Barrie's Cultural Calendar: Events for Dec & Jan
December 2025 Events
- Magic of Lights Barrie: This drive-through holiday light festival runs nightly from November 21, 2025, to January 3, 2026, at Springwater Provincial Park in Midhurst. It features dazzling LED light displays and is a major holiday attraction.
- Spice Holiday Market: This market is on December 5 and 6, 2025, at the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre (205 Lakeshore Dr). It features over 40 local artisans, live music, and unique gifts. Admission is by donation.
- Forest of Lights: This public light display event takes place on December 5 and 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Check the City of Barrie website for the exact park location, as it creates a beautiful, illuminated atmosphere downtown.
- Handel's Messiah: A classic performance of this famous Christmas oratorio is scheduled for December 7, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Check local listings for the specific church or venue.
- Punk Rock Holiday Market: Held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at Brud Bar + Bottle Shop (19 Clapperton Street). This free market features local vendors, live music, and craft beer. All ages are welcome, and costumes are encouraged.
- The Barra MacNeils - An East Coast Christmas: Catch this popular East Coast group performing their festive show on December 13, 2025, at the Georgian Theatre (1 Georgian Drive). Expect a blend of traditional Celtic music and seasonal favourites.
- Believe: A Holiday Journey (Barrie Concert Band): The 50-member Barrie Concert Band presents their holiday medleys on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Collier Street United Church (112 Collier Street). Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for adults.
- Website: http://www.barrieconcertband.org
- Handmade Holidays at Five Points: This evening event for adults is on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at the Five Points Theatre (1 Dunlop Street West). The $99 ticket includes materials and a drink for creating four different holiday gifts (potpourri, hot chocolate mix, ornaments, and greenery).
- Barrie NYE Celebration (Downtown Countdown): The city's official free New Year's Eve event is on December 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Meridian Place and the Waterfront. It features live music, family activities, and a fireworks show over Kempenfelt Bay at 9:00 PM.
🧊 January 2026 Events
- Barrie Concerts Presents "The Art of Chamber Music": The world-renowned Gryphon Trio will perform on January 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM at Hiway Church (50 Anne Street North), showcasing highly refined chamber music.
- Website: https://barrieconcerts.org/
- The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour: Catch an evening of amazing basketball skills, comedy, and entertainment as the iconic Harlem Globetrotters come to the Sadlon Arena on January 30, 2026.
🏆 Bonus: Major Event Starting in February
- Barrie Winterfest: This is one of Ontario's Top 100 Festivals and runs on February 1–2, 2026, at Centennial Park & Will Dwyer Park. It features spectacular ice sculptures, lumberjack shows, snow painting, and other great winter activities.