FIRST LIGHT
EVENT DETAILS:
Sainte-Marie’s First Light, now in its 23rd year, is a must-see holiday celebration with an amazing array of family-friendly events, lively historical displays, and live musical performances, all bathed in the magnificent glow of thousands of candles. At our sizable artisanmarket, start your holiday shopping early. Cozy up by the fire and savor some delicious meals. Savor the season’s delights while immersed in history!
Dates: November 15 to 17, November 23 to 25, as well as November 30 to December 2
Times: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Address: 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland ON, L4R
4K8
Learn more: https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/events/first-light/
Tickets: $ 15 tax included (children five an under are free)
MYSTICAL LIGHTS ORO-MEDONTE
EVENT DETAILS:
Tickets and information for the Oro-Medonte Drive-Thru are available at mysticallights.ca
Open December 1 to December 31, 2023
Time 6-9p.m.
$20.00 Per Car
Info Contact Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce
Email-info@oromedontecc.com
Phone-705-794-4793
Location: Heidi’s Campground, 3982 ON-11, Oro-Medonte, ON
BARENAKED LADIES: HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS
EVENT DETAILS:
This holiday season, Barenaked Ladies, the internationally renowned and multiple award-winning Canadian band, will make a special appearance at Casino Rama Resort. The show will feature their greatest songs as well as festive favorites.
Buy your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10005F036BE60BEE
TIME: (Friday, December 1, 2023) 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LOCATION: Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama, Ontario
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
EVENT DETAILS:
Saturday markets are held in December at the Creemore Farmers and Craft Market. Every week, different vendors.
December 2, 9, and 16 at the Creemore Station on the Green.
TIME: (Saturday) 2:09 am – 1:00 pm
BALLET JÖRGEN’S THE NUTCRACKER
EVENT DETAILS:
Imagine a Canadian take on Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas story. This beloved holiday classic is given a Canadian touch by The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition. This charming classic is as Canadian as maple syrup and sweeter than barley toys. It’s a beloved song. Include this enchanted show in your family’s holiday customs.
Purchase tickets at OrilliaOperaHouse.ca.
TIME: (Saturday, December 2, 2023) 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: The Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N., Orillia, ON. L3V 3A6
BOOK LAUNCH: I WILL CARRY YOU NOW BY STEPH DUNN
EVENT DETAILS:
Come hear about the new book, I Will Carry You Now: An Illustrated Tale About Surrogacy, by a local author and illustrator.
TIME: (Saturday, December 2, 2023) 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Orillia Museum of Art and History, 30 Peter Street S, Orillia ON
WYEVALE SANTA CLAUS PARADE
EVENT DETAILS:
To get people in the holiday spirit, the Wyevale Santa Claus Parade makes a return visit to the Township of Tiny.
See Santa and Mrs. Claus make enchanted appearances beginning at 7:00 p.m., along with a plethora of vibrant floats supported by local companies, associations, and private citizens. Come enjoy free snacks and hot beverages at the Wyevale United Church (846 County Road 6 South, Tiny), hosted by the Township of Tiny Recreation Department.
On the day of the event, the Wyevale United Church (846 County Road 6 South, Tiny) will accept donations for the local food banks.
Would you like to march in the parade? Reach out to Melissa Peterson at kandmpeterson@hotmail.com, the President of the Wyevale Parks & Recreation Association.
TIME: (Saturday, December 2, 2023) 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Village of Wyevale
YULETIDE FIRES/LYRICA CHAMBER CHOIR
EVENT DETAILS:
With Christmas rapidly approaching, the Lyrica Chamber Choir will be presenting an evening of choral music. Enjoy a glittering celebration of the season to get into the spirit of the holidays. Together, we can also sing some of our favorite carols. Purchase your tickets now at https://lyricachoir.ca/
TIME: (Saturday, December 2, 2023) 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Burton Avenue United Church, 37 Burton Avenue, Barrie
BARENAKED LADIES: HOMETOWN HARVEST
EVENT DETAILS:
This holiday season, Barenaked Ladies, the internationally renowned and multiple award-winning Canadian band, will make a special appearance at Casino Rama Resort. The show will feature their greatest hits as well as holiday favorites.
Buy your tickets here: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10005F036C020BF1
TIME: (Saturday, December 2, 2023) 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama, Ontario
GOURMET DINNER & GIN PAIRING
EVENT DETAILS:
Join us for a fine gourmet dinner and gin pairing on Sunday, December 3rd at 5 p.m. Malcom Roberts and Shelly Perry, the owners of Foxglove Distillery, will tell their tale and lead a tasting of their acclaimed “Valley of Mother of God” gins. Two neat samples of specialty tonics and two gin cocktails are included with admission. Chef Marcel, who is highly skilled and accomplished, has created a beautifully crafted four-course meal that is perfectly matched for the occasion. The meal alone costs $120 per person, and the meal and gin pairing costs $160. Tickets are limited. To buy, go to stevensonfarms.com.
Hors D’Oeuvres:
Gin Tempura Shrimp with Angelica Dip
Coconut Curried Pork Belly Bites
Appetizer:
Atlantic Salmon Gravlax Cured with Smoked Gin
Sorbet
Ginger & White Vermouth Granite
Entrée:
Lavender Honey Glazed Duck Breast
Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Cambozola Cream
Potato Flapjack
Dessert: Espresso Cheesecake with Fresh Berries & Chocolate Drizzle
TIME: (Sunday, December 3, 2023) 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Stevenson Inn & Spa, 5923 County Road 15
LINOBLOCK HANDMADE HOLIDAY CARDS MIDDAY-MAKE WITH XAVIER FERNANDES
EVENT DETAILS:
Join printmaker Xavier Fernandes for a beginner’s guide to lino block printing during this holiday-inspired Midday-Make. Participants will get a close-up look at Franklin Carmichael’s hand-drawn Christmas cards from OMAH’s permanent collection, which will serve as an inspiration. After learning about various printmaking techniques, such as lino block printing, participants will take home a printed holiday card. Included are all supplies, refreshments, and a small snack. It is acceptable for participants to pack their own lunch.
TIME: (Wednesday, December 6, 2023) 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Orillia Museum of Art and History, 30 Peter Street S, Orillia ON
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
EVENT DETAILS:
As lovely music fills the galleries, listen to it. Try some unusual holiday treats and learn what Christmas was like a century ago. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Donations are accepted for admission, with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Simcoe County Museum. Please visit https://museum.simcoe.ca/programs/upcoming-events for more details.
TIME: (Thursday, December 7 & 8, 2023) 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Hwy 26 Minesing Ontario L9X0Z7
A LUNCH AT ALLEN’S CHRISTMAS
EVENT DETAILS:
Four internationally recognized Canadian talents, Ian Thomas, Marc Jordan, Cindy Church, and Murray McLauchlan, make up the musical powerhouse Lunch At Allen’s. Although songs like “Farmer’s Song” by Murray, “Marina Del Rey” by Marc, and “Painted Ladies” by Ian serve as the theme music for our lives as a group, these writers have also written hits for artists like Bon Jovi, Josh Groban, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher, Diana Ross, and Rod Stewart. But Cindy Church’s expressive, poetic voice (Quartette, Great Western Orchestra) is the cherry on top of Lunch At Allen’s; their familiarity and camaraderie, their exquisite harmonies, and the sheer volume of their combined musical talent all come together to make for a delicious evening of entertainment.
Tickets can be purchased on OrilliaOperaHouse.ca
TIME: (Friday, December 8, 2023) 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
LOCATION: The Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N., Orillia, ON. L3V 3A6
BONEY M. FEATURING LIZ MITCHELL “THE ORIGINAL LEAD SINGER”
EVENT DETAILS:
Boney M. is a living legend of the disco era, topping the European charts in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a run of hits that remain in the canon, including “Oh My Lord,” “Rasputin,” and “Rivers of Babylon.”
Buy your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10005EE273540C60
TIME: (Friday, December 8, 2023) 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LOCATION: Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama, Ontario
A VISIT WITH SANTA – CHRISTMAS AT THE MCC
EVENT DETAILS:
We have never had a guest as beloved by everyone as this very special one. Santa Claus, Père Noël, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or just Santa are some of the names given to him. And on December 9th, he will be at the MCC!
We’ll learn all about Santa’s elves, his reindeer, Mrs. Claus, his North Pole workshop, his preparations for Christmas Eve, and how he manages to visit so many children worldwide during a lively 15 to 20 minute conversation with Santa, hosted by host Fred Hacker!
Before the event, children can create a holiday craft in the Atrium with Quest Art. The kids will be able to go on stage after the conversation with Santa to place their Christmas wishlist in his mailbox and have their picture taken with him.
Midland Rotary Club is the sponsor of this event, so admission is free.
TIME: (Saturday, December 9, 2023) 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
LOCATION: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, ON L4R3M7
CHRISTMAS THOUGH TIME
EVENT DETAILS:
Come to our annual Christmas concert with the Barrie Concert Band. The “Christmas Through Time” theme for this year will take you through both classic and contemporary Christmas music. We invite you to join us in singing many of your favorite Christmas carols, so don’t forget to bring your singing voices.
Venue: Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St., Barrie
Doors open at 1:00 PM
On Saturdays, parking is free on the street and can be paid for underground at the Bank of Montreal building next door.
Purchase tickets online now at our online shop: https://barrieconcertband.org/shop/
TIME: (Saturday) 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ART RECEPTION: CELEBRATING THE MAGIC OF CHILDREN IN THE ARTS
EVENT DETAILS:
December opening at the L.E. Shore Gallery! We are happy to present Beaver Valley Community School (BVCS) students’ art exhibit, “Celebrating the Magic of Children in the Arts”!
Teachers from Magic of Children in the Arts have been teaching art classes at BVCS this fall. The hundreds of artworks that students have produced have sharpened their artistic abilities, and they will soon be combined for a vivid exhibition! We can’t wait to present these up-and-coming artists!
“Celebrating the Magic of Children in the Arts” is on display from December 2–27. On December 9, from 2-4 p.m., there will be an open, drop-in reception. Come on in, enjoy some treats and hot apple cider while warming up with the artwork of up-and-coming artists!
Learn more about the show on our website!
TIME: (Saturday, December 9, 2023) 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: The Gallery at L.E. Shore, 173 Bruce Street South, Thornbury, ON, N0H 2P0
GOOD LOVELIES 2023 CHRISTMAS TOUR – MATINEE
EVENT DETAILS:
The three singer-songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and stunning harmonizers known as the “Good Lovelies”—Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Susan Passmore—are well-known for their holiday-themed, folk-roots, old-time swing, soul, and bluegrass sound. This year, their Merry Men—which include some of Canada’s best musicians, including Robbie Grunwald, Steve Zsirai, and Mark Mariash—will be performing on stage with them.
Tickets: Floor $44 tax & fees; Balcony $49 tax & fees
TIME: (Saturday, December 9, 2023) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, ON L4R3M7
TANYA TUCKER: SWEET WESTERN SOUND TOUR
EVENT DETAILS:
Tanya Tucker, a legendary figure in outlaw country music, performs hits like “Bring My Flowers,” “Delta Dawn,” and “It’s A Little Too Late,” in addition to selections from her recently released album Sweet Western Sound.
Go to https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10005EA3B54A1C72 to buy your tickets.
TIME: (Saturday, December 9, 2023) 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama, Ontario
ABBA REVISITED
EVENT DETAILS:
With authentic costumes, breathtaking harmonies, and note-perfect musicianship, ABBA REVISITED captures the magic of ABBA and transports their audience on a musical journey through time.
Everywhere from Vegas to Bermuda, Mexico to Dubai, and Guatemala, ABBA REVISITED brought back the unforgettable appearance and sound that ABBA fans can’t get enough of!
In addition to the hits you’ve grown to love, ABBA REVISITED’s Christmas show will feature a few holiday songs.
Tickets: Floor $52 tax & fees; Balcony $57 tax & fees
TIME: (Sunday, December 10, 2023) 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, ON L4R3M7
A VERY VERY CASSIE AND MAGGIE CHRISTMAS
EVENT DETAILS:
Cassie and Maggie, sisters from Nova Scotia, have been illuminating the globe with their distinct fusion of traditional and modern Celtic vocals and instruments. The sisters have delighted audiences all over the world by performing on stages in North America, the UK, and Europe. Their intricate and percussion-heavy step-dancing style is complemented by lively arrangements of violin, piano, and guitar as well as beautiful sibling vocal harmonies in both English and Gaelic.
Tickets : $25 tax & fees
TIME: (Monday, December 11, 2023) 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, ON L4R3M7
THE BARRA MACNEILS, AN EAST COAST CHRISTMAS
EVENT DETAILS:
A collection of classic MacNeil family favorites from midnight masses, Christmas ceilidhs, and the general festive frolic that permeates every holiday season is called The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas. The Barra MacNeils breathe new life and energy into the sights and sounds of Christmas with their captivating vocals, unique harmonies, and extraordinary musicianship. The Halifax Daily News called them a “treasure of the East Coast, rich with tradition and unmatched in ensemble performance,” and the Globe & Mail named the album that serves as the basis for this tour “one of the best five Christmas albums of all time!”
A wide range of instruments, including accordian, guitar, piano, fiddle, bodhran, mandolin, banjo, Celtic harp, tin whistles, bouzouki, flute, and all supported by the deft fingers of Jamie Gatti on bass, are played together by the five MacNeil siblings: Lucy, Boyd, Stewart, Kyle, and Sheumas. The outcome is a sound that is uniquely The Barra MacNeils: a flurry of foot-stomping instrumentals, a hauntingly beautiful Gaelic ballad, a rousing chorus, and finally, of course, a step-dancing celebration. Don’t miss An East Coast Christmas with The Barra MacNeils for a fun holiday celebration!
You can buy tickets at OrilliaOperaHouse.ca
TIME: (Monday, December 11, 2023) 7:30 pm
LOCATION: The Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N., Orillia, ON. L3V 3A6
ELVIS’ WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS
EVENT DETAILS:
This Christmas extravaganza, inspired by the music of Elvis Presley, is hosted by none other than the man himself. Steve Michaels serenades you with the King’s personal holiday favorites in addition to singing the traditional Christmas songs. Celebrate the most glorious time of the year in a Wonderland of wonder: The Wonderful World of Christmas.
Tickets: Floor $60; Balcony $65
TIME: (Thursday) 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
LOCATION: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, ON L4R3M7
THE GLORIOUS SONS: THE GLORY TOUR
EVENT DETAILS:
On The Glory Tour, The Glorious Sons are returning to the road and making their first-ever stop at Casino Rama Resort. With two Juno Awards for Best Rock Album of the Year since their 2014 debut album and numerous gold and platinum selling singles, the Canadian rock group has taken the country by storm. Featuring hits like “S.O.S.” and “Panic Attack,” The new single by the band, “Mercy Mercy,” is available now and is taken from their upcoming album, which will be released this fall. (Sawed Off Shotgun)” and “Everything is Alright.”
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10005ECEAA4319B1
TIME: (Friday, December 15, 2023) 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LOCATION: Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama, Ontario
FUN WITH SANTA
EVENT DETAILS:
At the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum, pay a visit to Mr. and Mrs Claus! Organize a cookie, finish a treasure hunt, and receive a handmade loot bag! $6.00 for each youngster. It is necessary for children to pre-register. Adults do not need to register and can attend for free.
Website: https://top.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
TIME: (Saturday) 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
LOCATION: Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives, 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, ON
SERENITY RISING WINTER WONDERLAND
EVENT DETAILS:
Come enjoy a day of family entertainment and community service at our Winter Wonderland on December 16 from 1 to 7 p.m. Bring your loved ones along to take advantage of the farm, neighborhood merchants, and a variety of events!
Event Details:
– Date: December 16th 2023
– Time: 1-7pm
– Location: Serenity Rising
Admission:
– Kids 4 and under: FREE
– Adults: $20
– Kids $ 10
Tickets in advance are half off!
Activities:
– Market showcasing local vendors
– Pony rides
– Petting area
– Fire and s’mores
– Scavenger hunt with prizes
– Face painting
– Serenity’s “Frozen” character’s
– Crafts and more!
This is a wonderful chance to have a fun-filled family day and show your support for neighborhood businesses. To save even more money, purchase your tickets in advance. Come experience the magic of winter at our Winter Wonderland!
We’re excited to meet you there!
TIME: (Saturday, December 16, 2023) 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
DINNER AND A BLUE RODEO TRIBUTE CONCERT WITH DIAMOND MINE
EVENT DETAILS:
Dinner and Diamond Mine’s Blue Rodeo Tribute Concert
Dinner Buffet at 6pm
Concert starts at 7pm
Advance Tickets $50
Tickets At-the-Door $65
Headed by Barry James Payne, the frontman for String Bone and a former Rant Maggie Rant guitarist. Barry was invited to participate in a fundraiser towards the end of 2015. The owner of the venue challenged some amazing musicians to a Blue Rodeo tribute, and they blew the roof off while having a great time, with the crowd dancing and singing along to all of the classic Blue Rodeo songs.
You can hear Jim & Greg singing those signature harmonies if you close your eyes. With their flawless vocal harmonies, Barry and Derek are able to recreate the famous harmonies that have sold hundreds of thousands of records.
Diamond Mine is not something you want to miss if you enjoy Blue Rodeo.
TIME: (Saturday, December 16, 2023) 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LOCATION: Utopia Hall, 8396 6th Line, Utopia ON
DUFFLEBAG THEATRE PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CAROL
EVENT DETAILS:
The stingy miser Ebenezer Scrooge is well-known in Victorian London for being far more focused on accumulating wealth than on forming friendships. He detests Christmas and the giving spirit above all else. However, Ebenezer receives the surprise of his life one Christmas Eve when a number of spirits take him on a fantastical journey through the past, present, and future to teach him the true meaning of the holiday. The lively rendition of Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide classic by DuffleBag Theatre features all the beloved characters, from Fezziwig to Tiny Tim!
Tickets: $10 tax & fees; Family Pass (2 Adults/3 Children) $25 tax & fees
TIME: (Saturday, December 16, 2023) 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St., Midland, ON L4R3M7
A WHOLE NEW WORLD: THE MUSICAL MAGIC OF ALAN MENKEN
EVENT DETAILS:
The beloved songs of Alan Menken, the master songwriter of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, and Little Shop of Horrors, are ideal for family outings and will transport you back to your early years. Learn how a single man’s music created an entire universe of animated tales, characters, and beloved movies. Listen to all of your favorite songs, such as “Suddenly Seymour,” “Be Our Guest,” “Part Of Your World,” “Friend Like Me,” “Under the Sea,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Go The Distance,” and of course, “A Whole New World.”
A Whole New World: A remarkable musical documentary style show, a showcase for top-notch talent from Broadway, Stratford, Toronto, and the West End, and an informative experience that will keep audiences talking long after the curtain closes make up The Musical Magic of Alan Menken, a real triple-threat.
TIME: (Friday) 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
LOCATION: Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON, L4N 1A1
MOONWALK PRESENTS: DINOSAURS LIVE AT BRADFORD GREENHOUSES
EVENT DETAILS:
Bradford Greenhouses-Barrie’s Dinosaurs Live Exhibition is presented by Moonwalk.
Come along for a fantastical journey at Moonwalk’s Dinosaurs Live Exhibit! Prepare to step back in time and experience a prehistoric setting. The address for this in-person event is 4346 County Road 90, Springwater, ON, Canada. This exciting event is something the whole family shouldn’t miss!
Life-size dinosaurs will be brought to Bradford Greenhouses in Barrie by Canada’s Dinosaur Park, a registered charity, in order to raise money for their sanctuary.
There will be moving and roaring animatronic dinosaurs in “DINOSAURS LIVE”! featuring numerous dinosaurs, including a velociraptor, a Brachiosaurus, a Triceratops, a Dilophosaurus, and a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Moonwalk Entertainment is going to add inflatables to the fun! The official Jurassic World obstacle course, games, a maze, slides, and a bouncy castle will all be available.
Available for an additional fee ($) are airbrush face painting, glitter tattoos, fun foods, snacks, refreshments, and dino merchandise.
Dino General Admission 2 and under: Free
Dino General Admission 3-99 yrs:$15
Dino & Inflatable Admission 3-13 yrs:$20
Dino & Inflatable Family of 4 Admission: $65
ATM and free onsite parking.
Don’t delay, this event will sell out!
Event and Ticket link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moonwalk-presents-dinosaurs-live-exhibit-at-bradford-greenhouses-tickets-740423706237?aff=oddtdtcreator
TIME: December 27 (Wednesday) to 30 (Saturday) 10:00 am – 5:00 am
LOCATION: Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery, 4346 County Rd 90, Springwater
