As the snowflakes start to fall, Barrie transforms into a festive haven, brimming with enchanting events and activities for everyone to enjoy. From the twinkling lights at Meridian Place and Heritage Park to the joy of outdoor ice skating at City Hall, the city is aglow with holiday spirit. Dive into the dazzling 'Magic of Lights' at Springwater Park and indulge in the festive atmosphere at Friday Harbour Resort's Christmas Market.
Join us for musical celebrations, from Bravado's 'Festivus' to the Barrie Concert Band's heartwarming Christmas tunes. And, of course, no holiday season is complete without visits with Santa at the 400 Market, Georgian Mall, and Tanger Outlets Cookstown. Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season in Barrie!
Photo Credit: Downtown Barrie BIA
Illuminate Your Holidays
Head to Downtown Barrie to witness the enchanting holiday tree and stunning light displays. The BARRIE sign provides the perfect backdrop for your festive photos! Explore Heritage Park and Meridian Place, sip on your favourite hot drink, and embark on a luminous walk along the waterfront into Downtown.
Holiday Shopping and Dining While Downtown
Make your holiday experience in Barrie complete with a dose of festive shopping and delightful dining in Downtown. The heart of the city comes alive during this magical season, offering a plethora of charming shops and boutiques where you can find unique gifts and holiday treasures. If you're searching for the perfect gift or looking to savour a delicious meal with loved ones, Downtown Barrie is the ideal destination to blend holiday cheer with the joy of shopping and dining.
Light up the Night at Springwater Park
Don't miss the spectacular 'Magic of Lights' drive-thru display at Springwater Park, a dazzling journey through illuminated holiday scenes that will leave you in awe.
Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Times: Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 9pm; Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 10pm
*5pm – 10pm starting December 10th
Admission: $30 - $45 (Per Standard Vehicle)
Photo Credit: Friday Harbour Resort
Friday Harbour Christmas Market
Get into the festive spirit at Friday Harbour Resort! The Piazza and Promenade will transform into a Christmas Market inspired by traditional European markets. Explore chalet cabins offering seasonal delights, sip on holiday beverages, and shop for unique items from local retailers. Join us on weekends for a magical experience!
Dates: Friday – Sunday until December 24; December 27 – 30
Times: Friday: 4pm – 8pm; Saturday: 12pm – 8pm; Sundays: 12pm – 6pm
Photo Credit: Bravado Show Choir
Musical Extravaganzas
There's a magical quality to Christmas and holiday music that transcends time, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of togetherness.
Bravado! Presents 'Festivus': Experience the perfect blend of music and holiday traditions. Enjoy pre-show crafts, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and even a visit from Santa!
Date: December 1 – 2, 2023
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
Barrie Concert Band Christmas Concert: Warm your heart with a selection of Christmas and holiday tunes. Bring your singing voices for a festive evening of musical joy!
Date: December 9th, 2023
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
HSO Presents 'A Swingin' Christmas': Join guest vocalist Maria Branje and the talented musicians of HSO on a journey through the sounds of the season, from joyful to reflective.
Date: December 16th, 2023
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
Santa's Whirlwind Tour
400 Market: Capture "free" photos with Santa and receive a special gift of Magical Reindeer food for a sprinkle of holiday magic!
Georgian Mall: Visit Santa, share your Christmas wishes, and snap some festive pictures.
Tanger Outlets Cookstown: Step into Santa's Cottage for professional photos and create lasting holiday memories.
Dates: On until December 24
Drysdale Tree Farm: Get your picture taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus & their Elf! While you are there cut-your-own Christmas tree, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy live carolling and so much more!
Date: Saturdays and Sunday from 10am - 4pm until December 17, 2023
Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography
Glide into Winter Fun
Experience the joy of outdoor ice skating at City Hall's Circle at the Centre Ice Rink. Lace-up your skates and hit the rink from 10 am to 10 pm, seven days a week, weather permitting. It's a perfect way to embrace the winter chill with friends and family.
Date: Opening Soon
Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography
Ring in the New Year at the Barrie Downtown Countdown
As the year draws to a close, Downtown Barrie becomes the ultimate destination to welcome the New Year with unparalleled excitement! Since 1998, the Downtown Countdown has been an iconic tradition, uniting thousands from near and far to celebrate the arrival of a brand-new chapter. This free evening of jubilant festivities is one of Central Ontario's grandest celebrations, offering family-friendly activities, exhilarating live music, and the thrill of ice skating. The night's highlight is the breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the sky under the enchanting glow of the arch at old City Hall. Join us in ushering in the New Year amidst the spirited ambiance of Downtown Barrie's Countdown.
Date: December 31st, 2023
Don't miss the chance to make this holiday season truly magical in Barrie!
Join us for musical celebrations, from Bravado's 'Festivus' to the Barrie Concert Band's heartwarming Christmas tunes. And, of course, no holiday season is complete without visits with Santa at the 400 Market, Georgian Mall, and Tanger Outlets Cookstown. Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season in Barrie!
Photo Credit: Downtown Barrie BIA
Illuminate Your Holidays
Head to Downtown Barrie to witness the enchanting holiday tree and stunning light displays. The BARRIE sign provides the perfect backdrop for your festive photos! Explore Heritage Park and Meridian Place, sip on your favourite hot drink, and embark on a luminous walk along the waterfront into Downtown.
Holiday Shopping and Dining While Downtown
Make your holiday experience in Barrie complete with a dose of festive shopping and delightful dining in Downtown. The heart of the city comes alive during this magical season, offering a plethora of charming shops and boutiques where you can find unique gifts and holiday treasures. If you're searching for the perfect gift or looking to savour a delicious meal with loved ones, Downtown Barrie is the ideal destination to blend holiday cheer with the joy of shopping and dining.
Light up the Night at Springwater Park
Don't miss the spectacular 'Magic of Lights' drive-thru display at Springwater Park, a dazzling journey through illuminated holiday scenes that will leave you in awe.
Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Times: Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 9pm; Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 10pm
*5pm – 10pm starting December 10th
Admission: $30 - $45 (Per Standard Vehicle)
Photo Credit: Friday Harbour Resort
Friday Harbour Christmas Market
Get into the festive spirit at Friday Harbour Resort! The Piazza and Promenade will transform into a Christmas Market inspired by traditional European markets. Explore chalet cabins offering seasonal delights, sip on holiday beverages, and shop for unique items from local retailers. Join us on weekends for a magical experience!
Dates: Friday – Sunday until December 24; December 27 – 30
Times: Friday: 4pm – 8pm; Saturday: 12pm – 8pm; Sundays: 12pm – 6pm
Photo Credit: Bravado Show Choir
Musical Extravaganzas
There's a magical quality to Christmas and holiday music that transcends time, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of togetherness.
Bravado! Presents 'Festivus': Experience the perfect blend of music and holiday traditions. Enjoy pre-show crafts, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and even a visit from Santa!
Date: December 1 – 2, 2023
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
Barrie Concert Band Christmas Concert: Warm your heart with a selection of Christmas and holiday tunes. Bring your singing voices for a festive evening of musical joy!
Date: December 9th, 2023
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
HSO Presents 'A Swingin' Christmas': Join guest vocalist Maria Branje and the talented musicians of HSO on a journey through the sounds of the season, from joyful to reflective.
Date: December 16th, 2023
Location: Collier United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
Santa's Whirlwind Tour
400 Market: Capture "free" photos with Santa and receive a special gift of Magical Reindeer food for a sprinkle of holiday magic!
Georgian Mall: Visit Santa, share your Christmas wishes, and snap some festive pictures.
Tanger Outlets Cookstown: Step into Santa's Cottage for professional photos and create lasting holiday memories.
Dates: On until December 24
Drysdale Tree Farm: Get your picture taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus & their Elf! While you are there cut-your-own Christmas tree, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy live carolling and so much more!
Date: Saturdays and Sunday from 10am - 4pm until December 17, 2023
Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography
Glide into Winter Fun
Experience the joy of outdoor ice skating at City Hall's Circle at the Centre Ice Rink. Lace-up your skates and hit the rink from 10 am to 10 pm, seven days a week, weather permitting. It's a perfect way to embrace the winter chill with friends and family.
Date: Opening Soon
Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography
Ring in the New Year at the Barrie Downtown Countdown
As the year draws to a close, Downtown Barrie becomes the ultimate destination to welcome the New Year with unparalleled excitement! Since 1998, the Downtown Countdown has been an iconic tradition, uniting thousands from near and far to celebrate the arrival of a brand-new chapter. This free evening of jubilant festivities is one of Central Ontario's grandest celebrations, offering family-friendly activities, exhilarating live music, and the thrill of ice skating. The night's highlight is the breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the sky under the enchanting glow of the arch at old City Hall. Join us in ushering in the New Year amidst the spirited ambiance of Downtown Barrie's Countdown.
Date: December 31st, 2023
Don't miss the chance to make this holiday season truly magical in Barrie!
