Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for November 30 - December 2

Make First Light a Family Tradition

Winter has arrived at the gateway of North Ontario and beyond!

Snow is here, perhaps to stay. They are calling for warmer temps next week so families should hurry if they want to enjoy this blanket of fluffy white snow. If Mother Nature cooperates, a few of the snow operators hope to open in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, kids and parents can take their pick of Santa Claus Parades, Christmas Tree Ceremony Lightings and enough holiday shopping to find something for everyone on your list and more!

And as a special holiday treat, the CP Holiday starts its ride through our area on Sunday! TooT!


BALA
BALA'S TREK TO BETHLEHEM: Bala's streets are transformed into a biblical village where visitors journey back in time to experience the first Christmas.
CHRISTMAS SALE & LUNCHEON: There will be beauty products, baking, knitting, gluten free food, jams and jellies, jewelry, Christmas gifts, a great raffle basket and more! $5 for lunch which will be served from 11:30am to 2pm.

BANCROFT
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Downtown Bancroft.

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.
OPENING DAY - HORSESHOE RESORT: Let's the snow fun begin!

Family Fireworks, Blue Mountain Village

CP HOLIDAY TRAIN: Barrie Ontario - 12 Anne St North

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BARRY'S BAY
TREE OF LIGHTS CEREMONY: Date: Dec 1, 2012

BLUE MOUNTAINS
FROST FRENZY: The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm all month long!

BRACEBRIDGE
SANTA'S MOONLIGHT SHOPPING PARTY AND FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Downtown Bracebridge.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: 2012 Parade Theme -"British Invasion" (music).

FEATURED RESORT - CLUB MUSKOKA
Book Bracebridge Hotels Online  

COLDWATER
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Location main street Coldwater.

COLLINGWOOD
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
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GRAVENHURST
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: The visit with Santa will be held at the Gravenhurst Opera - Trillium Court starting at 12:30 pm followed b a free traditional Christmas movie upstairs in the theatre starting at 2:00 pm.

HUNTSVILLE
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: The Huntsville Santa Claus Parade starts in downtown Huntsville at 7:00 pm and travels to Huntsville Place Mall.

KINCARDINE
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Parade leaves from Zehrs at 6:30pm, following Broadway to Queen Street, to Victoria Park.

LINDSAY
CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE: Over 60 vendors offer a variety of hand-crafted items for your shopping pleasure.

MACTIER
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN: Mactier - Old CP station.

Participate at Sainte Marie

MARMORA
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: On Dasher and Dancer, Comet and Vixen! See them all, as well as the guest of honour, Santa himself at this year's Santa Claus Parade.

MEAFORD:
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Santa Claus is coming to town!

MIDLAND
FIRST LIGHT: Now in its 13th year, Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” is a must-see event with a great line-up of family activities and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of over 3,000 candles.
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: King Street Midland.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: Wye Marsh has family fun all day long.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
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OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS: Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.

CP Holiday Train Come to Town!

PAISLEY
BY OUR HANDS ONE OF A KIND SHOW: By Our Hands is a very high quality one of a kind show and is now in its 5th consecutive year Time: 10:00 AM to  6:00 PM.
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN Comes to Town!

PARRY SOUND
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN: Parry Sound - Museum Train Station, 1 Avenue Rd.

PENETANGUISHENE
ROTARY FESTIVAL OF TREES: View the beautiful display of decorated tress which will magically tranform three participating malls into a Winter Wonderland.

PETERBOROUGH
FESTIVAL OF TREES: Nov. 28 - Dec. 2.

PORT CARLING
COME TRY HOCKEY: For Boys and Girls age 5-13.

RUTTER
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN: Rutter - Rutter train station **15 minute stop and go.

SHAWANAGA
CP HOLIDAY TRAIN: Shawanaga - Near band office beside railway crossing at Village Rd.

SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Science North Parking Lot.

Holiday fun with family and friends

CP HOLIDAY TRAIN: Sudbury - VIA train station, Elgin St.

Browse Sudbury Hotels
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TAY TOWNSHIP
CELEBRATE THE SEASON TREE LIGHTING: Port McNicoll

A Santa Claus Parade or Tree Lighting Ceremony, your family can find one every weekend! See our website for more ...

SANTA CLAUS PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS & CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

Stay tuned to 411ontariokids.com for all the events, activities and getaway planning a family needs.

Ontario Family Friendly Accommodations have some great packages and promotions that make getting away in the winter as a family not only fun, but most importantly, affordable. See our featured 15 family winter getaways. Resorts, condos, chalet, cabin rentals are combined with snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, tobagganing and even sleigh rides with sleigh bells!

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A "Top 100" Event in Ontario, Sainte-Marie's spectacular "First Light" returns for its 13th year the evenings of November 29th, 30th, and December 1st.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Enchanted Evening at First Light

“First Light” at Sainte-Marie  will enchant visitors with 5,000 candles.

The signature feature of First Light is the illumination of the historic site by candlelight. The First Light event began at Sainte-Marie 13 years ago with 1,000 candles; this year the number of candles has been increased to 5,000 creating a magical ambience. Attendance at First Light has grown from 1,000 visitors since inception to over 6,000 visitors in 2012.

Beautiful lantern-lit paths lead to a variety of fun family activities. Upon entering the historic site, visitors will encounter the popular "Survival In The Bush" historical encampment at the main gates. In the Jesuit Residence, children can write with quill pens as they prepare their very own seasonal messages, and fun take-home bracelets can be made in Sainte-Marie's carpenter shop. In the Cookhouse 15,000 gingerbread and lavender treats made by the Grade 9 and 10 culinary class from St. Theresa's High School in Midland from historic recipes will be available for sampling. Festival du Loup and La Clé d'la Baie will offer a "Fleur de lys" key ring craft in the En Colombage building.

The sounds of musket drill will punctuate the night courtesy of re-enactor group La Compagnie Franche de la Marine who will also be serving hot chocolate. In the Sainte-Marie foyer, little folks will love making a seasonal craft offered from The Métis Nation of Ontario, fashioning delightful corn husk dolls, and creating a special Angel ornament at the Discovery Harbour table.

Music has always been a crowd pleaser at First Light, and this year's event will provide a wonderful mix of performers. NEW this year will be the four-part a cappella troupe The Rhyming Couplets that will wander through the historic site filling the air with seasonal melodies. Vince Therrien will present historic French and English music and local artist Michel Payment will share his inspiring songs in the Sainte-Marie Chapel. Amidst the lively atmosphere of a French Café at Restaurant Sainte-Marie, toe-tapping entertainment will be provided by La Famille Lefaive and Jill et les Bucherons. In Sainte-Marie's famous longhouses, the Christian Island Drum Group and John Somosi will thrill audiences with their First Nations drumming, chanting, and singing. A total of 13 choirs including 8 school groups will also perform at the event over three evenings, including the return of The Children's Community Choir from Penetanguishene and the OPP Chorus.

Be a part of the First Light Experience

For everyone who would like to do some early Christmas shopping, 20 exceptional artisans will be in the Sainte-Marie Museum and the Sainte-Marie gift shop will be open each night.

The magical "First Light" event will be presented at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons evenings November 29, 30, and December 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is just $8.00 per person with a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the local Salvation Army food bank. Children ages 5 and under are free. For information call (705) 526-7838 or visit www.hhp.on.ca.

Special Notes:

Please be advised that with the exception of service animals, pets are not
allowed on the historic site for this event. Overflow parking will be available at Doral
Industries, 100 Wye Valley Road. Free shuttle buses will run to Sainte-Marie throughout
each evening.

Overnight packages are available from the Midland Super 8 Hotel starting at $125.00 per night based on double occupancy. Package includes 1 night accommodation, entrance to First Light event, and a complimentary breakfast. Persons must be 19 years of age or older.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.

-30-

Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
Direct Line: (705) 528-7692
E-mail: bill.brodeur@ontario.ca

****************************
Spend the weekend in lovely Southern Georgian Bay. It's snowy and filled with kids excitement at the start of winter fun! Don't forget the tobaggan!

Here are Midland and area family accommodation options:

Comfort Inn, Midland
*directly down the highway from Sainte Marie

Best Western Highland Inn and Conference Centre, Midland
*directly down the highway from Sainte Marie

Little Lake Inn B&B, Midland
*conveniently located in town, about a 5 minute drive from Sainte Marie. It is located in Little Pake Park in central Midland. Also in the area are the Huronia Museum and the Midland Sports and Recreation Centre. 

Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for November 23-25

Events and activities for kids and families North in Ontario this weekend are pretty much all about the holidays. Families can head to 'city sidewalks' and watch Santa Claus Parades, Ceremonial Holiday Tree Lightings and Festivals of Lights. Holiday shopping continues with many annual traditional holiday themed arts and crafts shows, one-a-kind-shows and unique artisan shows and sales. Who doesn't love a hand made toy for Christmas! A special doll or hand crafted wooden train, there is something for every one.

No matter the event or activity it's time to be merry and have some family fun!

Holiday Fun with Family & Friends

BANCROFT
TREE LIGHTING-BBQ CHRISTMAS CAROL EVENT: Location: Farmers Market Square.

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
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BARRY'S BAY
SANTA'S CLAUS PARADE: Santa Claus comes to town!

BRACEBRIDGE
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOW & SALE: This merry show features twenty -five festive exhibitors selling a variety of hand made work that's perfect for gift giving.

FEATURED RESORT - CLUB MUSKOKA
Book Bracebridge Hotels Online

COLLINGWOOD
CHRISTMAS LAUNCH & SANTA CLAUS PARADE: The day features a Holiday Farmers’ Market, Visits with Santa’s reindeer-in-training, Living Christmas Windows, the magical nighttime Santa Claus parade, and the official lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree.
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

GRAVENHURST
BLACK FRIDAY & TREE LIGHTING: Great shopping at local merchants and tree lighting ceremony.

Browse GRAVENHURST AREA HOTELS
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HALIBURTON
FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Minden Hills Festival of Trees is a magical event for the entire family, filled with wonderful things to see, interesting shops to visit and fun activities for children all with a Christmas theme.

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MACTIER
SANTA CLAUS PARADE AND CHILDRENS PARTY: Family party fun with holiday theme!

MADAWASKA
MADAWASKA MOUNTAIN SKI SWAP: Come and browse new and used ski and snow board equipment for sale at great prices.

Find a perfect Hand Made Gift

MIDLAND
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.
MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: One of a kind hand crafted show and sale of gifts from the most talented artisans in Ontario including native crafts, jewellery of all forms including vintage spoons, clothing, paintings, Xmas crafts, pottery, knitting, wreaths, soaps, honey and health products, stained glass, woodcrafts, fairy doors, teddy bears, body care products, pet clothing and accessories, gift baskets, baking more. With over 70 vendors there is a wide variety of exceptional gifts of quality and originality to pick from.

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MINDEN
FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Minden Hills Cultural Centre Festival of Trees is a magical event for the entire family, filled with wonderful things to see, interesting shops to visit, fun activities for children all with a Christmas theme.  

OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS: Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.

PAISLEY
BY OUR HANDS ONE OF A KIND SHOW: By Our Hands is a very high quality one of a kind show and is now in its 5th consecutive year Time: 10:00 AM to  6:00 PM

PENETANGUISHENE
ROTARY FESTIVAL OF TREES: View the beautiful display of decorated tress which will magically tranform three participating malls into a Winter Wonderland.

PETERBOROUGH
FESTIVAL OF TREES: Nov. 28 - Dec. 2.

Home-made holiday treats!

PORT ELGIN
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Young and old can enjoy Santa returning to Saugeen Shores, first in Port Elgin on November 24, 2012 at 7 p.m.

PORT McNICOLL
CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE: Location Port McNicoll Community Centre, 560 Seventh Ave, Port McNicoll

SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Science North Parking Lot

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SUNDRIDGE
HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW: Food Bank donation would be appreciated as admission.

WASAGA BEACH
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: The fun begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Oakview Woods Gazebo, followed by the lighting of the tree at 7:30 p.m.
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Line forms facing west on Dunkerron Street, between 18th Street and 22nd Street.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Hosted by the Wasaga Beach Lions Club.
FUNDERLAND "FREE FAMILY FUN": Variety of Childrens' Activities. Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Mosley Street, Hall 1.

Families flock to city sidewalks to see Santa Claus Parades

WAUBAUSHENE
SANTA CLAUS PARADE AND CHILDRENS PARTY: Family Christmas cheer as Santa comes to town!

A Santa Claus Parade or Tree Lighting Ceremony, your family can find one every weekend! See our website for more ...

SANTA CLAUS PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS & CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

Stay tuned to 411ontariokids.com for all the events, activities and getaway planning a family needs. 

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Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for November 9-11

Remembrance Day 2012

Lest We Forget

Sunday is Remembrance Day and this day is for kids too. Kids don't need to know the political or graphic details of war but need to begin the lesson of what is the cost of freedom. See our REMEMBRANCE DAY FOR KIDS web page for activity suggestions as well as links to community events such as parades and cenotaph ceremonies.

The weekend, like all weekends in the near future, is full of holiday shopping, parades and kids fun!

ALLISTON
SUGAR PLUM FAIR: Nottawasaga Resort. Santa will be there Sat. and Sun. 11am - 1pm.

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.
HANDS UP ART WORKSHOP: (kids 10-14) Join in and explore the sculptural techniques of mould-making and casting based on proportion and anatomy at the MacLaren Art Centre .

See Santa between 11-1 (Sat. & Sun.)

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BOBCAYGEON
FESTIVAL OF TREES: Located at Kawartha Settlers' Village.

COLLINGWOOD
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

COOKSTOWN
LIGHT UP NIGHT & SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Town Crier & Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30pm, Parade at 8:30pm featuring Georgian Bay Steam Show!

MIDLAND / WYEBRIDGE
FARMERS' MARKET: Warm and toasty indoors at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.
OPEN HOUSE: local stores Open House on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2012
VICTORIA CHRISTMAS: In support of Midland & District Branch OSPCA.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
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ORILLIA
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ARTISANS TOUR: Various media art, delightful food gifts, beautiful hand-knit & sewn items, jewelry, woodworking, pottery & more!

Browse ORILLIA HOTELS
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See you the parades, kids!

The holiday events have begun! A Santa Claus Parade or Tree Lighting Ceremony, your family can find one every weekend! See our website for ...

SANTA CLAUS PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS & CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

Stay tuned to 411ontariokids.com for all the events, activities and getaway planning a family needs. 

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Have a fun weekend!

Ontairo Kids Family Events North of Toronto for November 2-4

Remembrance Day November 11

Wow, November. Poppies, remembrance parades or ceremonies and Christmas Holiday events are beginning to fill our weekends. Santa Claus Parades, Tree Lightings and Festivals of Lights and Trees are opening the festive holiday season and winter kids and family fun.

It's never too early to start holiday shopping either and no one can deny that a hand made one-of-a-kind unique gift purchased at a holiday craft show or bazaar is a perfect gift.
~When it comes to these types of events, we remind parents to use their own judgement as to whether or not their children will benefit from such an event. Please use your discretion so the events are enjoyable for everyone. 

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.
JURIED ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: The most beautiful one of a kind hand crafted gift from the Barrie Molson Centre Xmas Craft Show.

Holiday Shopping = Homemade Goodness

HOLY SPIRIT CHRISTMAS GLITTER BAZAAR: Christmas gifts galore will be available from local crafters, and special item tables with Christmas crafts, a country store, baking, preserves, delicious take-out dinners, white elephant, and "Wish Table"..

Stay at BARRIE HOTELS
Barrie Hotels Online


COLLINGWOOD
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.

Stay at COLLINGWOOD HOTELS

NORTH BAY
KEEPSAKES CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: The show features over 70 top juried artisans and there will be many new exhibitors this year.

Saturday November 3

Stay at NORTH BAY HOTELS
North Bay Hotels Online 


PORT CARLING
MUSKOKA LAKES CHRISTMAS MARKET: Free admission, live entertainment, tasty festive food, meet your friends for a delicious lunch and door prizes every hour.

Stay at family resorts in Port Carling and area


PORT SEVERN
HAPPY GANG CRAFT & GIFT SALE: Location Baxter Ward Community Centre.

Stay at family resorts in Port Severn and area


TIMMINS:
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Gorgeous Parade of lights.

Stay at family resorts in Timmins and area 

...is coming to town

The holiday events have begun! A Santa Claus Parade or Tree Lighting Ceremony, your family can find one every weekend! See our website for ...

SANTA CLAUS PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS & CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

Stay tuned to 411ontariokids.com for all the events, activities and getaway planning a family needs. 

Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Have a fun weekend!