What’s happening during the holidays in Muskoka? Look no further!
Looking for the best holiday events in Muskoka? Our 2026 Muskoka Holiday Event Guide features Christmas markets, tree lightings, Santa Claus parades, holiday concerts, festive train rides, family activities, and New Year’s Eve celebrations happening throughout the region. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or spending the season locally, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in Muskoka.
Save this Event Guide for holiday festivals, parades, and markets you don’t want to miss 
This Guide is being updated for 2026. Check back soon or visit our Holiday Event Calendar.
Ongoing Events
- November 12 to December 20: Join Muskoka Arts & Crafts at MAC ON MAIN, in Bracebridge for their Holiday Market. The best gifts are handmade! Visit their website to learn more.
- November 13 to March 2027: Take a journey through the Forest of Light at Sandhill Nursery in Huntsville. An interactive light trail that everyone in the family will love. Visit their website to learn more.
- November 21 to December 23: Immerse yourself in the wonder and joy of the holiday season at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge, with their dazzling display lighting up the night sky like never before! Feel the magic in the air and create cherished memories with your loved ones. This is a holiday experience you won’t want to miss! Visit their website to learn more.
- December 12 to 24: Saddle up with Santa at Back of Beyond Equine Centre in Huntsville. After visiting with Santa, take a walk around the farm and meet their horses and ponies for an extra touch of Christmas magic! Visit their website to learn more.
November Events
- November 14 & 15: Pratt’s Christmas Market in Bala. Enjoy a festive day with local vendors, family photos, pet-friendly fun, and cozy holiday charm at Pratt’s Garden Centre.
- November 14: Ho! Ho! Ho! Bala Santa Claus Parade will be starting at 1pm . Santa will be at the community center after the parade to meet all the kids! Free Skating will also be happening across the street at the arena at 2:00 p.m.
- November 14: Santa Claus Parade day at Jack & Stella in Bala. Enjoy cozy coffees, festive treats, and warm lunches that the entire family will love. Start your Christmas shopping with their fantastic selection of home decor and essentials from Stella’s Closet.
- November 21: Bracebridge Festival of Lights. Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Bracebridge from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Enjoy some great shopping, sing along to Christmas carols, visit with Santa and check out the trackless train for the kids. Learn more.
- November 21: The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition at Algonquin Theatre. Celebrate the holidays with Ballet Jörgen’s beloved Canadian twist on the timeless classic, The Nutcracker. Two show times available. Visit their website for tickets.
- November 21: Join the Toy Swap & Drive at Canvas Brewing Co. in Huntsville at 12:00 pm. Free entry with the donation of a toy to swap or donate! Visit their Facebook page for more details.
- November 27: The Downtown Huntsville Community Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at River Mill Park from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the tree lighting at 6:00 p.m. Gather with family and friends to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
- November 27: The Huntsville Santa Claus Parade returns to downtown Huntsville at 7:00 p.m. Presented by the Rotary Club of North Muskoka, the parade theme for 2026 is Creating Christmas Memories. Enjoy festive floats, music, and an appearance by Santa himself.
- November 27 & 28: The Canvas Brewing Hoppy Holiday Market in Hunstville is back with over 40 local vendors! They’ve got something for everyone on your list. Grab a pint, seasonal cocktail or a gourmet Hot Chocolate at the bar. Learn more
- November 28: Get ready for the 73rd Annual Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade—a jolly tradition since 1953! This year’s theme is Candy Cane Lane. Parade starts at 11:00 am. Learn more
- November 28: The Huntsville BIA is thrilled to invite you to the 6th annual Muskoka Market: Huntsville Holiday Edition. Join them as they transform downtown into a holiday wonderland for one magical day only! Learn more.
- November 28: Light up the Wharf in Gravenhurst. Looking for a fun way to celebrate the festive season? Join them for the tree lighting, shopping specials, photo booth, interactive story time, and other holiday fun, including Candy Cane Gals Fire ‘n Glow Show and Fireworks. Learn more
- November 28 & 29: The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst will host their fourth annual festive Christmas Market. Join them for a variety of vendors and fun activities. Browse a wonderful selection of local vendors offering unique gifts, handmade treasures and seasonal favourites. Learn more
- November 29: Put it on your calendars! Come one, come all to the annual nighttime Port Carling Santa Claus Parade! Join Santa in the community centre for a visit and refreshments after the parade. Learn more
- November 29: Community Living Huntsville’s 2026 Festive Brunch. Enjoy a Mimosa Mingle, gourmet brunch buffet, silent and live auctions, inspiring conversations worth having, and a special performance by Yan Markson, one of Canada’s top mentalists and magicians. Visit their website to buy tickets.
- November 29: Join the community of Port Sydney for their annual Tree Lighting at the Community Centre from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy a make & take craft table, soup & sandwich buffet, community camaraderie, holiday carols and a visit from a Special Guest. Learn more.
December Events (2025) update coming soon
- December 4: Visit the Port Severn Tree Lighting at Bressette Homestead. All welcome for the lighting of the largest tree in TGB – hot chocolate, desserts, music and cheer for all – no admission – 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Learn more
- December 4: The Rotary Club of Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes is proud to host the 2026 Bracebridge Santa Claus Parade starting at 6 PM. Learn more
- December 5: The Port Severn Annual Tree Lighting with SEGBAY Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will be taking place from 7:00pm – 8:00pm at the Bressette Homestead. Join them for a warm and cheerful evening as they celebrate the start of the holiday season with hot chocolate, candy canes, festive music and the lighting of the beautiful community tree.
- December 6: Port Severn, Honey Harbour, Severn Township Santa Claus Parade will be held in Honey Harbour.
- December 7: The Baysville Lions Santa Claus Parade begins at 1 PM. After the parade, children can enjoy hot dogs, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa.
- December 7: Join the MacTier Lions Club in welcoming Santa and Friends to MacTier at 6pm! There will be snacks with Santa and public skate following.
- December 14: Join Bayview Wildwood Resort for a Pancake Breakfast and a Photo with Santa! Santa is arriving early this year just to see YOU! Come dressed in your favorite Christmas pajamas and enjoy their build-your-own Holiday Pancake Bar, complete with festive toppings, bacon, sausage, kiddie hot chocotail, Rudolph’s punch, tea, and coffee. Don’t forget to have your photo taken with Santa!
Costs: $16 Kids 12 and under & $24 Adults
Reservations required 705-689-2338 Learn more
- December 19: Celebrate the season with See the Joy, the Muskoka Men of Song’s beloved annual Christmas concert at the Rene Caisse Theatre!
- December 19: Train to Santa: The Portage Flyer locomotive and authentic coaches have a thousand lights. Enjoy a cup of free hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and sing along to the carols while you wait to board the train. Once on board, you will gently ride alongside the Muskoka River to The Purser’s Cabin. Santa is waiting to hear “your side of the story”. If you want to stay longer, you can always catch the next train back. Learn more
- December 24: Torchlight Parade at Hidden Valley Ski Area: An annual family-friendly favourite, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade can be viewed from the Chalet or the base of the Flying Dutchman. There will be children’s activities and live entertainment. Learn more
New Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year in Muskoka, where sparkling snow-covered landscapes, cozy lakeside resorts, and festive celebrations create the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway.
Whether you’re enjoying a special New Year’s Eve dinner, exploring winter trails, relaxing by a crackling fire, or counting down to midnight under the stars, Muskoka offers a magical way to welcome the year ahead.
Visit our Guide to New Year’s Eve in Muskoka.
