It’s December…hang on and buckle up! The most wonderful time of the year has lots going on for families in Thunder Bay. Check out our roundup of events, which includes Santa visits, music, skating, movies and live theatre.
December 1
CP Holiday Train, 440 Syndicate Avenue (train depot)
It’s a magical moment when the brightly lit train comes down the tracks! This year’s musical performers are Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo. 8:45pm, free. (Early birds can go to Nipigon for the 5:30pm arrival.)
More info www.cpr.ca
Thunder Pride Christmas Mingle, Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
At this family-friendly event you can get a pic with Santa, do some holiday kids’ activities and enjoy story time. 2-5pm, free.
More info Thunder Pride on Facebook
Month of December
Slate Valley Christmas Trees, 464 Candy Mountain Road
Make some memories: pick out your own tree and cut it down, pose for a few pictures on a century-old sleigh, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Open weekends starting November 30, 11am-4pm, and December 19-23 by calling ahead.
More info Slate Valley Christmas Trees on Facebook
Thunder Bay Public Library, various locations
In addition to its usual programs, there are some fun, free holiday events going on at the TBPL this month. Consider: window painting and stories (December 4, 4:30-7pm, County Park), a Frozen 2 party (December 7, 10:30-12:30pm, Waverley, registration recommended), the Rodney Brown Christmas Sing-a-Long Concert (December 14, 2-3pm, Mary J. L. Black) and a Christmas puppet show and craft (December 18, 10:30-11:15am, Brodie).
More info www.tbpl.ca and click on Events
Pictures with Santa:
Intercity Shopping Centre
Santa is available for pictures at the ISC every day right up until Christmas (check the schedule for times). And, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:45 until December 20, you can have story time with Santa.
Vanderwees Garden Centre
A talented and busy guy, Santa is also visiting Vanderwees on November 30, December 1, December 14 and December 15, 11am-3pm.
December 6
Shrek the Musical Jr., Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and the rest of the gang are putting on a big show on the big stage, courtesy of local youth performers. 7pm, tickets required.
More info All the DAZE Productions on Facebook
December 7
Community Day at the Movies, SilverCity
Free Christmas movies—yes please! Choose from a variety of holiday movie classics. 9-11am, free, with proceeds from concessions going to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
More info Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay on Facebook
21st Annual Parade of Lights, Memorial Avenue
This fundraiser for local charities is always a fun event—where else can you see a helicopter, motorcycles or big rigs bedecked with zillions of lights? A portion of the route is also sensory-friendly for families living with autism. Free, 7pm.
More info www.paradeoflights.ca
Skate Night, Fort William Gardens
Bring your skates and helmet for a fun hour of family skating at the Gardens 6-7pm, free.
More info City of Thunder Bay Children’s Programs on Facebook
December 7-8
Ignite the Fort, Fort William Historical Park
The fort is decked out for the holidays, with a Santa visit, sleigh ride, holiday crafts, storytelling, cookie decorating and more. 1-6pm, admission required (kids 5 and under free). You can also head to the Star of Bethlehem event at the Observatory to learn more about the stars, from 6-8pm.
More info www.fwhp.ca
December 8
Some Kinda Christmas Show 25th Anniversary, TBCA
This holiday show combines live performances, classic cartoons, music, dance, juggling and of course Santa. Free, doors open at 1pm and show starts at 2pm.
More info Some Kinda Christmas Show on Facebook
December 12
Shaw’s Rockin’ Santa Skate, Fort William Gardens
There’s skating and music of course, but also face painting, games, and visits from Santa and the Thunderwolves 7-9pm, $3 admission per person. Bring your skates and helmet.
More info PRO Kids on Facebook
December 12-14
Fiddler on the Roof Jr., Paramount Theatre
This classic musical has been adapted for young audiences (now your kids will understand why you tear up at “Sunrise, Sunset”!) 7pm, tickets required.
More info Paramount Live on Facebook
December 14
Family Favourites, SilverCity Thunder Bay
Watch Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch on the big screen. 11am, $2.50 admission
More info www.cineplex.com
Winter Wonderland, McKellar Park school gym
This is an indoor winter festival with all kinds of activities for kids. 1-4pm, free.
More info City of Thunder Bay Children’s Programs on Facebook
December 14-15
Dog Man Party, Toy Sense
If you’ve got a Dog Man book fan in your house, head to Toy Sense to meet him in person.
11am-3pm, Saturday at May Street location and Sunday at Bay Street location.
More info Toy Sense on Facebook
December 21
Through the Wardrobe (A Narnian Christmas), Urban Abbey
Beautiful Urban Abbey is the perfect setting for a family Christmas event with a Narnia theme. Hear the Narnia story, try some Turkish delight, fight with foam swords, make Christmas crafts, get your picture with Father Christmas and of course, meet some favourite characters. 2-6pm, free (donations welcome).
More info Urban Abbey on Facebook
December 22 and 29
Winter Funday, Prince Arthur’s Landing
Details are yet to come, but these family-friendly events are always worth checking out. Free, 2-4pm.
More info Thunder Bay Culture & Events on Facebook
December 31
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic, Fort William Historical Park
Go snowshoeing, skating and tubing, make a New Year’s craft or try out the games gallery, scavenger hunt and science area. Ring in the New Year (just a little early) at the end of the night with a fireworks display. 6-10pm, admission required.
More info www.fwhp.ca
Visit tbaywithkids.ca or follow us on Facebook to get your list of great family-friendly events and activities in Thunder Bay, all in one handy place!