Ontario Cottage
Country Events
and Highlights for
Simcoe County

Discover sun kissed beaches, hiking & cycling trails, challenging skiing, championship golf, great waterways & plenty of fishing, snowmobiling, shopping, antiques, and scenic drives. Accommodation is first class with a number of resorts, inns, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and camping. From Orillia, Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching to Collingwood and the Georgian Triangle. From Barrie to Alliston, Cookstown, Tottenham, Bradford and the Holland Marsh. From Midland, Penetanguishene, Georgian Bay and the Trent Severn Waterway. Every city, town, and village has something for you to discover. We are only one hour north of Toronto via Hwy. 400.

A fun and spooky evening for the entire family! Stroll the candelit paths on the historic properties and peer into ghostly buildings to see what awaits.

Fee: $0
Contact: 705-549-8064
Link: www.discoveryharbour.on.ca

In partnership with the Barrie Farmers' Market we invite everyone to come down to City Hall from 8am-noon and have a 'spook'tacular time with a variety of activities and attractions to celebrate Halloween.

Event includes:

• Costume contest (children 12 & under
• Pumpking carving contest
• Free face painting
• Free wagon rides
• Free apple cider
• Take a picture with a scarecrow

Fee: $0
Contact: 705-734-1414
Link: www.downtownbarrie.ca

Held in conjunction with Light Up Night celebrations, this is a busy weekend in the charming village. Most stops are within walking distance, and close to shops and restaurants.

Fee: $0
Contact: 705-458-4466
Link: www.aroundthecornersart.ca

Come out and join us for our spectacular Christmas craft show featuring over 100 exhibitors with hand-crafted items. Items include chocolate, jam, fudge, sauces, quilts, candles, pottery, ceramics, wreaths, folk art, woodwork and more! Santa will be stopping by for a visit. Admission is $3.00 and children under 12 are free.

Contact: 705-435-5501
Link: www.nottawasagaresort.com/sugarplum10.html

A collection of one-of-a-kind regional artisans showcase and sell their hand-made works. Decorated Gingerbread House Competition and raffle and Empty Bowls awareness initiative with all funds going to Christmas Cheer. Free Decorated Wreath Competition and raffle.

Christmas at the Museum artisans' sale is a seasonal event that boasts a display and sale of wonderfully distinctive creations by regional artisans. Over fifty artisans will take part in the 12th annual artisan extravaganza, being hosted by the Simcoe County Museum. Buy unique gifts for yourself and everyone on your list from local potters, painters, photographers, jewellery artists, food vendors, clothing creators and many more! Get a jump on your Christmas shopping and join us for our kick-off to the holiday season!

In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, the Simcoe County Museum is once again working with Christmas Cheer to provide two great activities for the Christmas at the Museum event. A Decorated Gingerbread House Competition and raffle will take place to raise funds for Christmas Cheer food and gift hampers. The finished houses will be donated to Christmas Cheer and be displayed at the Museum during the event. Visitors will have a chance to vote on their favourites and may even win one to take home! We will also be raising funds through a programme called Empty Bowls which has been designed to promote hunger awareness in the community. Local potters have donated a number of hand-made bowls that visitors can receive with a set donation, along with home-made soup concentrate to enjoy at home, compliments of a local chef and local farmers.

Fee: $6
Contact: 705-728-3721

Visitors to Sainte-Marie's "First Light" event will experience Midland's famous heritage site amidst the magical glow of over 2,000 candles, enjoying an enchanting community evening in the Christmas spirit. Event preparation begins weeks ahead as Sainte-Marie's staff decorates the historic buildings and grounds, prepares craft materials, and organizes the spectacular candle display that has come to symbolize this unique event.

The event will once again feature lots of "hands-on" activities and 17th-century crafts for little folks and adults alike. Enjoy a taste of history as Sainte-Marie's Cookhouse features goodies from Christmas past. See a fascinating demonstration of 17th-century blacksmithing, and Discovery Harbour will feature an interactive exhibit in the Sainte-Marie foyer.

Historic re-enactors La Compagnie Franche de la Marine will return, wearing uniforms of the 18th-century and demonstrating military drills on the historic site. Visitors can also pop by the hearth in the En Pilier building to enjoy a warm drink and chat with the Compagnie.

Music has always been a wonderful component of "First Light" and this year the tradition continues. Over three evenings, "First Light" will showcase area talent sharing their seasonal repertoire.

For any last-minute additions to your Christmas list, the Sainte-Marie gift shop will be open over the three evenings, and Christmas shoppers will be happy to see the return of artisans from Sainte-Marie's popular Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts show.

Fee: $5 (Children ages 5 and under are free.)
Contact: 526-7838
Link: www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca

A dazzling display of lights and decorations awaits you during the Town of Penetanguishene's Festival of Lights Celebration. Come and experience the official lighting of the Town's Christmas tree. Twinkling lights light your way to great fun and family actives that will spark the spirit of the season for all to enjoy.

For additional information contact Townhall at 705-549-7453.

Contact: 705-429-2247

Contact: 905-775-3328