strolling Victoria Street, between Church St. and Paris Street.
http://newtecumseth.ca/event/christmas-festivities-parade-alliston/
Santa Claus Parade & Holiday Market – Collingwood
When: Nov 19 @ 5pm
Where: Collingwood
What Is It: Enjoy a ‘Christmas Carol’ themed traditional parade and open houses at various local shops throughout downtown Collingwood.
http://www.collingwooddowntown.com
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Claus Parade – Barrie
When: Nov 19 @ 5pm – 9pm
Where: Downtown Barrie
What Is It: Santa Claus is coming to town to visit the boys and girls of Barrie. Afterwards, sip a cup of hot cocoa while watching the Christmas tree lighting and fireworks display at the town square.
Santa Claus Parade – Bradford West Gwillimbury
When: Nov 19 @ 6:30pm
Where: Bradford
What Is It: Gather with family and friends to kick off the holiday season with a traditional parade of floats and spectacles from numerous local charities and groups.
http://www.bwgsantaclausparade.ca
Barrie Concert Band Presents Christmas at the Movies
When: Nov 19 @ 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Where: Hi-Way Church, 50 Anne St, Barrie
What Is It: Listen to the musical talent of the Barrie Concert Band as they perform a selection of pieces from classic Christmas movies and soundtracks. $20/adult, $15/senior or student, free/ children under 5.
http://www.barrieconcertband.org
Homes for the Holidays
When: Nov 19 – 20
Where: Barrie
What Is It: In it’s 25th year, the May Court Club of Barrie invites you on a self-drive tour of 6 spectacularly decorated homes, the tea room and the Unique Boutique at the Lions Gate Banquet Centre. $30/ticket.
http://www.barriemaycourtclub.ca/events/events-905258/homes-for-the-holidays
Santa Claus Parade – Orillia
When: Nov 20 @ 1pm
Where: Downtown Orillia
What Is It: One of the largest Christmas parades North of Toronto! Over 100 floats, bands & Santa himself celebrate the season & usher in a Winter Wonderland! Non-perishable food collection for Orillia Food Bank and Bucket Brigade collection by Orillia Kiwanis Club in support of a great parade.
http://www.orillia.com/index.php?op=localevents
Drysdale’s Christmas Holiday Village
When: Nov 21 – Dec 18
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 and a cup of hot cocoa by the bonfire. Shop the Evergreen store for all kinds of holiday décor and ornaments for your newly picked tree!
http://drysdales.ca/seasonal_events.htm
First Light
When: Nov 24-26, Dec 1-3 & 8-10
Where: Sainte Marie Among the Hurons
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.
http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/sm/index.htm
Funderland, Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Nov 26 @ 9am – 9pm
Where: Wasaga Beach RecPlex
What Is It: Begin the day with activities and fun for kids of all ages. Then find a seat along the parade route and watch Santa come to town! Finish the evening with a cup of hot chocolate watching the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
http://www.wasagabeach.com/events
Visit with Santa Claus
When: Nov 26 @ 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Collingwood
What Is It: Visit Santa and his elves when he parks his sleigh in front of Town Hall. Enjoy treats for the kids and a visit with Santa’s reindeer-in-training.
http://www.collingwooddowntown.com
Midhurst Arts & Crafts Home Tour
When: Nov 26 – 27
Where: Midhurst and Snow Valley
What Is It: Discover the amazing talents of local individuals and artisans through Midhurst and Snow Valley. This free self-guided tour celebrates over 25 years of holiday shopping showcasing jewellery, paintings, pottery, candles, home baked goods and so much more!
http://midhurstartsandcrafts.com
Santa Claus Express
When: Sat and Sun only Nov 26 – Dec 18
Where: Tottenham
What Is It: What could be more magical than a train ride with Santa!? Enjoy a train ride from the South Simcoe Railway. Santa will make his way through the train visiting with each boy and girl and his elves will deliver a candy cane treat. Reserved tickets begin Nov 1.
http://www.southsimcoerailway.ca
Santa Claus Parade – Waubaushene
When: Nov 27 @ 12 – 2pm
Where: Pine Street, Waubaushene
What Is It: The Waubaushene Santa Clause starts at 1:00 and goes down Pine Street to the Fire Hall. Following the Parade everyone is invited to the Fire Hall for a Community Gathering including refreshments, fun and a chance to visit Santa.
Santa Claus Parade – Innisfil
When: Nov 27 @ 1:30pm
Where: Innisfi Beach Rd
What Is It: The spirit of the holiday season begins when Santa visits Innisfil! Don’t forget to bring a letter to Santa and non-perishable food items for the food bank!
http://www.icecorp.org/santa-clause-parade
Discovery and Adventure Night
When: Nov 29 @ 6pm – 7pm
Where: Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, 100 Eagle Street W
What Is It: An interactive evening of music and balloon creations suitable for ages 2-10 years old.