Small Town Christmas and the Holiday Season north of Toronto

Welcome to the roller coaster ride of the holidays! No matter your beliefs, it can be a whirlwind of a time with highs and lows and in the end when the clean up is done and the quiet returns, may your family have have a heart filled with good memories and a hopeful vision for 2014!

We thought we'd put together a blog post to help parents navigate the month of December and put forth some options when it comes to keeping the kids entertained. Hopefully with our help, we can slow things down so you can enjoy some good old fashioned holiday activities and make memories with your family.

In this blog, we will list events perfect for day trips or as a centre focal point for a overnight(s) getaway. We will also provide links to family getaway packages that are being offered over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Parents will also find details links to other help holiday time travel info.

Featured Holiday Season Events:

First Light

First Light at Sainte Marie among the Hurons - Midland
(Nov. 28, 29, 30)
Experience Sainte-Marie’s spectacular “First Light”  as they illuminate the famous historic site with over 5,000 candles.

Frost Frenzy at Blue Mountain Village - Blue Mountains(Nov. 30 - Dec. 31)

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!

New Year's in the Village - Blue Mountains
Once again, Blue Mountain Village will be bustling with excitement as we ring out 2013 and welcome 2014! Enjoy FREE family fireworks over the Mill Pond at 9pm, then enjoy the main show at midnight over the hill.

Christmas With Neighbours at Snow Valley Resort - Barrie
(Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & Dec. 14)
Snow Valley is proud to offer a festive evening of Dining, Dancing & Festive Cheer! Our snow-covered property is ideal for escaping the city streets and is a perfect location for relaxing by our beautiful wood burning fireplaces. Our decorated chalet is exploding with Christmas Cheer and Holiday Joy. 

Santa's Workshop and Wreathmaking Workshop at Wye Marsh - Midland

SantaFest in Bracebridge

(Dec. 1)

Even with his hectic schedule Santa always makes a stop off at Wye Marsh, so bring your cameras and get a photo here at the Marsh. Please note that Santa will be at the marsh from 10am - 2pm only.

SantaFest & Thank You Santa Day at Santa's Village - Bracebridge
(Dec. 21-23 & Dec. 28)

Come celebrate winter and the joy of the season with Santa and his Elves! Admission is $8 per person and children under 2 are free!

Festive Brunch with Santa at Nottawasaga Inn Resort - Alliston

(Dec. 8 & 15)

Bring your kids, your appetite and your camera for a festive brunch with Santa! 

Breakfast with Santa - Collingwood
(Dec. 8)
Head to Cranberry Resort for Breakfast with Santa! A full hot and cold breakfast buffett in the Memories Dining Room.

Family Art Workshop at MacLaren Art Centre - Barrie

(Dec. 1, 8 & 15)

Every Sunday is Family Sunday at the MacLaren. Regional artist Annie Aspden and guest artists will lead creative projects that families can complete together. Sign up in person at 1:00 pm on the day of the workshop, as space is limited.

Carve this Way - Collingwood

(Dec. 27 - Jan. 1)

The Collingwood Downtown Ice Sculpture Festival is the perfect way to end 2013. 

December Shows at the Midland Cultural Centre - Midland

(December)

Drop by for a hot chocolate or take in some theatre, live music or art. The MCC has a busy schedule of events all month long - some for families, some for just adults.  

Santa Claus Parades & Holiday Tree Lightings - everywhere!

(ongoing)

Christmas Markets / Bazaars / Craft Fairs - everywhere!

(ongoing)

Festivals of Lights and Trees - everywhere!

(ongoing)

 

 Swoosh the holidays away on the slopes, snowboard terrains and trails!

Whether you're on 2 skis, 1 board, 2 snowshoes or just 2 feet! You can take your family to the following ski operators for some winter and snow fun!

Visit our SKI AND SNOWBOARD page for links to Ontario's best ski resorts and operations! 

Visit our HOLIDAY CAMPS and SKI SCHOOL info page for links to day camps and ski schools for things kids can do on their own. 

Or how about the best of all worlds? A Christmas or New Year's Eve with your family without all the work? Check out our HOLIDAY GETAWAYS. Parents will find getaway package that include everything you will need to have a very special tradition holiday. With these getaways, you can also find some great winter activities like skating, skiing, sno-ball NYE gala for kids, wagon rides, wonderful food, sledding, snowman making and enough winter recreation to keep you going...well, all winter!

For a full list of events, activities, contests and more please visit our website or install our APP for when you're on the move, and have a wonderful holiday season!