The town of Bracebridge, located at the heart of Muskoka is holding its annual winter festival this Saturday, January 27, 2024.
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 the cold season.
Here are some of the reasons why you should plan a trip this weekend to Bracebridge to attend the festival which hosts Great Canadian Lumberjack show, street buskers, and more for a memorable winter experience:
FIRE-Themed Activities:
- Fire Artists & Pits: The festival will be illuminated with various fire artists and fire pits scattered throughout the downtown area, adding warmth and ambiance.
- Fireworks Display: To mark the culmination of the event, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the evening sky, promising a stunning visual treat.
ICE-Themed Activities:
- Interactive Ice Displays & Tube Run: Visitors can enjoy interactive ice sculptures and the excitement of a downtown tube run.
- Skating Trail: Located in Memorial Park, this trail offers a picturesque skating experience, perfect for families and individuals alike.
More Fun Activities:
- Memorial Park & Area: This zone features all-day skating, axe throwing, kids’ parkour, fat biking, snowshoeing, and life-size games. The area will also host the Muskoka Brewery Biergarten and the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show.
- Midtown: Activities here include the Downtown Tube Run, mini tube slide, campfire, and an indoor activity center. A pancake breakfast with Elsa from Frozen and a dragon storytime are also scheduled.
- Downtown: This area is bustling with kids’ carnival games, curling, mini putt, marshmallow roasting, and maple taffy. Additionally, there are craft-making stations, cupcake decorating, and a Science North Activity Center.
- Taylor Road: This section features busker shows, including performances by Hoop You and Spencer Scurr, the magician.
- Other Locations: Public skating at Bracebridge Memorial Arena, refreshments at St. Joseph Parish, and an 80’s themed after-party at Bracebridge Hall are also part of the festivities. The Muskoka Foundry Rink offers indoor skating, and Climb Muskoka provides climbing opportunities.
TRIP PLANNING – Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival:
What: The festival offers a unique approach to a traditional winter carnival. “FIRE” features will include fire artist 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 27th, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tube run line 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 for 13 years old and up,
$5 for 6-12 years old,
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.
The shuttle will run continuously from 9 am – 6:30 pm.
- Parking Location for Shuttle Bus #1
Stevens’ Your Independant Grocer Bracebridge – 270 Wellington Street
Festival Pick Up – Drop of location – Corner of Ontario Street and Manitoba street. - Parking Locations Shuttle Bus #2
Habitat ReStore: 505 Muskoka Road 118 West
Festival Pick Up – Drop of location Kimberly Ave / Manitoba Street - Parking Location Shuttle Bus #3
Home Depot: 10 Depot Drive
Festival Pick Up – Drop of location – Corner of Hiram Street / Taylor Road - Parking Location for Shuttle Bus #4
Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Secondary School: 100 Clearbrook Trail
Festival Pick Up – Drop of location – Corner of Kimberly Ave / Manitoba Street