Downtown Bracebridge is about to shine just a little brighter. As the snow settles and twinkling lights glow across town, the holiday spirit is ready to take centre stage. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, exploring local traditions, or soaking in the cozy charm of a Muskoka Christmas, Bracebridge offers magical moments for everyone this season.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

One of the most beloved holiday traditions returns this year — the Bracebridge Santa Claus Parade!

🎅 Friday, December 5 at 6:00 PM

Downtown Bracebridge will be glowing with festive cheer as the parade makes its way along Manitoba Street. Bundle up, bring your family and friends, and prepare to be swept up in a flurry of seasonal magic. Expect bright lights, cheerful floats, Christmas music, and of course… a special appearance from Santa himself!

It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season together as a community.

A Holly Jolly Hunt Through Downtown

Santa’s elves have been busy this year and a few of them have slipped away to explore Downtown Bracebridge! As part of a festive tradition that brings joy to families and shoppers alike, the Bracebridge BIA Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt invites you to search high and low for these mischievous little helpers.

🎄🔍 Find the elves. Fill out your scavenger hunt sheet. Enter to win!

As you wander through downtown shops and storefronts, keep your eyes peeled for hidden elves tucked in cozy corners and playful perches. Once you've found them all, simply complete your scavenger hunt sheet for the chance to win one of three $50 Shop the Bridge gift cards, perfect for crossing a few names off your holiday shopping list!

🗓️ Play along until December 6
📄 Scavenger hunt sheets: Available Here

It’s a fun and festive way to explore local businesses, support the community, and enjoy a little Christmas magic along the way.

Warm Up with Festive Sips & Seasonal Bites

The holiday season isn’t complete without something warm in your hands or something delicious on your plate and Bracebridge has plenty of both. Whether you’re strolling between events or taking a cozy break from holiday errands, our local cafés and restaurants are serving up flavours worth celebrating.

A Sugar Plum Fairytale in a Mug - Baristah Coffee

When the frost settles on the windows and the afternoon light turns golden, there’s no better place to pause than Baristah Coffee especially when their weekly special tastes like Christmas magic.

☕️ Sugar Plum Latte — New Seasonal Flavours Weekly
A cozy blend of espresso, steamed milk, and sweet plum-inspired syrup, finished with just a whisper of warm spice. It’s the kind of drink that feels like stepping into a holiday storybook… perfect for frosty mornings, last-minute shopping runs, or hiding by the window to quietly escape your to-do list “for just one more sip.”

Here only while their festive syrup lasts, so treat yourself, snap a pic, and tag Baristah in your sweetest Sugar Plum moment. ❄️💜

Baristah Coffee — Facebook page

Cozy Winter Dining & Sunday Brunch – Basilico

If your holiday plans involve good company and even better food, Basilico’s winter schedule is sure to brighten your week. They’re embracing the season with warm, inviting hours and the triumphant return of their Sunday Brunch!

🥂 Sunday Brunch Begins December 7
Join them every Sunday from 10 AM – 2 PM for brunch classics, cozy vibes, and of course… mimosas.

🍽️ While you’re there, don’t miss their new seasonal favourites:

Hot Honey Ricotta Dip

Penne Alla Vodka

Basilico — Official website

Comfort Classics for Chilly Days – The Old Station Restaurant

For those craving hearty, comforting dishes after a day of holiday adventures, The Old Station Restaurant has officially launched its Fall & Winter Menu. Expect warm flavours, rich seasonal ingredients, and the kind of generous portions that make you feel instantly at home.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind after parade-watching, elf-hunting, or gift-shopping — the kind of place where winter traditions taste just a little better.

The Old Station Restaurant — Facebook page

Holiday Nights Out in Muskoka

When the sun sets early and the holiday lights take over the streets, Bracebridge’s nighttime scene comes alive with music, flavour, and festive cheer. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, an outing with friends, or a post-shopping wind-down, Downtown Bracebridge has no shortage of places to unwind and soak in the season.

Live Music & Local Vibes – Bracebridge Hall

Tucked just off the main strip near the iconic Bracebridge Falls, Bracebridge Hall is a true hidden gem for live entertainment lovers. Known for its handcrafted cocktails, curated craft beer selection, and intimate atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to escape the chill and enjoy a night of music.

🎶 Live Shows All Season Long
They’ve got a full lineup of performances ready to keep your winter evenings lively. Check out their website and socials for the latest show announcements.

A Warm Welcome & Great Music – The Griffin Pub

Just up Chancery Lane, you’ll find The Griffin Pub, a long-time favourite for locals and visitors alike. With fantastic food, a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and a deep commitment to showcasing local musicians, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving an inviting night out.

🍻 Events All Month Long
From live bands to special holiday happenings, their December schedule is packed. Be sure to follow their social channels to keep up with all the festive fun.

Sip, Share & Celebrate – The Muskoka Way

For a refined yet relaxed evening, stop by The Muskoka Way, where you’ll find craft cocktails, fine wine, local beer, and beautifully curated charcuterie. They’ve just launched a brand-new drink menu, offering fresh flavours to pair perfectly with winter nights and holiday gatherings.

✨ Whether you’re toasting the season, catching up with friends, or enjoying a quiet night by the glow of the lights, this spot brings Muskoka charm to every glass.

Relax, Refresh & Rejuvenate This Holiday Season

Amid the festive excitement, twinkling lights, and bustling shops, the holidays are also a time to slow down, unwind, and treat yourself or someone you love to a moment of calm. Bracebridge is home to several incredible wellness spots offering soothing escapes from the winter rush.

Scalp Bar Muskoka – A Hydrotherapy Haven

New to Downtown Bracebridge, Scalp Bar Muskoka brings a fresh and unique wellness experience to the community. Specializing in Aveda hydrotherapy scalp treatments, they focus on hair loss support, scalp health, and overall relaxation all within a serene, spa-like setting.

🌿 Discover Their Signature Treatments
Explore their menu of specialized scalp wellness services through their website or social pages, and step into the holidays feeling refreshed from root to tip.

Seasonal Self-Care & Community Kindness – Neroli Spa

This December, Neroli Spa is celebrating the holiday season by giving back in a big way. With thoughtful promotions and a spirit of generosity, they’re offering guests the chance to enjoy wellness while supporting the community.

✨ Give & Receive – All Month Long

Bring a non-perishable food item → Receive 20% off your treatment

Bring a new, unwrapped toy → Receive 20% off your treatment

✨ Holiday Giveaway
Every treatment booked in December gives you a chance to win a Fresh Wife Gift Box. The perfect cozy treat to end the year on a high note.

It’s relaxation with heart, and the kind of seasonal spirit that fits perfectly with a Muskoka Christmas.

Thoughtful Gifting Made Easy – The Pedicure Room

This year, The Pedicure Room has taken the guesswork out of gift-giving with their new, delightfully simple idea:

✨ The “Here Is What I Really Want” Card

Because choosing the right gift shouldn’t feel stressful, they’ve created a charming little card that lets your loved ones share exactly what they’d enjoy from The Pedicure Room. No vague hints. No guessing games. Just clarity, care, and joy.

Perfect for:
🎁 Christmas wish lists
🎁 Partners who need gentle guidance
🎁 Friends & family who love pampering
🎁 Secret Santas
🎁 Anyone who deserves a moment of self-care

Pick one up at the spa, fill it out, pass it along, and let the gifting magic unfold.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit in Bracebridge

There’s no better time to embrace the magic of the season, and Bracebridge offers plenty of festive ways for families to get into the holiday spirit from cozy movie nights to classic Christmas traditions.

Spot Local Landmarks in a Holiday Movie – The Knight Before Christmas

Looking for a warm and cozy way to unwind after a day of winter adventures? Queue up The Knight Before Christmas, a charming holiday film with scenes shot right here in Bracebridge.

📽️ Filming took place in Bracebridge and Orillia between April and May 2019, so keep your eyes open for local landmarks as you watch!

🎄 The film is available on Netflix with a subscription, making it the perfect winter movie night pick.

Gather the family, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy a festive film that brings a little bit of Muskoka to the screen.

Capture Holiday Memories with Santa

Nothing sparks Christmas excitement quite like a visit with Santa Claus and families in Bracebridge have multiple opportunities to snap a keepsake photo before he heads back to the North Pole.

🎅 Photos with Santa at Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer

Saturday, December 6: 9 AM – 12 PM & 1 PM – 3 PM

Sunday, December 7: 9 AM – 12 PM & 1 PM – 3 PM

Wednesday, December 10: 5 PM – 8 PM

Bring your little ones, gather the whole family, and enjoy a festive visit with Santa himself, the perfect way to add a little extra wonder to the season.

Explore Bracebridge’s Winter Trails

For those who find their holiday spirit in the quiet beauty of nature, the trails in and around Bracebridge offer a magical winter escape. Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air, snowy treetops, and peaceful forest paths that define Muskoka winters.

One local favourite is the Bracebridge Resource Management Area, where winding trails lead you through scenic woodlands and serene landscapes transformed by fresh snowfall. Whether you're out for a leisurely walk, a refreshing snowshoe, or simply to admire the winter scenery, it’s a perfect way to reconnect with nature during the busy holiday season.

Take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and enjoy the serenity of the snowy season.

Wrapping Up the Magic

From parades and scavenger hunts to cozy cafés, lively pubs, soothing spas, and festive family traditions, Bracebridge is overflowing with holiday cheer this season. Whether you’re exploring downtown, supporting local businesses, or simply soaking in the magic of winter in Muskoka, there are countless ways to make meaningful memories.

So, bundle up, head out, and let the lights, music, flavours, and spirit of the community guide you into the holiday season.

Merry Christmas, Bracebridge — and happy holidays to all! 🎄✨

Bracebridge Wrapped: Your December Guide