[Watershed Presents]

Festive Family Fun

Bundle up in your cold weather gear and find a new holiday tradition.

ALTHOUGH YOU MAY PREFER TO CURL UP BY THE FIRE AND STAY PUT for most of the winter – why not bundle up in your best cold-weather gear and head outside into the cold and feel the crisp air on your cheeks, smell the wood smoke from a crackling fire, and experience the joy of making new friends and new traditions.

Celebrate the season in true Victorian style at Trenton’s Downtown with Dickens event on December 1. Stroll en plein air through the Christmas Market, sing along with carolers, and sample complimentary apple cider and Christmas cookies – a nod to a bygone era. Visit quintewest.ca.

What old-fashioned Christmas gathering wouldn’t be complete without caroling, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and a bonfire? Christmas at the O’Hara Mill in Madoc, on December 1 & 2, is the place to be to get into the holiday spirit. Call 613- 473-2084 or visit ohara-mill.org.

It’s beginning to look a lot like a Pioneer Christmas. Discover what life was like for the early settlers. Stroll through the pioneer village and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. December 1 & 2 with Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village, Keene. Call 705-295-6694 or visit langpioneervillage.ca.

Travel back in time to Ameliasburgh on December 2 for Christmas in the Village. Hop on a horsedrawn wagon that stops at the Old Town Hall, the library, the museum’s log cabin and the Victorian school house – each complete with its own special holiday program to highlight the festive season, email amelmuseum@pecounty.on.ca or call 613- 476-2148 ext. 2522.

Join the community celebration in Wesleyville Village for some Yuletide Caroling on December 7. Add your rendition of a Christmas classic to the harmony of voices that will fill this charmingly restored country church. Dress warmly, sing out loud and be sure to arrive early for this festive family event. Visit wesleyvillevillage.com.

Yule love Warkworth! This Trent Hills village presents Magic Under the Stars on December 7, 14 & 21. Festivities include a visit from Santa, holiday pop-up shops, mulled wine, hot chocolate, Christmas choir, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, warming stations, and a raffle. Visit warkworth.ca.

Prepare to be upstaged by a braying donkey or a melodic mule during the Caroling with the Donkeys event on December 16 at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, just outside of Roseneath. Meet the animals, enjoy live Christmas music and complimentary refreshments. And you can pick up donkey calendars, decorations and cards for the favourite people on your Christmas list. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Call 905-352-2772 or visit primrosedonkeysanctuary.com.

Story by:
Stephanie Campbell

[Winter 2018/2019 departments]