December is a time for balancing chillaxing downtime with some cool family events. Here’s your info on parades, sing-alongs, live music, the Holiday Train, New Year’s Eve activities and more, all in Thunder Bay in December 2018.
Until December 24
Intercity Mall
The mall is offering lots of opportunities to visit with Santa, including breakfast with the big guy on December 2 at 9am at the food court and storytimes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:45am throughout the month.
More info www.intercityshoppingcentre.com
Month of December
Thunder Bay Public Library, various branches
The library has a bunch of free family activities this month, both Christmassy and non-Christmassy. Choose from options like professional storyteller Brad Woods (Waverley, December 14), Lego Family drop-ins (Brodie, Saturdays), a Christmas concert singalong (Mary J.L. Black, December 15) and Christmas storytimes and crafts.
More info www.tbpl.ca and click on Events
December 1
Sunshine & Snowflakes, Centennial Conservatory
Explore the Conservatory, which is all dressed up for Christmas. There will be refreshments, music and a children’s activity. 1:30-3:30pm, free but donations welcome.
More info Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory on Facebook
20th Annual Parade of Lights, Memorial Avenue
Lots of lights on lots of vehicles! This is a very fun holiday parade for the kids, which also raises funds for local organizations. This year there’s also a “sensory friendly” section (for friends on the spectrum) on Fort William Road at the end of the route. 7pm, free.
More info www.paradeoflights.ca
December 2
CP Holiday Train, 440 Syndicate Avenue South
A train bedecked with colourful lights is a magical sight for the littles. This year’s entertainment includes Terri Clark, Kelly Prescott and Sierra Noble. 8:30pm, free. Bring a donation for the food bank.
More info CP Holiday Train on Facebook
December 7
Rockin’ Santa Skate, Fort William Gardens
Get your skate on at the Gardens, with music, games, activities and a beginners' area.
7-9pm, admission required. Kids 12 and under must wear helmets.
More info PRO Kids on Facebook
Cirque Musica Holiday, Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Graceful, talented circus performers plus incredible holiday music by TBay’s symphony orchestra is a winning combination in this all-new performance. 7:30pm, admission required.
More info TBCA on Facebook
December 8-9
Ignite the Fort, Fort William Historical Park
There are all sorts of family activities on the go at the fort this weekend, from wagon rides and bannock-making to a scavenger hunt and ornament crafts. There’s also a tree lighting ceremony followed by a visit to the Observatory for the Star of Bethlehem astronomy night. 2-7pm for Ignite the Fort, 7-9pm for Star of Bethlehem, admission required.
More info www.fwhp.ca
December 8
Dutch Canadian St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) Celebration, West Arthur Community Centre
Celebrate the arrival of Sinterklaas aka St. Nicholas. Along with St. Nick’s visit there will be music and an animated slide show. 1:30-3:30pm, free.
More info Dutch Canadian Society of Thunder Bay on Facebook
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
Talk about multi-talented musical genes! MacMaster and Leahy, plus their kids, plus a host of other talented musicians are tuning up the fiddles for a night of Celtic Christmas music. 7:30pm, admission required.
More info TBCA on Facebook
December 9
Some Kinda Christmas Show 2018, TBCA
It’s the 20th anniversary for this classic variety show with music, magicians, comedy and more in support of the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund. 2pm, free, donations to the food bank welcome.
More info Christmas Cheer Fund on Facebook
Black Deeds in Whitehorse, Rose Valley Lodge and Restaurant
Tell the kids it’s totally fine (in fact, encouraged) to boo, hiss and cheer during this production by a local youth theatre group. 2pm, tickets required.
More info www.milehillmelodrama.ca
December 12-15
Elf Jr., Maple Tops
If Elf the movie gets lots of play at your house, you’ll be thrilled with Elf Jr. the musical, performed by talented local kids. 7pm, admission required.
More info Paramount Live on Facebook
December 15
TBSO Winter Concert: In the Holiday Spirit, TBCA
Santa, sing-alongs, ballet, and music from Frozen, The Polar Express, The Nutcracker and more make this a kid-friendly outing to the symphony.
More info www.tbso.ca
December 30
Winter FunDay, Prince Arthur’s Landing
The first Winter FunDay of the winter kicks off today, with indoor and outdoor activities at Marina Park. Free, 2-4pm.
More info www.thunderbay.ca
Family New Year’s Eve, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company
Celebrate a day early (why not?). Stay tuned for more information about this for-families afternoon event. Admission required.
December 31
Family Frolic, Fort William Historical Park
Games, live entertainment, music, indoor and outdoor activities and a midnight fireworks display are all happening at this family-friendly event at the old fort. 6pm-midnight, admission required.
More info www.fwhp.ca
Don’t miss out on family fun in Thunder Bay! Visit us at tbaywithkids.ca or follow us on Facebook.