It’s huge festive fun in Gravenhurst!
“We’re planning one of our famous Gravenhurst kick-offs to the Christmas season,” said Ann Curley, the executive director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. “We have put events in place that will help you plan the weekend ~ Friday November 26 and Saturday November 27^th ~ in Gravenhurst.”

The theme of the weekend lends itself to Christmases Past with ‘A Pioneer Christmas’ theme steering many of the events. Gravenhurst Yuletide activities begin at 6 p.m. the evening of November 26^th with a Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling at the Gravenhurst Manor. Sponsored by members of the Gravenhurst Business Improvement Association (BIA), the evening agenda includes a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Mayor John Klinck, music by various community choirs and homemade goodies.

Following the tree lighting, participants are urged to join the 3^rd annual Horse-drawn Christmas Caroling Tour that will run throughout downtown Gravenhurst from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Once again, we have had tremendous participation from our members for these rides. Those wishing to take part will be able to pick up the tour at the Gravenhurst Manor, the Gravenhurst Post Office, the Gravenhurst Opera House and then Bethune Memorial House. Jump off anytime to browse in our downtown shops or to join in the singing provided by the rotating choirs. For one, Trinity United Choir will be keeping warm by caroling in and out of our stores,” Curley said, adding that many merchants will be offering warming drinks and treats along the route.

You can arrive in timely style at Bethune Memorial House on John Street via the horse-drawn wagon. Bethune staff will be hosting their annual Victorian Christmas Lamplight Tour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. where all are invited to experience Christmas in 1890.  Admission is free with a donation to the food bank. 

Finish your evening with a dish of piping hot apple crisp and a mug of hot apple cider, tea or coffee at Knox Presbyterian Church, located at 315 Muskoka Road. As the oldest church in Gravenhurst – built in 1877 and home to Rev. Malcolm Bethune’s ministry (Norman Bethune’s father) from 1889 to 1893 – it is fitting that Knox will be decorated in true pioneer fashion for the tour. 

“We have tried to time these Friday evening events with an eye to the clock; Saturday morning the Big Guy is headed to Gravenhurst!” Curley said.

November 26 begins with the Annual Visit with Santa at the Gravenhurst Opera House from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

“Our annual Chamber Visit with Santa, prior to the parade, has become a tradition for many families in and around the area. We are expecting more than 400 children to make their requests to Santa in person,” Curley said, adding that Santa will be giving each child a small gift during their visit.

Parents who are hoping for photos of their children with Santa will be able to sign up and prepay the $5 fee on site with Gravenhurst Photo.

 Creative Pulse, a Gravenhurst company owned by Sarah North-Harris, is organizing family activities at The Op. Loot bag decorating, winter wonderland ornaments, face-painting and other family crafts will keep waiting children occupied until it is their turn on Santa’s lap.     

Members of the Gravenhurst Guiding Group will be manning the BBQ lunch specialties that will be available for purchase.

The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce is also pleased to play host to the Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade on November 27 beginning at 1 p.m.

“Our parade is one of the finest in Muskoka,” said Curley. “This year we have a theme that ties into the resurgence and popularity of the heritage theme. It’s “A Pioneer Christmas” and we’re looking forward to seeing some creative decorations!”

 “Our parade is fun and with close to 70 entries expected, it’s a great way for Gravenhurst residents to get into the Christmas spirit! However, without financial support from our Chamber members, the parade would not be as musical. Many thanks go to the Artemis Piano, Creative Pulse, Eden Place B&B, the Gravenhurst BIA, Gravenhurst Furniture, Gravenhurst Girl Guides, Gravenhurst Photo, the Gravenhurst Opera House, Ratcliff Auto Body and the Town of Gravenhurst for their sponsorship of this event!”

Curley explained that many bands use parades to fundraise and the Chamber approaches its members for sponsorship dollars to help cover band fees, advertising and other costs associated with the parade.

Curley pointed out that the Visit with Santa and the parade are true community events.

 “Those 500 bags don’t stuff themselves! Correctional Services Canada with the Beaver Creek work crews are volunteering time to make sure that all the bags are ready to go for the 27^h and the Gravenhurst Legion will do the Santa Claus Parade marshaling. The Chamber is grateful to both groups for their help with the events.”

The parade will follow its traditional route. Participants will marshal on Kelly Drive by Muskoka Leisureworld. The parade will travel north on Bethune Drive to Pinedale to First Street.  From there it will parade north on First Street to Winewood Avenue. From Winewood the route will follow Muskoka Road south to the Gravenhurst Opera House.

Just a reminder that Santa Claus parade application forms may be picked up at the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce at 685-2 Muskoka Road North at the corner of Muskoka Road North and Winewood Avenue. Please call the Chamber office at 687-4432 for a faxed application or email: chamber@vianet.on.ca for additional information.