For many people, December 1 is the official kickoff to the Barrie holiday season. If you’re looking for some festive fun to fill your calendar, Barrie has you covered. From now until Christmas, there are tons of events to help you pass the time leading up to the big day. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and check out some of these top picks!
Magic of Lights Barrie
This is the best way to see amazing light displays without having to brave the cold. Magic of Lights is a drive-through experience, allowing you to enjoy classic holiday lights and scenes from the warmth of your car. From giant characters to sparkling tunnels and dancing displays, this is sure to be one of the best shows around. Plus, if you were one of the millions who loved the movie this summer, Magic of Lights is featuring a huge Barbie display this year. Magic of Lights is open every evening, so you can check out this event whenever it suits you.
When: November 17 – January 6
Where: Springwater Provincial Park
Website: Magic of Lights Barrie
Drysdale’s Christmas & Holiday Village
Drysdale’s Tree Farm will make you feel like you’re celebrating a classic old-timey Christmas. Every Saturday and Sunday until December 17th, you can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, live carols, and bonfires. You can even cut down your own Christmas tree (or purchase a pre-cut tree, if that’s more your style). Plus, this event has some great holiday shopping if you want to check anyone off your list, or treat yourself! This is a perfect event for adults, kids, and even dogs, who are welcome as long as they are on a leash and on their best behaviour. It’s truly a place for the whole family.
When: November 18 – December 17
Where: Drysdale’s Tree Farm
Website: Drysdale’s Christmas & Holiday Village
Noella Festival
Barrie is offering an amazing, free, and festive experience this year. If you head downtown, you will find festive street performers, wagon rides, art activities, and more. This also gives you a perfect chance to look at the shop windows decked out for the season. If you feel like giving back, you can also donate to the Barrie Food Bank or bring an unwrapped toy for the Rock 95 / KoolFM toy drive. This event is brought to you by several Barrie partners, including the Barrie Rotary Club, the City of Barrie, and the Barrie Chamber of Commerce.
When: November 18 – December 17
Where: Downtown Barrie
Website: Noella Festival
Holiday Market at Friday Harbour
Friday Harbour is bringing back its Christmas market! The Promenade will once again turn into a European-inspired market event, giving you a taste of the famous Christmas markets abroad. You can enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and holiday shopping inside the chalet cabins! Admission is free, so you can wander around this spectacular scene whenever you want.
When: November 24 – December 30
Where: Friday Harbour Resort
Website: Holiday Market at Friday Harbour
Branch off on your own!
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the Barrie holiday season is to explore it on your own. We often have the most fun during those unplanned evenings of festivities! For you, this might involve taking a walk through different neighbourhoods to check out the best light displays. You can also take on this adventure by car, if you’re not one for walking in the cold. This is one of the most classic ways to enjoy the holidays for free! You can also take a stroll through the downtown streets or parks and see what you come across. Many storefronts put up Christmas displays that are worth looking at! It’s easy to turn this into an evening date, or a night out with the kids. Enjoying the holidays doesn’t always have to be a pricey event!
There are endless ways to enjoy the Barrie holiday season. We are lucky to live in a city that takes its festivities so seriously, giving us so many chances to get into the spirit! We hope you take advantage of some of these opportunities and have a spectacular December.
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