Victorian Christmas  

Thursday, December 12 and Friday, December 13, 2019

6 - 9 p.m.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Discover the magic of an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m. Listen to festive holiday music and embrace the Christmas spirit as you sample unique seasonal treats, and experience what Christmas looked like during the Victorian era. Stroll the lantern-lit pathways and Heritage Buildings as you explore Simcoe County's festive past. Listen to sleigh bells and feel the crisp winter air on your face as a horse-drawn wagon takes you on a journey through our beautiful forest. Visit the vendor booths for hand-made gifts and food items. Victorian Christmas is guaranteed to get the whole family into the holiday spirit! Once again, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services will be onsite to collect toys for local children. Guests can also support Barrie and District Christmas Cheer by purchasing a charming hand-made bowl from the Empty Bowls program. Admission to the event is by monetary donation with proceeds going to the Friends of the Simcoe County Museum. The Friends of the Simcoe County Museum support the programs and services offered by the Museum through the proceeds raised from this event, as well as other initiatives that occur during the year.

2019 Victorian Christmas Vendor Application - This event features several live musicians playing Christmas music throughout the Museum and in the Church, food samples, hands-on crafts for visitors to make and take home, horse-drawn wagon rides, and raffle draws. This is a special event with a variety of activities for families to enjoy, and not specifically a craft show. We have vendor spaces available, and they will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Items must be handmade by the vendor. In order to guarantee your spot, payment in full must accompany your application. Please pay by cash or cheque made payable to the Friends of the Simcoe County Museum. 

Winter Break Activities

December 21, 2019 - January 5, 2020

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

What do gingerbread men, Dreidels, and Easter egg hunts all have in common? They are all different ways to celebrate a few of our favourite holidays.

Join us this Winter Break as we celebrate Canadian holidays through games, crafts and activities. Everyday will be devoted to a different celebration. Come for one or come for them all! No registration required, and admission is by donation.

Saturday, December 21 – Hanukkah: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, I made you out of clay and at the Simcoe County Museum a tournament I will play. Join us today for a battle of the Dreidel. Winner will take home a sweet treat.

Sunday, December 22 – Christmas: Christmas is about family, giving, and yes food! Today at the Museum we will be decorating our own gingerbread men!

Monday, December 23 –New Year's Day: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Come to the Museum for some New Year’s fun! Make your own noisemaker to ring in the New Year.

Tuesday, December 24 – Valentine's Day: Today for one day only. We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in December. Join us to make a long distance hug to send to friends and family. Come in early, as we will be closing at 1 p.m.

Friday, December 27 – Easter: Hop on over to the Museum and join us for a special Easter Egg hunt, games and a craft.

Saturday, December 28 – Earth Day: What better way to celebrate our planet, than to make reusable produce bags to lessen our impact on the environment.

Sunday, December 29 – Victoria Day: Queen Victoria was not only Britain’s second longest reigning monarch, she is also the reason we get a day off in May. To celebrate her and the holiday we will be serving tea and scones in Victorian fashion.

Monday, December 30 – Eid-ul-Fitr: At the Simcoe County Museum the fast is over, and we are ready to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. Join us for a delicious snack.

Tuesday, December 31 – Canada Day: On Canada Day fireworks light up the night. At the Museum today, fireworks will light up our pages with our colourful craft.

Thursday, January 2 – Caribbean Carnival: Feel the rhythm in style. Come to the Museum and decorate your own mask, for this year’s Caribbean Carnival.

Friday, January 3 – Thanksgiving: We have made giving thanks easier by making a thankful wreath that you can showcase at your next family thanksgiving!

Saturday, January 4 – Halloween: Trick or Treat? Are you already missing Halloween, well for one day you can join us for tasty activity.

Sunday, January 5 – Diwali: Celebrate the festival of lights with us! Create your own clay light to help decorate your home for Diwali.

Seniors' Socials  

First Wednesday of the month, October 2, 2019 - June 3, 2020

2 - 3:30 p.m.

Friends of the Simcoe County Museum invites visitors to attend a range of captivating presentations at monthly Seniors' Social events from October 2 to June 3. Join our guest speakers in the afternoon of the first Wednesday of each month to socialize and learn about a wide variety of topics.  

Starting off the series on October 2, is a presentation on Fort Willow, offering insight into the history of this local conservation area, which has become a popular spot to visit during fall. On November 6, a speaker from the Base Borden Military Museum will recount Simcoe County's contributions and sacrifices during both world wars. A holiday reading of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is enhanced with a Magic Lantern show on December 4.  

Following the winter break, on February 5, attendees will learn about the mystery and history of the Avro Arrow. Just in time for the spring bird migration, Nature Barrie will speak on March 4. On April 1, a speaker will share little-known stories and local connections to the Titanic. To celebrate Museum Month, attendees will enjoy a special tour of the Simcoe County Museum on May 6. Finally, to end the season, on June 3, we look forward to a presentation about the renowned Blue Mountain Pottery; attendees are welcome to bring in their pieces and discover information about their origins.

These Seniors' Social events include light refreshments and run from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy the Museum for the remainder of the afternoon. Admission is $6 per person, with proceeds supporting Simcoe County Museum initiatives. Groups of five or more are asked to register in advance.