Christmas & Holiday Activities in and around Barrie

Credit: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

A list of Christmas events in and around Barrie including children’s events, Santa Claus Parade, Christmas lights, carols, theatre, and other holiday events.

Things to Do to Celebrate Christmas & Holidays in Simcoe County

*Few Collingwood/Wasaga Beach events are also included.

Contents

1. 2019 Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades
2. 2019 Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts
3. Page 2:2019 Christmas Theatre & Other Events

I. Christmas Lights & Santa Claus Parades in Barrie

Noella Festival

Festival Of Trees – Each year the Rotary Club of Barrie embraces the holiday spirit and shares their enthusiasm for the Barrie community by lighting up the waterfront and downtown. Details

November 16 – December 31, 2019

Various Locations, Downtown Barrie
Festival of Trees is located at the Meridian Place, Heritage Park and along the waterfront.

Free

Tree Lighting Celebration & Santa Claus Parade

This year’s Tree Lighting Celebration will once again be held in conjunction with the Santa Claus Parade. Festivities will include entertainment at the Meridian Place stage, face painting, an outdoor film screening of A Miracle on 34th Street (1994), free hot chocolate (while quantities last) with a donation to the Tim Hortons Food Drive or the Rock 95 & Kool FM Toy Drive. All this along with the countdown to the lighting of the tree, the Rotary Festival of Trees displays, fireworks and a visit from Santa! Details
Santa Claus Parade – Enjoy the beautiful lights and sounds of the holiday season at Barrie’s annual night parade hosted by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. This year’s parade theme is ‘Christmas Past, Present, and Future’. The parade departs at 5PM heading north on Bradford Street from Tiffin Street, then east on Dunlop Street through downtown Barrie past the Tree Lighting Celebration and concluding at Mulcaster Street. Details

Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
3:00 PM-7:00 PM | Tree Lighting Celebration
5:00 PM – Santa Claus Parade departs from Lakeshore Drive; Start through Downtown Barrie at approximately 5:45 PM
Fireworks | 6:30 PM

Downtown Barrie
Tree Lighting Celebration @ Meridian Place, 87 Dunlop Street E
The parade will be traveling the same route again this year, departing from the intersection at Tiffin St. and Lakeshore Dr., heading straight up Tiffin St. to Bradford St. It will then head north on Bradford St. to Dunlop St., then through Downtown Barrie!

Free

Midland Tree Lighting Extravaganza!

We’re very excited to announce all the activities taking place during the #MidlandTreeLighting. There is a whole lot of activities from crafts & live music, FREE giant snow globe photo, First Light Display, Hot chocolate & 50/50 raffle.

The tree lighting announcement will begin at 7pm at the Neezhoday Park tree with Midland Pipes Drums, Town Crier, followed by a countdown to the lighting of the tree.
The Grand Holiday Event is also happening during the event and continuing into the Saturday. Details

Friday, November 15, 2019 | 5:00 PM – 7:15 PM
The tree lighting announcement will begin at 7:00 PM

Various locations, Midland
The event will take place on King Street between Elizabeth Street & Hugel Avenue (the block will be closed).
The tree lighting @ the Neezhoday Park tree

Free

Children’s Candlelight Parade

Bring the Christmas spirit to life as we light up the downtown! Join the countdown to light the Opera House tree, enjoy free hot chocolate & treats plus meet SANTA! Details

Friday, November 15, 2019 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Various locations in Downtown Orillia, Orillia

Free

BWG Santa Claus Parade

Celebrate the holiday season with one of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s favourite events – The Santa Claus Parade! Parade entries from local community groups and businesses light up BWG with families and friends gathering on the streets to enjoy the twinkling floats, music and entertainment.
Theme: Christmas Around the World

Letters to Santa will be collected by volunteers at the beginning of the parade. Please address letters to Santa c/o the North Pole, H0H 0H0. South Simcoe Paramedics and their volunteers will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys. Details

Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Bradford – Downtown, Holland Street, Bradford
The parade route begins at Bradford District High School (70 Professor Day Dr.), travelling east on Holland Street then south on Simcoe Road, ending at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre (125 Simcoe Rd.).

Free

Collingwood’s Annual Santa Claus Parade

Downtown Collingwood is once again pleased to present Collingwood’s Annual Santa Claus Parade. The theme for this year’s event is “The Lights of Christmas”. This year’s parade will be part of a very special day in Downtown Collingwood as we officially launch the holiday. Enjoy the many merchant Open Houses … visit with Santa’s Reindeer in Training …. enjoy carolers on the street….put on your running shoes for the HOHOHoliday Run…and there is lots more, including the traditional “lighting” of the town Christmas Tree, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks! Details

Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Downtown Collingwood

Free

Orillia Santa Claus Parade

The largest Christmas parade north of Toronto! Help welcome Santa as over 100 floats and bands lead the way for him through Downtown Orillia. Details

Sunday, November 17, 2019 | 1:00 PM

Downtown Orillia, 33 Mississaga Street West, Orillia

Free

First Light

Now in its 20th year, Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” is a must-see event with a great lineup of family activities and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of over 5,000 candles. The magic begins when visitors approach the candlelit historic site. Visitors can stroll the candlelit paths which lead to a variety of fun family activities. An abundance of music will also fill the air, including Indigenous drumming and singing, lively Franco-Ontarian folk songs, and delightful community and school choirs performing seasonal music over the nine evenings. Details

November 21 – December 7, 2019
November 21-23, 28-30 and December 5-7, 2019 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland

Admission $10.00 per person, with a donation of a non-perishable item! Kids under 5 are FREE!

Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting at Wasaga Beach

The Santa Parade will feature amazing bands, sensational floats, candy for the kids, and much more! Immediately after the join us at the Oakview Woods, beside the RecPlex, for the annual Tree Lighting. Enjoy caroling, refreshments and photos with Santa! Details

Saturday, November 23, 2019
Santa Claus Parade | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tree Lighting | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Wasaga Beach ON
The Parade begins at 22nd St and Mosley St; and ends at the RecPlex (1724 Mosley Street)
Tree Lighting @ the Oakview Woods, beside the RecPlex Community Centre, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach ON

Free

2019 Midland Santa Holiday Parade

Saturday, November 23, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Downtown Midland, King Street, Midland
The Parade begins from Midland High School Parking Lot and turns to Saginaw Road and then to Ashman Street and finally to Main Street.

Free

Park Place Tree Lighting

Don’t miss out on our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Park Place Barrie, joined by our evening hosts, This Kinda Life

Come meet Santa and his Reindeer, get your face painted, enjoy hot chocolate, sing and dance! Join us for a family night of fun. Details

Saturday, November 30, 2019 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tree Lighting | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Park Place Barrie, 100 Mapleview Drive East, Barrie

Free

Midland Santa Claus Parade 2019

The 42nd Annual Midland Santa Claus Parade is happening on Saturday, November 30th. The parade begins at 11am and will commence from Little Lake Park down to the bottom of King Street. Details

Saturday, November 30, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Downtown Midland, Midland
Parade starts from Little Lake Park down to the bottom of King Street.

Free

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market

Join us on the Boardwalk for our 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market. Featuring a variety of fun and festive activities for the whole family, as well as food and holiday vendors, there is something for everyone. The evening will close out with our spectacular fireworks show! Details

November 30 – December 1, 2019
Saturday, November 30, 2019 | 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Sunday, December 1, 2019 | Holiday Market Continues 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Friday Harbour Resort, 311 Big Bay Point Rd, Innisfil

Creemore Santa Claus Parade, 2019

Step back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned community parade in Creemore. Enjoy floats created by friends and neighbours,The Collingwood Collegiate marching band and see Santa. Enjoy a visit with local, independent retailers to find the perfect gift before or after the main event.

Catch the parade complete with two marching banks and community floats as it travels along Mill Street, Edward Street and Mary Street. Details

Saturday, December 7, 2019 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Mill Street, Edward Street and Mary Street, Creemore

Free

II. Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts in Barrie

William O’Meara & Norman Engel – Organ/Trumpet

Brookside Music Association presents William O’Meara and Norman Engel. International soloist, Organist at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto and accompanist for the choirs of St. Michael’s Choir School, William O’Meara will be joined in this concert by trumpeter Norman Engel in a dazzling program of music that will usher in the Christmas season. Details

Friday, November 15, 2019 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

St Paul’s United Church, 308 King St, Midland

$0.00 – $30.00; Children and Students may attend for Free.

Johnny Reid: My Kind of Christmas

Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road Rama

$60

Bravado! Show Choir’s Christmas Concert “Comfort & Joy”

November 29 & 30, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Saturday November 30 | 2:00pm (Preshow crafts and fun start at 1pm)

Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St, Barrie

$25
In support of “Glowing Hearts Community Give & Get”, please bring a donation for our Celebration Tree! We are looking for new socks, hats, mittens & gloves, scarves, travel sized hygiene products, gift cards, & of course toys.

Wonderful World of Christmas: Comeback

Celebrate the holidays with a yuletide spectacular that will have you dancing in your “Blue Suede Shoes”! Backed by a five-piece band, three-piece horn section, four singers and a church choir, international award-winning Elvis performer Steve Michaels serenades with the King’s best holiday offerings.

A previous winner of the King of the World: Elvis Tribute Artist World Championships in Memphis, Steve Michaels’ dynamic portrayal of the rock ‘n’ roll legend makes him one of the most sought-after performers in the world. This Elvis will definitely leave you embracing the spirit of the holidays! Details

Saturday, November 30, 2019 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

King’s Wharf Theatre, 97 Jury Dr, Penetanguishene

Adults: $35, Youth: $25, All tickets are subject to HST.

Christmas at the beach with the barrie concert band

The Barrie Concert Band will be performing its annual Christmas concert for the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank. This annual event is made possible by the generous donation of Waterside Retirement Lodge and Lighthouse Community Church. We look forward to seeing you there and joining us in an evening of Christmas music and carols! Details

Sunday, December 1, 2019 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Lighthouse Community Church, 800 Sunnidale Road, Wasaga Beach, ON

This event includes a Free Will donation to support the Food Bank

Elvis: Blue Christmas

Calling all Elvis fans! Don’t miss Collingwood Elvis Champion Gino Monopoli starring in “Elvis: Blue Christmas”. Hear the amazing Gino Monopoli backed by the incredible Rudy & the Angels singing all your favourite Elvis classics like “Blue Suede Shoes”, “All Shook Up”, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, Suspicious Minds” alongside his legendary Christmas hits including “Blue Christmas”, “Santa Bring Me My Baby Back”, “White Christmas” and more! This fun filled audience interactive show is a must for all Elvis fans! Details

Sunday, December 01, 2019 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Midland Cultural Centre – Rotary Hall, 333 King St., Midland

$35 – $37.00 + HST & Fees

Craig Ashton – A Collingwood Christmas

Please join Collingwood tenor Craig Ashton with special guest soprano Rebecca Poff for a special evening In Support of Events for Life. Details

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM

The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood

$50 – $75

Michelle Wright- A Wright Christmas

Award-winning Canadian country music artist Michelle Wright brings the holiday spirit to Collingwood this December! Start the festive season off with one of Canada’s most popular and celebrated recording artists, Michelle Wright.

From carols to your favourite holiday classics, Michelle’s renowned show is exactly what you need to get you in the spirit for the holiday season! Details

Thursday, December 5, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood

$59.50

Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas

The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. With their captivating vocals, distinctive harmonies and extraordinary musicianship, The Barra MacNeils inject new life and energy into the sights and sounds of Christmas…one moment a rousing chorus, then a hauntingly beautiful Gaelic balland, the next a flurry of foot-stomping instrumentals, which of course pulls one then another into a step-dancing revelry. Details

Thursday, December 5, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N, Orillia

All Tickets $57.50. There is an additional $1.13 per ticket when purchased online

A Quartette Christmas!

One of the great joys of Christmas is the music … one of the great joys of this Christmas is the opportunity to experience that music through the genius of Quartette! Whether it’s traditional favourites like “Silent Night” and “What Child Is This?” or Quartette originals such as “The Perfect Christmas Tree” and “Hope, Peace, Joy and Love”, Canadian singer/songwriters Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick and Sylvia Tyson enchant with their singularly lush harmonies, unique arrangements and rich variety of musical influences. Details

Friday, December 6, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood

$47.50

Christmas Chocolate Box Concert

The band will end its 150th anniversary year on a special Christmas note that will include a collection of tasty Christmas tunes! There will be old favourites as well as new surprises. Bring your voices and your hunger for good old-fashioned fun and celebrate this holiday season with the Barrie Concert Band. Details

Saturday, December 7, 2019 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St., Barrie

Adults $25 Students $10 Children 12 years and under are FREE!

Christmas With The Ennis Sisters

Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 7:30 PM

Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr Bldg C, Barrie

$43.64

A Swingin’ Christmas with Toronto All-Star Big Band

Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year Big Band style with swinging renditions of seasonal and all time favorites from the Golden Age of Swing. A genuine time capsule that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Details

Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr Bldg C, Barrie

$39.50

Good Lovelies Christmas

This December the Good Lovelies are headed across Ontario with their annual Christmas tour. Accompanying the Good Lovelies (Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Susan Passmore) is a stunning backing band of some of Canada’s finest musicians. As a six-piece, this band will have you tapping your feet, laughing, and singing along by the end of the show. This is a must-see concert. Details

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Midland Cultural Centre – Rotary Hall, 333 King St., Midland

$20 – $43

Next Generation Leahy Christmas

Join the Next Generation Leahy for an unforgettable Christmas celebration! Their Christmas concerts are magical. With multiple instruments on stage and coupled with the beautiful music of the Christmas season, this is the perfect way to begin your own family Christmas! Details

Thursday, December 12, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N, Orillia

Adults $35.00, Senior $32.00, Youth 18 & Under $30.00. There is an additional $1.13 per ticket when purchased online

2019 Canadian Country Christmas Concert

The Canadian Country Christmas Concert has delighted audiences for the past 15 years straight. A fun and festive seasonal celebration of Music Award winning artists. This year award winners and Canadian icons like the Wilkinsons – Steve Wilkinson, Adam Gregory Thomas Wade (of Wayward Fame) & show founder singer songwriter, Sean Hogan. Details

Friday, December 13, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM

Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N, Orillia

Adults $35.00, Seniors $30.00, Youth 17 & Under $15.00, Child 9 & Under Free, (however please contact the Box Office at 705-326-8011 to make arrangements for the actual free ticket)

Royal Wood – Christmas in Collingwood

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Royal Wood has established himself as a true musical talent. We invite you to join Royal in Collingwood at the Simcoe Street Theatre for two very special and intimate nights of songs, stories and laughs. Details

December 13 – 14, 2019 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Simcoe Street Theatre, Studio 7, 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood

Early bird $40.00

Elton Rohn – Step into Christmas

Step into Christmas this year with Elton Rohn and the Gayety Theatre! Elton Rohn is a captivating concert experience.
Elton Rohn (also known as Ron Camilleri) provides the full Elton John experience. From the visual effects of Elton’s outrageous costumes and backdrops to a superb sound system which creates the true aura of an Elton John concert, Elton Rohn in concert is as close as you can get to a real Elton John performance. Details

Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM

The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood

$50

Sleigh Bells & Brass Concert 2019

Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N, Orillia

Adult $25.00, Student $10.00, Child $10.00. There is an additional $1.13 per ticket when purchased online.

Celebrate!

Imagine wintry sleigh rides, skating, Christmas goodies and stockings hung by the fire. Celebrate the joy of the holidays with a sing-along, carols, and childhood favourites complementing great orchestral works. The HSO Christmas bake sale and silent auction are always a highlight! Details

Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 3:30 PM

Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St, Barrie

$30.00

Chantal Kreviazuk – Christmas Is A Way of Life, My Dear

Chantal Kreviazuk one of Canada’s most recognizable voices has announced the release of her first Christmas album, the 10-track Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear,” due out November 15. The album features five brand new original songs, plus Chantal’s spin on classics such as Silent Night,” Blue Christmas” (a duet with husband Raine Maida, AKA MOON VS SUN) and Wonderful Christmas Time” (featuring the debut of son Sal Maida). Details

Thursday, December 19, 2019 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Midland Cultural Centre – Rotary Hall, 333 King St., Midland

$49 – $54

Rock 95 Breakout Sound 3 Christmas Concert Party

Rock 95’s BREAKOUT SOUND 3 Christmas Concert Party at Mavricks featuring Carl Rundown Band, Cousin Jack, Michael Costantini, Veil Unknown & Sierra Pilot brought to you by StS Promotions, We Love Sound, Mavricks & Impact Live! Details

Saturday, December 21, 2019 | 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Mavricks Music Hall, 46 Dunlop Street West, Barrie

$10 advance all-in (includes HST & Fee), $15 Doors

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