The winter days may be short, but the list of reasons to explore Dufferin County is long! Whether you like to “weather” the weather by getting out in the snow or by staying extra cozy and warm, the winter months are a wonderful time to visit, experience and explore Dufferin.

“Dufferin County is fun to explore year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the winter months, with something for everyone to enjoy – from skiing, snowboarding and après, to arts, culture, amazing shops and more,” says Jasmine Panesar, Economic Development Officer, Dufferin County. “We encourage our residents to bundle up and explore all the gems in their own backyard. And for those out of town visitors, Dufferin County is less than an hour from Toronto! We also encourage local and visiting tourists alike to check out the Explore Dufferin Guide and exploredufferincounty.ca for ideas on how to make warm winter memories in Dufferin.”

If the great outdoors are calling you, try a hike through the various tracts of the Dufferin County Forest, ski or snowboard down the snow-covered hills of Hockley Valley Resort, load up your fat bike and explore the trails at Mansfield Outdoor Centre or explore the magical wintery landscapes of Island Lake Conservation Area. Ice fishing is a favourite for a day out with friends or family!

Explore Dufferin’s history, inspiring art exhibits, and hands-on workshops at the Museum of Dufferin or be whisked away into the magical story of Sleeping Beauty…A Fairy’s Tale at Theatre Orangeville.

If a delicious treat is calling your name, spend a day enjoying a drink at a unique brewery, browsing the indoor Orangeville Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, or taking in the cozy ambience of a coffee shop before making the short, dark days a little brighter with a warm dinner at one of the many restaurants that light up Dufferin’s streets.

And from book sales to tree lightings and even frigid polar bear dips, there’s a full calendar of fun, local events to keep you busy, connected and entertained, all winter long.

For more details on Dufferin’s food scene, events and inspiration and detailed itineraries by interest, browse Dufferin County’s Explore Dufferin Guide or check out exploredufferincounty.ca. Physical copies of the Guide are available at various locations throughout the county and are available for pick-up at the Edelbrock Centre. For businesses looking to stock up the guide, please email tourism@dufferincounty.ca to arrange a pick-up, drop-off or mail out.

Holiday Treasures Arts and Crafts Sale

November 27 – December 8, 2024, 10 am – 4 pm, daily

Museum of Dufferin, 936029 Airport Road, Mulmur

Shop the works of vendors, makers, and craftpersons in the Main Gallery of the Museum of Dufferin. From jewelry, pottery and woodworking to one-of-a-kind textiles and art, our market is the perfect chance to pick up handmade gifts. You can support our small local businesses this season, all in one stop!

84th Annual Grand Valley Santa Claus Parade

November 30 | 1 – 8 pm

Grand Valley and District Community Centre and Downtown Grand Valley Town of Grand Valley

• Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus from 1 to 4 pm – Grand Valley and District Community Centre
• Family Free Skating Party from 3 to 5 pm – Grand Valley and District Community Centre
• Parade from 7 to 8 pm – Downtown Grand Valley

Christmas in the Park

December 1 – 31 | 5:30 – 10 pm

Kay Cee Gardens near 29 Bythia St, Orangeville

Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to this spectacular display of lights in Kay Cee Gardens, every night in December.

Horning’s Mills Christmas in the Mills

November 30 | 2 – 4:30 pm

14 Mill Street, Melancthon

Come take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and hear a story read by the man in red himself! This free event includes caroling and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Archivist on the Road @ Shelburne Public Library – Christmas Postcards

December 12 | 6 – 7 pm

Shelburne Public Library, 201 Owen Sound St. Shelburne

Museum of Dufferin’s Archivist Extraordinaire, Laura Camilleri, will be back at Shelburne Library and this time with Christmas postcards! Contact Shelburne Public Library for more details.

Grand Valley Lions Annual Polar Bear Dip

January 1 | 12 – 2 pm

Stuckey Park, Mill Street East, Grand Valley

Dippers raise funds by collecting pledges (minimum $20 to dip) for the Grand Valley Food Bank. Registration starts at 12 pm with the Dip at 1 pm sharp

Winterfest

February 2 | 12 – 4 pm

Mono Community Centre, 754483 Mono Centre Road, Mono

Put on your winter gear and come out to the annual Winterfest event! Embrace the wintery chill and enjoy activities like cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, bonfire, warm treats, the snowflake draw, live music and our community information booths.

Family Ski Day

February 17 | 9:30 am – 4 pm

Monora Park Ski Trails, 500 Monora Park Drive, Mono

Mono Nordic Ski Club is a community-based, non-profit cross country ski club located five minutes north of Orangeville in the Town of Mono. The Club is one of the most popular in Southern Ontario, with membership fees among the most affordable in Ontario for both recreational skiers & racers alike, due to the commitment of our many volunteer members. It has 16 kilometres of trails designed to cater to all levels of skiers from novice to expert with a variety of trails groomed for classic, skate skiing or both. The two kilometre Red A trail loop is lit for night skiing until 9 pm and all other trails are open until 7 pm. Try cross-country skiing with Mono Nordic. Free for all to attend, no cost for equipment rentals or trail fees.

Island Lake Ice Fishing Derby

February 8 to 17, 2025

Island Lake Conservation Area, 673067 Hurontario St.

Anglers, take note! The February Fishing Derby at Island Lake is the first of two hosted each year – the second hosted in July, come warmer conditions. Funds raised through the Island Lake Derbies support Friends of Island Lake projects at Island Lake Conservation Area.

Great Canadian Pondspiel

January 25, 2025

Island Lake and Orangeville Curling Club

Enjoy two thrilling games “on the pond” at Island Lake and one at the Curling Club, with courtesy shuttles ensuring seamless transportation. Delight in a pancake breakfast before or after your first game, followed by a scrumptious lunch of pizza, salad, and dessert after your second. Snacks will keep you energized for your third game, while a silent auction offers treasures in the lounge. Every participant receives a swag bag, and with winners for each draw, there’s plenty of chances for glory. Register online now for a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the ice!