It’s that time again! Whether you’re ready to admit it or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching. That means the Muskoka region will soon be bustling with a nearly endless amount of fun holiday events for everybody. If you’re looking to pick up some unique artisan-made Christmas gifts, support local businesses after the tough year we’ve all had, or just ring in the holidays with your loved ones, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
The Muskoka region truly comes alive each holiday season, offering plenty of opportunities to peruse offerings from local businesses, check out the beautiful Christmas light displays all around you, reconnect with friends and make new ones, or show off those arts and crafts projects you’ve been working hard on all year. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Muskoka this holiday season, check out some of these events:
Muskoka Arts & Crafts Christmas Show
Where: Online
When: November 19th to December 11th in Bracebridge, ON
Cost: Free
Muskoka Arts & Crafts is one of the region’s oldest arts organizations, celebrating the creations of artists, hobbyists, amateurs and art enthusiasts from around the Muskoka area. The organization’s celebrated Christmas Show returns for its 41st installment, this time going fully online to ensure the safety and health of all those involved in the annual show. The Christmas Show launches on Friday, November 19th and goes all the way until December 11th, showcasing handmade works by festive exhibitors which make the perfect gift.
The 41st Annual Christmas Show launches at the MA&C Shop on November 19th. Check it out here.
Santafest
Where: Bracebridge, ON @ Santa’s Village
When: November 20th to December 22nd
Cost: Free for children under 36 inches, $29.95 for everybody over 36 inches
The big man himself and his talented team have totally revamped the annual Santafest tradition, bringing an entirely new experience to families around the region. This year’s Santafest will feature rides like the Candy Cane Express Train, Christmas Carousel and more, as well as brand new activities like the One Million Light Display and horse drawn wagon rides around the Village. For those with a sweet tooth, Mrs. Claus has baked up some delicious treats in her Bakery, all of which will be available for your enjoyment! Santa’s Toy Shop will also be available, as will the New Holiday Market full of local vendors so you can pick out the perfect gifts for your loved ones. The festivities launch on Saturday, November 20th and last until Wednesday, December 22nd.
Find out more about this year’s Santafest on the Santa’s Village website.
Santa’s Festival of Lights & Shopping Party
Where: Bracebridge, ON
When: December 3rd
Cost: Free
There’s nothing quite as cozy as taking in the Christmas lights around the holiday season. Santa’s Festival of Lights aims to capture that feeling with the official lighting of downtown Bracebridge. Join in on the festivities on Friday, December 3rd and watch the downtown area transform before your very eyes. The Festival of Lights is perfect for the whole family, featuring entertainment, a campfire, living window displays by the Bracebridge School of Ballet, and of course, plenty of holiday shopping opportunities!
Find out more about Santa’s Festival of Lights & Shopping Party on the Downtown Bracebridge website.
Torchlight Parade
Where: Huntsville, ON
When: December 24th
Cost: Free
Christmas Eve always feels like the longest day of the year, so why not spice it up this year by attending the annual Torchlight Parade in Huntsville? This family-friendly event is the perfect way to ring in the big day. Watch as snow school instructors and ski patrollers from the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area descend the hill with brightly lit torches in a jaw-droppingly gorgeous procession of lights featuring Mr. Santa Claus himself! There will be hot chocolate, cookies and acoustic music in the chalet, with the Torchlight Parade officially beginning at 6:00 PM.
Find out more about the Parade at the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area website.