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Fun, Free, and Affordable Things to Do This December in and Around Guelph
Andra Arnold • November 30, 2024
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better time to explore what our community has to offer. Whether you’re looking for festive family activities or cozy date ideas, Guelph and the surrounding areas have plenty of fun, free, or budget-friendly options to enjoy.
1. Guelph’s Sparkles in the Park
This beloved annual event transforms Riverside Park into a holiday wonderland with dazzling light displays, holiday music, and refreshments. Admission is free, though donations to the Rotary Club of Guelph are encouraged.
When: December 15–31, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Where: Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich Street, Guelph
2. Elora Christmas Town & Market
This picturesque village transforms into a Christmas wonderland with festive chalets, cozy fire tables, and artisan markets. Visit for unique shopping, delicious seasonal treats, and live entertainment. Don’t miss the dedicated market day for even more curated vendors and holiday cheer.
When: Thursdays through Sundays,
November 21–December 29, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Where: 55 Mill Street West, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
3. Rockwood Conservation Area Winter Walks
Enjoy serene winter scenery with affordable admission: see prices here. Bring your camera to capture the frozen waterfalls and stunning limestone cliffs.
When: Daily in December (daylight hours)
Where: 161 Fall Street South, Rockwood
4. Spirit of the Season - Downtown Guelph
Celebrate the winter season at the Spirit of the Season festival, taking place over two full weekends in December. From December 6th to 15th, Downtown Guelph will be filled with festive cheer and community spirit. The event features an indoor and outdoor Christmas Marketplace with local vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats.
The Guelph Community Santa Parade, happening on Saturday, December 7th at 5:00 PM, will be followed by the Santa Run, where participants can join in the fun before the holiday festivities begin. Afterward, head to City Hall for the Mayor & Council Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6th.
The Storefront Window Decorating Contest will also add extra sparkle to the event, with businesses competing for the best festive displays. Voting for the contest will be open from December 6th to 15th.
When:
Christmas Marketplace:
Weekend 1:
Friday, December 6, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 8, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Weekend 2:
Friday, December 13, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, December 14, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 15, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Guelph Community Santa Parade & Santa Run: Saturday, December 7, 5:00 PM
Mayor & Council Tree Lighting: Friday, December 6, Time TBD
Storefront Window Decorating Contest: Voting open from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 15
Where: Historic Downtown Guelph
5. Free Skating at Local Rinks
Lace up your skates and enjoy free or low-cost family fun at these local arenas. The Victoria Road Recreation Centre and the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex both offer public skating during select days and weekends throughout December.
For a unique experience in the heart of Guelph, head to the Downtown Guelph Rink at 3 Carden Street, where you can skate for free daily, weather permitting. It's the perfect spot for some outdoor fun in the city center.
This version keeps the original structure and just adds the Downtown Guelph Rink details as requested.
Where & When:
Victoria Road Recreation Centre, Guelph: Select days throughout December
Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, Fergus: Public skating on weekends and some weekdays (check their schedule)
Downtown Guelph Rink: 3 Carden Street, Guelph (daily, weather permitting)
7. Cambridge Winter Lights – Central Park
Enjoy a self-guided walk through the Winter Ice and Lights displays in Central Park, lit up nightly from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The light installations, available until January 1st, can be seen from both foot and car, offering a festive atmosphere for all.
When: November 15, 2024 - January 1, 2025, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM nightly
Where: Central Park, 615 King Street East, Preston, Cambridge
7. Santa Claus Parades
Each parade offers unique floats, holiday music, and opportunities to see Santa.
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:30 PM
Where: Downtown Guelph, beginning at Woolwich Street
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:30 PM
Where: Downtown Fergus
Rockwood Farmers' Parade of Lights:
When: Saturday, December 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Where: Downtown Rockwood
December in Guelph and surrounding areas offers plenty of ways to embrace the holiday spirit while staying on budget. From parades to light shows and winter walks, there’s something for everyone!
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