Friday, December 20, 2013

SantaFest, Festival of Lights, Christmas Bazaars, Frost Frenzy, Nordic and Alpine Skiing and Resort Getaways Dec. 20-22

SANTA CLAUS EVENTS


Celebrate SantaFest & Thank Santa Events
Santa’s Village, Bracebridge Muskoka
SantaFest Days
December 21 to 23,  2013
and
Thank Santa Day
December 28, 2013
11:00am until 4:00pm
Come celebrate winter and the joy of the season with Santa and his Elves!
Admission is $8.00/person and children under 2 are free.
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels Bracebridge, ON


Brunch with Santa
Horseshoe Resort
December 22Take the kids and enjoy a family brunch followed by story time with Santa near the fireside lounge. Takes place on December 22nd at 11:30am, book your reservations today!

Share the Magic of Christmas... ride the SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS!

Saturday December 21st and Sunday December 22nd
Advance reservations available.

Departures at 10:00am, 11:30am1:00pm and 2:30pm. Special event fares apply.
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels Alliston, ON

 
 
A Portage Flyer Christmas - Evening train ride to Santa  at Muskoka Heritage Place
Huntsville, ON
Sunday, December 21, 2013   5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (last train leaves at 7:30 pm)
$5.00 per person (child or adult) tax included
$5.00 per person
An evening of magic with all the joy & hope, sparkle, twinkle & dazzle of the festive season Last chance to tell Santa your side of the story!
stay at resorts, inns, hotels 
Huntsville, ONHuntsville hotels on-line


 
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FESTIVALS OF TREES and LIGHTS


Christmas Lights Across Canada
Ottawa, ON
December 5, 2013 to January 7, 2014
In Canada’s Capital, the winter landscape glows with over 300,000 multicoloured lights during the holiday season. The festivities begin with an illumination ceremony in early December and continue until early January. Throughout Christmas Lights Across Canada, the lights in Ottawa–Gatineau glow each evening from 4:30 pm to 2 am.
Stay at 
Ottawa & Area Accommodation, ON     Book Ottawa hotels. on-line

Christmas Magic
Cobourg, ON
Until January 2, 2014
Christmas Magic transforms into a dazzling display of over 100,000 coloured lights.


Festival of Trees
Orillia
Throughout December 2013
The Festival site will be magically transformed into a winter wonderland decked with holiday wreaths and 'tree after glorious tree' in beautifully designed settings located at The 
Orillia Square Mall .
Stay at  
Orillia Accommodation

Festival of Northern Lights Catch The Magic 
Owen Sound 
Until January 4, 2014
More than 300 light displays twinkling along the banks of the Sydenham River and at Harrison Park.  Several weeks of events, including concerts, craft shows, a Santa Claus parade, house tours, horse-drawn carriage rides and Christmas celebrations. The festival is a National Winter Lights Champion and Festivals & Events Ontario Multiple Award Winner.   
Stay at Owen Sound & Area Accommodation

Kapuskasing Festival of Lights
Kapuskasing, ON  
November 16, 2013 to beginning of January 2014
Riverside park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with over 100,000 shimmering lights and displays. 

Book Kapuskasing Hotels on-line

Barrie Festival of Trees Continues to Spring 2014
Barrie, ON
Barrie lights up along Kempenfelt Bay's Lakeshore Drive on Lake Simcoe through until the spring of 2014. See the 
Barrie Festival of Trees and Lights Photo gallery where some of the 50,000 lights which form the Festival of Trees Display at Centennial Park will be five animated displays.
Barrie shopping trip for Christmas New Year holiday gifts could involve an overnight stay in featured Barrie hotels, resorts and romantic inns. Stay at Barrie Accommodation   Book Barrie Hotels on-line

More information on Christmas Tree Lighting

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CHRISTMAS BAZAARS and ARTS & CRAFT SHOWS 


Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Show
Ottawa, ON Lansdowne Park
December 12-22, 2013
Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale is a leading and oldest fashion, gift, art & craft Show & Sale in Canada. It will attract many visitors and best artisans, artists and designers from Ottawa and Canada to related Christmas decorations, fashions, jewellery, art, sculpture, home decor items.

stay at resorts, inns, hotels 
Ottawa, ONOttawa hotels on-line


Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts
Collingwood
Until January 5, 2014
Holiday Gifts Galore!  Over 40 artists and artisans will be filling the Arts Center with a rich assortment of unique, one-of-a-kind creations...and, at very festive prices!  Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels 
Collingwood, ON

More information on Christmas Bazaars and Craft Shows



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Carriage Ridge Resort Winter Getaway Offer
November 25 – March 31, 2014

Blackout Dates:  December 21 – January 3, 2014 inclusive & February 14 – 16, 2014 inclusive

Stay at Carriage Ridge Resort relax in a Resort Suite with Kitchenette or one of our spacious 1 or 2 bedroom suites.


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NEW YEAR'S EVENT and GETAWAYS

Hardwood Ski & Bike
Annual Hardwood New Year's Eve Bash and Silent Auction
December 31
Evening of fun, with dinner, dancing, a live DJ, silent auction*, party favours, and moonlit ski & snowshoe. Bring your spouse, friends and this is a family friendly event.
Tickets only $40 + HST for Adults and $25 + HST for children 12 and under.  All proceeds go to Team Hardwood and tickets available at Hardwood Ski & Bike.  Please contact Judy Doble to reserve your spot at (705) 487-3775.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Orillia, ON

New Years in the Village
B
lue Mountain Village will be bustling with excitement as we ring out 2013 and welcome 2014!  Enjoy FREE family fireworks over the Mill Pond at 9pm, then enjoy the main show at midnight over the hill. 
Family Celebration in the Huron Grand Ballroom.

Bruce Stanton New Year's Eve Skate
North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre
Midland.  December 31.

New Year's Eve Gala
Midland Cultural Centre
December 31
Music, food and dancing to celebrate 2014!  The Shawn Mei Band plays classic rock hits from the 50's to now.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Midland, ON
Click here for events and more information on Tourism Midland


New Years Eve Bash
Horseshoe Resort
December 31

Enjoy an evening full of dining and live entertainment followed by an impressive fireworks display.




New Year's Eve Extravaganza

Celebrate New Year's Eve "Muskoka" Style
Christie's Mill Inn and Spa
Port Severn

December 31
Ring in the New Year in style.  Six-course dinner menu, live entertainment and a Midnight Champagne toast! $80 per person. HST and gratuity not included. Reservations required 705 538 2354.


Snow Valley
Come celebrate the New Year with family and friends, fireworks, snowtubing, skiing and snowboarding at Snow Valley.  Family Fun at the Tube Park.
New Year's Eve Special
Spend your evening skiing or snowboarding from 2:00pm-6:00pm, and then head over to the Snowtube Park and slide the evening away from 6:00pm until 10:00pm. At 10:15pm be dazzled by a fireworks display, all for just $29.99 per person.  There will only be 100 packages available, sold on a first come first serve basis (no pre-purchase available). We will reserve your snowtube for you, as our tubepark is popular place to spend New Year's Eve.


New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown
Barrie
December 31
Free evening of fun and entertainment for the whole family! Festivities include skating on the Circle at the Centre rink, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, food vendors, and fireworks. The highlight of the night is a line-up of amazing live entertainment featuring a special performance for kids, local up-and-coming talent, and a Canadian headline act not to be missed. 
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels in Barrie, Ontario



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FAMILY FUN and ALPINE AND NORDIC SKIING GETAWAYS

Blue Mountain Village
Frost Frenzy
November 30-December 31, 2013

The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm!

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Blue Mountain/Collingwood


Frost Centre Ski & Snowshoe Trails
Trails Open.  Check Current Conditions page for information. 
Cross country Ski on 26km of groomed and trackset trails for the morning, take a break or eat lunch by the woodstove in the historic towermans cabin and then head out for an afternoon of snowshoeing on 11km of backcountry snowshoe trails overlooking beautiful St. Nora Lake.
~ $30/person+tx includes skis, boots, poles, snowshoes and trail passes for the day (A $53 value!). 
~ Incredible restaurants and accommodations are available nearby.


Hardwood Ski and Bike
Trails Open
Hardwood Ski & Bike offers the ultimate Nordic skiing and snowshoeing experience in Ontario. Trail loops range from 5km to 22km and built for ALL levels. Rentals available on site.


High School Invitation -December 17, 2013
Freestyle technique Ski races


Located only 1 hour north of Toronto, Hardwood Ski and Bike and Carriage Ridge Resort offer the best deal this season!
Getaway includes
  • 2 nights accommodation  at Carriage Ridge Resort.
  • 1 discounted ski trail pass, per person for Hardwood Ski and Bike. . Extra trail passes can be purchased.
  • Pool, hot tub and on-site activities 7 days a week!
Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Getaways from only $75.50 CAD per person (family of 4) or $150.00 CAD per person (double occupancy)



Horseshoe Resort
Ski and Snowboard Season
Holiday Getaway November 28, 2013 - January 3, 2014
2 Night package starting at $399
Looking for a fun getaway this holiday season at an affordable cost.  Rejoice over the savings in a Winter wonderland.
Pre-Season Season Special.  Starting From $169/Night. Book By Sunday December 22nd.  Stay Dates: Friday December 6th, 2013 - Thursday March 21st, 2014.  The Early Bird Gets The Discounts!


Rodeo Rail Jam
December 21, 2013
This rodeo themed ski and snowboard event features a vendor village with demos from ski and snowboard companies and a Coors Light BBQ on the patio of the Crazy Horse after the event.


Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Nordic Trails are Open
Expect rolled/packed trail conditions.  The snowshoe trail across the suspension bridge will also be open, offering spectacular views of south Georgian Bay. And while you’re checking out the trails, don’t forget to pick up your Nordic Season pass.  Please call: (705) 446-0256 ext. 223 before you head out for weather and trail conditions.Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Blue Mountain / Collingwood



Sir Sam's Ski & Bike
Ski and Snowboard Season
Weekly starting Friday December 20th (closed Christmas day)
Winter Sale
All lift tickets, rentals & lessons are HALF PRICE from Opening Day until Christmas Eve!!!
Significant Improvements Coming for the 2013-2014 Winter Season.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels
Haliburton,  Minden
More information on the
Haliburton Highlands Destination


Snow Valley Resort 
Ski & Snowboard Season
Stay & Play
Barrie Ski & Snowtube Packages
Plan a Family Getaway!
Numeous stay & play" packages available through a number of local hotels.
Packages start at just $54.50 (pp/dbl occupancy) and includes 1 night accomodation, breakfast and a ski or snowtubing pass.
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels in Barrie, Ontario


Westin Trillium House -Blue Mountain/Collingwood
World Snowboard Day Park Party
December 22, 2013

Get your party socks on for a solid day of jib-jamming fun! The park will be stocked with lots of swag giveaways, music, best tick jams & more. Skiers, it may be World Snowboard Day, but at Blue we spread the love. Come out and celebrate the kick-off to winter 2014.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre-Midland
Come ski or snowshoe our 25km of scenic trails and warm up by an open fire.
Live Animal Show. Wet n' Scaly.  December  21-22 
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Midland, ON
Click here for events and more information on Tourism Midland


MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie 
Family Sunday Workshops
December 22, 2013
Families can enjoy an afternoon exploring art while they create wonderful works to enjoy at home. Regional artists lead the workshops, and activities suit all ages and levels of experience.

  
Looking for that perfect holiday gift?
The MacLaren’s Gallery Shop carries a beautiful array of handmade jewellery, pottery, glass and homeware items, many by local artisans. Unique items are available in range of price points for friends, family, clients and colleagues. The MacLaren also offers professional framing services.


Stay at resorts, inns, hotels in Barrie, ON

Christmas in Downtown Orillia
December 7-21

An old-fashioned shopping experience! Free horse-drawn wagon rides, carollers on the streets, free hot chocolate & treats at various shops.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Orillia, ON

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RESORT ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE EVENT

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa

Sunday, December 22, 2013 marks five years since opening day, for JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa.

Celebrate at the Open House from 1pm to 4pm.  Live entertainment with Wyatt Williamson and Tobin Spring, plus plenty of complimentary activities including beer tasting with Muskoka Brewery, towel-folding with the Rosseau housekeeping team, Mexican Hot Chocolate at the Prospector's Tent and culinary workshops with Chef Crymble and the culinary team.


Stay overnight on Sunday, December 22 for only $89 plus $14 resort fee plus tax. Here is your chance to try out the year-round indoor-outdoor swimming pool!

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HOCKEY SEASON EVENT

North Bay Battalion OHL Home Games Package
OHL Hockey is back in North Bay!  Enjoy the NHLers of tomorrow now as they come to North Bay to play the North Bay Battalion.  Now you can come to North Bay, take in a face paced exciting game, and stay in North Bay’s only full service, Resort, Hotel, and Conference Centre.

The North Bay Battalion OHL Hockey Package includes your accommodations, a full hot chef-cooked plated breakfast and a Rink Side seat (seats are Section 1R and numbered 5, 6, 7, and 8).  Limited to only 4 tickets available per game, call now and book before they are all gone.

December Game dates are
Dec 5, 8, 12, 19, 31, 2013
Starting at $159.99*  *Plus HST. Based on Double Occupancy in a Standard Room with 2 Queen Sized Beds. Upgrades are available.
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Featured Resort Destinations and Events






HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS DESTINATION


Sir Sam's Ski and  Bike-Haliburton
Ski and Snowboard Season 
Weekly starting Friday December 20th (closed Christmas day)
Winter Sale
All lift tickets, rentals & lessons are HALF PRICE from Opening Day until Christmas Eve!!!
Significant Improvements Coming for the 2013-2014 Winter Season



Yours Outdoors -Haliburton. Check the calendar for events and workshops.

Discover the natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands.


Christmas at the Museum
Haliburton Highlands Museum
December 21

Did you know that many of our most beloved holiday traditions actually come from the Victorians? Every week, we’ll be celebrating different Victorian inspired traditions and serving different treats. Make a keepsake to take home or just step into the past and enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas!

December 3 -January  15
Passes for the 2014 summer theatre season are now on sale.  All five show for $125.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton,  Minden
More information on the
Haliburton Highlands Destination



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LAND O' LAKES DESTINATION



5,000 Lakes  5,000 Adventures.  You can enjoy fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking, cycling, snowmobiling, skiing, ATVing, motorcycling, or just plain relaxing in some of the most beautiful scenery.

Click here for events and more information on the
Land O' Lakes Destination



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MIDLAND and PENETANGUISHENE and TOURISM MIDLAND DESTINATION

Downtown Shops and Docks  
Beautiful downtown Midland has more than 100 shops, boutiques and services located in a beautiful waterfront setting.



Midland Cultural Centre
The Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) is a self-sustaining, inspiring and exciting year-round facility for arts and culture in Huronia. The MCC has an active calendar of programs and events for enthusiasts of art, culture, music and theatre. Drop in to see what's going on.












Tourism Midland
The Town of Midland is situated at the gateway to Georgian Bay's picturesque 30,000 Islands and hosts many events throughout the year.


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RESORTS OF NORTH MUSKOKA

There are plenty of exciting things to do in North Muskoka, all within close proximity.  Bring the family snowshoeing, tubing, skating, downhill or cross country skiing, even dog sledding. Or, if you prefer, try your hand at snowmobiling on the extensive trail system that winds throughout Muskoka.
Click her for activities and more information on Resorts of North Muskoka.
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ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS DESTINATION  



You’ll discover an abundance of outdoor adventure, combined with original offering of arts, culture and heritage experiences, all set against a picture perfect backdrop of unspoiled wilderness and the small town charm of friendly communities. 

More information on Ontario's Highlands Destination






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ORO STATION



Hardwood Ski and Bike -Oro/Medonte

Trails Open
Hardwood Ski & Bike offers the ultimate Nordic skiing and snowshoeing experience in Ontario. Trail loops range from 5km to 22km and built for ALL levels. Rentals available on site


2013-14 Ski Memberships available.
Youth Cross Country Ski Programs
Register Now For Kids Ski Programs
Hardwood Ski and Bike offers recreational cross country ski lessons for children between ages 3-13. Programs are focused on fun and skill in order to introduce a life long activity and a love of winter.  Space is limited so register soon.




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OTTAWA and OTTAWA VALLEY DESTINATION

Christmas Lights Across Canada
Ottawa, ON
December 5, 2013 to January 7, 2014
In Canada’s Capital, the winter landscape glows with over 300,000 multicoloured lights during the holiday season. The festivities begin with an illumination ceremony in early December and continue until early January. Throughout Christmas Lights Across Canada, the lights in Ottawa–Gatineau glow each evening from 4:30 pm to 2 am.
Stay at 
Ottawa & Area Accommodation, ON     Book Ottawa hotels. on-line

 Festival of Lights
Promenade du Parc des Chutes, Mansfield, Quebec

December 27 & 28
Discover one of Pontiac’s Finest Jewels illuminated with over 20,000 lights and lasers. Hot dogs, beavertails, baked goods and snacks on sale!

Petawawa Public Library Festival of Trees
December 2-31

Furry Friends and Families Food Drive
Pembroke Animal Hospital
December 1-20


Douglas Santa Claus Parade
December 22, 2013


  
Stay at Resorts in the Ottawa and Ottawa Valley area

Book Ottawa Hotels

More Information on the Ottawa Valley Destination