Muskoka during the holiday season is a truly magical place. Throughout December, the region has plenty of holiday events for you and your family to choose from, even during the pandemic. Whether it’s getting a head start on gift shopping, taking a sleigh ride to meet Santa, or having Santa Claus Zoom into your living room, there are many different options to help get in the Christmas spirit in Muskoka this December.
December 5-December 6 – XMUS Festival
Where: Canvas Brewing, Huntsville
When: Saturday, December 5th from 12-5:30 pm and Sunday, December 6th 12-4 pm
Cost: $6 ($5 food bank donation optional)
It’s a holiday gifting market to help start off your shopping, featuring local and non-local crafts, unique art, culinary artisans, gifting, and more. With craft beer, wine, spirits, and the holiday’s best cocktails with a gourmet bites menu, there are worse ways to do your shopping!
Time slots are for one hour with a maximum of 50 people. Masks are mandatory. For information and tickets please see their website.
December 6 – Bracebridge Santa Claus Parade
Where: J.D. Lang Park
When: Sunday, December 6th
Cost: Free
The Bracebridge Santa Claus parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes, will look a little different this year. In its 74th year, instead of having people line the streets, the club is going to reverse things–with parade viewers becoming the parade!
A drive-thru parade, the Bracebridge Santa Claus parade will begin at J.D. Lang Park, with a route going from Monica Lane, across Gray Road, through the Bracebridge Fair Grounds before finishing at Fraserburg Road. The parade will run from 1 pm to 4 pm.
For more information, see the Discover Muskoka website, here.
Until December 23 – Sleigh Ride to Santa
Where: Back of Beyond Equine Centre
When: From November 20 until December 23
Cost: $62.15
Create a family memory that will last a lifetime, with a horse-drawn sleigh ride to Santa’s North Pole Stables. Santa will be there to greet your family as the sleigh pulls up, with the entire visit occurring outside and in line with social distance recommendations. Santa’s helper will take a family photo with Santa with your own phone before Santa waves goodbye as the sleigh returns you to your car.
Rides are 15 minutes and full information and tickets can be found here.
Until December 19 – Muskoka Arts & Crafts Christmas Show & Sale Online
Where: Virtually
When: From November 20th until December 19th
The 40th annual Muskoka Arts & Crafts Christmas Show has moved online this year. Shop your favourite local artists from the comfort of your home. Whether you are looking for pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, or home decor, the Arts & Crafts show has seasonal gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Many artists provide studio curbside pickup, while others can deliver within Muskoka. For full information, see here.
December 24 – Torchlight Parade
Where: Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area
When: Thursday, December 24th
Cost: Free
Due to COVID-19, the Torchlight Parade will have to be viewed from the car or the parking lot this year, with the chalet closed. However, enjoy the sight of snow school instructors and ski patrollers going down the Flying Dutchman carrying brightly lit torches, creating a magnificent parade of lights–even featuring Santa!
The parade begins at 6:00 pm sharp, weather permitting.