Toronto 
The town of Bracebridge, located at the heart of Muskoka is holding its annual winter festival this Saturday, January 31.
Photo Credit: Explore’s Edge
The festival is a celebration of winter’s beauty and vibrancy, offering an array of activities for everyone to enjoy. From fire artists to ice sculptures to skating trails, this festival promises a blend of excitement and winter charm.
The highlight of the festival, which ends with a sparkling fireworks show, is the massive snow tube run in the middle of downtown to celebrate winter.
Here are some of the reasons why you should plan a trip this weekend to Bracebridge to attend the festival, which hosts the Great Canadian Lumberjack show, street buskers, and more for a memorable winter experience:
Festival Highlights:
- Memorial Park & Area Activities (Memorial Park, Kimberley Avenue to Mary Street & Rene Caisse Lane):
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- Bring your own skates and glide along the Memorial Park skating trail, with helmets recommended. Try axe throwing, let kids experience snowshoeing, or wander through the inflatable maze. Families can also take part in cookie decorating for an additional fee.
- The interactive drum circle invites visitors to join in and make some noise together, while the Biergarten offers a place to relax and warm up.
- Don’t miss the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show, where skill and strength take centre stage, or the ice sculpting demonstrations that slowly transform blocks of ice into detailed works of art.
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- Midtown Activities (Mary Street to Taylor Road):
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- Take a run down the Downtown Tube Run or try the mini tube slide.
- Warm up inside the Indoor Activity and Warming Centre at the United Church, where Scouts, Girl Guides, Early ON, Pride Muskoka, and volunteers host family-friendly activities.
- Roast marshmallows, check out the Scales Nature Park exhibit, or stop by the Fire and Ice Patio overlooking the action at the tube run.
- A pancake breakfast adds a fun themed stop for families, while the cardboard tube run race brings a creative twist, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite homemade racer.
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- Downtown Activities (Taylor Road to Ontario Street):
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- Families can bounce between carnival games, mini putt, try-it curling, mini hockey, kids’ axe throwing, and a Nerf blaster activity.
- Roast marshmallows together, stretch some maple taffy for a sweet treat, or decorate cupcakes at the Creative Cook, with proceeds going to the Ontario SPCA.
- Warm up inside an ’80s-inspired ski lodge at Bracebridge Hall, or head out for brunch paired with a Muskoka drag royalty show at Griffin Gastro Pub.
- The day wraps up with fireworks lighting up the Silver Bridge, closing things out on a high note.
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- Taylor Road Activities:
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- Busker shows add entertainment throughout the day, featuring The Fire Guy, the Cobbler, and a Birds of Prey show by The Eyrie. Each brings a different style, from high-energy performances to live animal demonstrations.
- Kids can also take part in Moose FM’s “Weather Kids” segments, where they step on air to share forecasts after signing up in advance.
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- Other Activities:
- Visitors can warm up and refuel at St. Joseph Parish with hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea available for purchase through the Knights of Columbus.
- Climb Muskoka offers a weekend deal with free rental equipment when you show a Fire and Ice ticket, while Smash Factor Muskoka invites guests to try its indoor golf simulator.
- Shoppers can scan purchases at participating businesses for a chance to win a $50 Shop the Bridge gift card.
- Evening options include an after-party at Bracebridge Hall or handcrafted cocktails at The Muskoka Way.
TRIP PLANNING – Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival:
What: The festival offers a unique approach to a traditional winter carnival. “FIRE” features will include fire artists as well as fire pits throughout the Downtown and fireworks to close the show.
“ICE” features will include interactive ice displays, a downtown tube run and a skating trail located in Memorial Park. In addition, there will be winter activities, cultural events, and more!
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The tube run line is to be closed to new riders after 5 p.m.
Fireworks at the Silver Bridge: 6:00 pm – 6:10 pm
How much: Admission is required to enjoy the festival, including rides down the tube run.
$10 (ages 6+)
Free 5 and Under
This admission allows you to enjoy almost all of the activities, shows, and to walk through the festival area. Some activities and vendors do charge an additional fee.
Where: Along Manitoba Street and other venues in Downtown Bracebridge, Ontario
Free Parking along the downtown core of Bracebridge, Ontario, along Manitoba Street.
Shuttle buses will run continuously from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and come every half and hour.
