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Writer's pictureCulture Alliance

Making Holiday Memories in the Heart of Georgian Bay

The Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm and heartfelt greeting to you, your family, and friends for a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2023. Let's celebrate all that the region has to offer.


The holidays are a wonderful time to get together with family and friends and whether your family is local, or they are visiting from out of town, there are a slew of activities for making memories that you can do right in the Heart of Georgian Bay.


For instance, on our website you can find the "Culture Lives Here" colouring page that was developed in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Simcoe's Torch Club. Use the time over the winter break to download and print off a copy of this colouring page for your child(ren) to enjoy and to practice their artistic skills.

Why not use the time to spend in the kitchen together baking and cooking, together as a family. Try out new recipes or share the traditional ones passed down from generation to generation. We found a timeless recipe for the traditional favourite sugar cookie on Spruce Eats website Share your favourite cookie decoration on Instagram and be sure to tag the Culture Alliance in your photo.

Once you have had the filling meal and ate your share of cookies why not gather the family for a hike on one of the trails located in our region. The County of Simcoe has fantastic interactive maps you can use to help you plan your hiking adventure. Why not try the "Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail", the "Penetanguishene Trail", the "Tay Shore Trail" or the "Tiny Trail".


Once you have had the filling meal and ate your share of cookies why not gather the family for a hike on one of the trails located in our region. The County of Simcoe has fantastic interactive maps you can use to help you plan your hiking adventure. Why not try the "Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail", the "Penetanguishene Trail", the "Tay Shore Trail" or the "Tiny Trail".


Maybe you would rather lace on the blades and head out on the ice for a skate on one of the skating surfaces in the area. North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre is offering additional public skating hours on December 27, 28, 29, 30 and January 2, 3, 4, and 5 between the hours of 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. In Penetanguishene at the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre free public skating will take place on:

  • December 28th 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM;

  • December 29th 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

  • January 2nd 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

  • January 4th 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

As well, the regular programming found on their website. If you are looking to spend some time skating outdoors why not try the Tay Community Rink in Port McNicoll. Check out their website for public skating and programming that is

available over the holiday break. At the time of publishing, the Tiny Community Rinks are not open, relying completely on Mother Nature for their ice-making opportunities. Check out their website for updates at all four rinks located in Tiny, including, the Wyevale Rink, Perkinsfield Rink, Robert Robitaille (Lafontaine) Rink and Toanche Rink.


In keeping with the outdoor theme, mixed in with some indoor activities, why not visit the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.Snowshoe rentals (Traditional aluminum) will be available now that a blanket of snow has been received (and more on the way), so why not take the family snowshoeingg? The Centre is also running a Winter Camp for children ages 6-12 between December 27th to December 30th, and spaces are still available currently. For trail conditions and more information please contact them at 705-526-7809, or email them at info@wyemarsh.com, or check out the website. Who knows, there might even be some warm hot cocoa there too!


Perhaps you want to stay warm and enjoy some of the indoor cultural sites in

our region. The Huronia Museum will be

open for visitors during the break other than December 25, 26, 27, 30 and January 1 and 2nd. Otherwise, daily visits can take place between 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (with last admission to the site at 3:30 PM). Be sure to call ahead at 705-526-2844 or email them at huroniamuseum@gmail.com for more information and to confirm dates and times.


Why not take in some of the art exhibitions located at the Midland Cultural Centre. The MCC Indigenous Art Gallery is currently featuring the working of Anong Migwans Beam through to January 14th, 2023 and you can visit there Monday through Saturday from

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (except for December 24, 25, 26, 27 and January 1st). While you are there check out the Quest Art display from Anishinaabe artist Paul Whittam from Sheshegwaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, on exhibit now through to February 4, 2023.

Also, while you are the Midland Cultural Centre be sure to visit Noopiming Creations located on the main floor off the Atrium. Here you will find beautiful handmade creations by Indigenous artists Jennifer Brunelle and Hunter Corbiere.


The Box Office at the Midland Cultural Centre will be open New Year’s Eve from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM for those who wish to buy last minute tickets to join “Fairweather Love” as they ring in the New Year at the MCC on December 31, 2022. Please check online first to see if there are tickets still available.


Fun for the entire family can also be found at The Midland Public Library where they are offering “Winter Break Bingo” for ages 12-18 between December 22nd to January 6th; a “Noon Years’ Eve” party running from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on December 31st, for children ages 5-12; and a Family Movie Night on January 4, 2023, between 2:00 to 4:00 PM where the entire family can come out to enjoy “Minions 2”. For more information on all these events please visit the Midland Public Library website or call 705-526-1474.







The Penetanguishene Museum is hosting some Winter Break Activities right at the museum where you can join with your child on one or all of the following dates:

January 3rd – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Mitten Craft and Scavenger Hunt

January 4th – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Snowman Coaster Craft and Scavenger Hunt

January 5th – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Snowman Door Hanger Craft and Scavenger Hunt

Check out the website for more information.




One other activity that you do with your family and friends, and visitors to the area, is to take a visit to Little Lake Park in Midland, ON. The Town of Midland is inviting one and all to check out the Town's first ever holiday display at Little Lake Park. It is a beautiful rendition of the holiday spirit, complete with vintage sleigh just like Santa would use. This display can be viewed until January 8, 2023.


Well, that is all I can think of right now, but I'm sure that you and your family and friends will certainly be celebrating your own traditions and partaking in all that this festive season brings with it. Enjoy yourselves safely over the winter break and all the best for a happy, healthy 2023!



Minoganawaamdig Niibaanaamaang miinwaa Nimkoodaad!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Joyeux Noêl et Bonne Année!


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