December is here & you know what that means… Hello Holidays. Everyone knows this can be a busy month. With all of the twinkling lights and jolly Old Saint Nick, it can be hard to find the time to celebrate the season in all the ways you want to. We made a bucket list compiled of the best things to do this month all across the area. Here’s 12 ways to celebrate the holiday season in the Bay of Quinte.
- Stroll Through the Beautiful #ChristmasLights
Photo courtesy of the City of Belleville Bring some beauty to the start of your holidays. Take some time to slow down and enjoy Christmas lights & displays. Christmas at the Pier, in Jane Forrester Park comes alive with festive lights and live music every Wednesday at 7pm. If you’re in Quinte West make sure to visit the Christmas Fantasy Lights display. It’s a wonderful tribute to Doug Whitney, a man who sparked a lot of Christmas cheer in his time and who also loved Trenton very much.
- Enjoy a Magical Horse Drawn #CarriageRide
Spend the night in a fairy tale surrounded by sound of hooves and jingle bells. Enjoy the beautiful lights & majestic scenery from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage, snuggled up under a warm blanket. The County Carriage Company will take you on a 1-hour tour through Belleville, where you can view the most historic and breathtaking areas of the City. - #BoQGivesGoodGifts
Skip the lines & crazy traffic. Every town in the Bay of Quinte has a downtown full of one-of-a-kind, specialty stores. Find the perfect, unique gift for everyone on your list! From clothing to pottery, and house-hold items to bicycles- downtown stores have gifts you won’t find anywhere else. - Cut Your Own #ChristmasTree
photo courtesy of Denmar Farms Picking out & cutting down a Christmas tree with the family is a wonderful tradition everyone should experience. Denmar Farms is more than a walk in the woods. They have created a beautiful space where you & your family can not only get your tree, but embrace the Christmas spirit is so many other ways. They have complimentary hot chocolate, wagon rides, family photos, entertainment & a bonfire where you can warm up and roast marshmallows.
- Have a Holly Jolly #ChristmasParty
Christmas parties are a vital part of the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting or attending, sippin’ some festive drinks and dancing to your favourite Christmas music is sure to put you in the Holiday Spirit. If you & your friends are looking for a place to do some rockin’ around the Christmas tree, the Belleville Club is hosting a Holly Jolly Christmas Party. - A Christmas of #CulturalEvents
Photo courtesy of The Quinte Ballet School of Canada Christmas is a time to gather with those closest to you, so grab your friends and family and get your dose of classic festivities. The Quinte Ballet School of Canada‘s annual festive Holiday Dance features favourites from The Nutcracker by the school’s professional division. And, the Quinte Symphony, in its 57th year, hosts Christmas Traditions Old & New with guest vocalist Kim Dafoe.
- #SpreadtheLoveThis season, reach out and help those who aren’t as fortunate. Choose your form of volunteering–from donating to a children’s toy drive to helping family have a Christmas meal. Helping others will not only allow them to have the Christmas they deserve, but also allow you to remember what this holidays are truly about.
- Hit up a #HolidayMarket
Image courtesy of Signal Brewing Company Join local Bay of Quinte artisans from all industries to celebrate the season, and maybe find the perfect gift for that special someone! The Holiday Bizarre is happening at Signal Brewery. Sippin’ beer & fillin’ up on delicious treats seems like a pretty good way to do your holiday shopping. You can even get your picture taken at the Holiday Photo Booth.
- Have a #SkateDateThe holidays are about making memories, so lace up your skates and enjoy some quality time together. There are plenty of arenas that offer free indoor skating. Lucky for us, the Batawa community has developed a number of outdoor rinks for the public to use. Obviously this is very weather permitting, but once those rinks are ready the winter spirit will be in full effect… After all, nothing says winter in Canada better than skating on an outdoor rink.
- #DIY Decorations
Photo courtesy of Dahlia May Flower Farm Decorating your house should be the first thing on your list this season. Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit more than Christmas lights strung outside, a decorated tree & mistletoe hanging in your doorway. Add a personal touch to your decorations this year with a homemade wreath! Don’t have the crafty touch? Take a wreath-making workshop with Dahlia May Flower Farm.
- Catch a #HolidayFlick
Image courtesy of The Empire Theatre Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your own home or out on the town, take some time to relax and watch a great Christmas movie. The Empire Theatre is hosting a Christmas Movie Week featuring the best Christmas classics all week long.
- Cheer at a #HolidayHockey Game
The AHL and the OJHL both have great hockey teams in the region and games throughout the holiday season. Catch a Belleville Sens game at the newly renovated Yardmen arena in Belleville and make the most of your night with great food and drinks. With single tickets pricing starting at $22.50 its an affordable way to see NHL quality talent right here in the BoQ.The Duncan Memorial Gardens in Quinte West is home to the Trenton Golden Hawks who’s fans create an atmosphere that is comparable to an NHL game, albeit with a bit less of the flash. The quality of play on the ice coupled with the passion and enthusiasm of the hometown crowd creates a top hockey experience that is more than worth the $12 ticket price.
