Gravenhurst is the first of the lake towns you reach heading north on Highway 11, and most visitors know it for summer: steamship cruises from the Muskoka Wharf, boats on Lake Muskoka, patios over the water. The boats come out in autumn, but the town does not shut down. From early November to the end of the winter carnival in February there is plenty to fill a weekend, and you will have more of it to yourself.
This guide covers what is open, what is on and how to plan around the weather. Dates below are for the 2026–27 season; check the linked organisers before you travel, because winter programmes can change at short notice.
The holiday season: Gateway to the Holidays
The Town of Gravenhurst groups its November and December events under the name Gateway to the Holidays, and it is the busiest stretch of the winter.
Markets almost every weekend
The season opens on Saturday, November 7 with the Christmas Market in the Park at Gull Lake Rotary Park, an outdoor market run by the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a visit from Santa in the afternoon. After that the town's calendar lists a market almost every weekend, including one inside the Gravenhurst Opera House on November 21.
The biggest is the Experience Muskoka Christmas Market at the Muskoka Discovery Centre on November 28 and 29, with local artisans and makers, Santa visits from 1 to 3 p.m. both days and admission by donation.
Parade day and Light up the Wharf
Saturday, November 28 is the day to be in town. The 73rd annual Santa Claus Parade runs through downtown at 11 a.m. In the evening, from 5 to 7 p.m., Light up the Wharf brings a tree lighting and fireworks to Cockburn Square on the Muskoka Wharf. With the Discovery Centre market running in between, you can fill the whole day without moving the car.
An evening at the Opera House
The Gravenhurst Opera House gave its first performance on March 12, 1901. Residents needed a new town hall after a fire, and the plans grew into an opera house that some locals called a folly. It closed for safety reasons in 1993 and reopened in 1995 after a $3-million community restoration. From 1948 to 1955 the Straw Hat Players staged their summer seasons here, which is why the town calls it the birthplace of summer theatre in Canada.
The winter programme for 2026 includes:
- Oh Christmas Tea, a British holiday comedy, on November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sharon, Lois & Bram's Candles, Snow & Mistletoe on December 5 at 2 p.m., a good choice for families
- Johnny Max's A Bluesy Christmas on December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- John McDermott: A Family Christmas on December 12 at 3 p.m.
Book through the Opera House box office. Holiday shows in a hall this size tend to sell out.
The Muskoka Discovery Centre, open all year
The Muskoka Discovery Centre on the wharf is the best rainy-day or snowy-day option in town, and it stays open through the winter. From October 22, 2026 to May 25, 2027 it is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $25 plus HST and children aged 2 to 12 are $10 plus HST; booking online saves 10%. The building is fully wheelchair accessible and parking is free.
Inside are galleries on Muskoka's steamships, wooden boats and resort era, and an exhibit on Indigenous culture. It is a useful reminder that these lakes were Anishinaabe travel routes long before the steamers. Our guide to Indigenous Muskoka is a good companion read. If the steamship story catches you, read how the steamship era shaped the towns before you go.
Skating, snow and the winter carnival
Free outdoor rinks
The Town builds two outdoor rinks at the Wharf Sports Field, 1111 Bay Street. They are free to use. Natural ice depends on the weather: staff need snow for a base and several cold days before they flood, so the rinks usually open around the Christmas break and close by March Break. Check the Town's website or social channels for the current status before you pack skates.
For a longer skate through the woods, Arrowhead Provincial Park near Huntsville runs a well-known skating trail when conditions allow.
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival
The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is set for February 12 to 14, 2027, over the Family Day weekend. Its mascot, Skokie the otter, turns 57 in 2027 and gets a birthday party on the Friday. As with any winter festival, ice and snow decide some of the programme.
Dark skies on long nights
Winter nights are long, and the Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, a short drive west of town, was designated in 1999 as one of Canada's first. On a clear, moonless night the stars come out early enough to be home for a late dinner. Dress far warmer than you think you need, bring a red light, and read our stargazing guide before you go.
Where to eat and drink
- Sawdust City Brewing Co., 397 Muskoka Road North, has a taproom it calls The Saloon. It is currently open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- The Blue Willow Tea Shop looks out over the wharf and makes a warm stop between the museum and the boardwalk.
- After a night at the Barrens, Clear Lake Brewing Co. in Torrance is close by.
Winter hours at smaller places can be shorter than in summer, so call ahead.
Galleries and gifts
Independent shops make the markets worth the trip. Auburn Gallery of Fine Art on Royal Street is one of the town's galleries listed through our partner directory, ShopLocal. Just up Highway 11 in Bracebridge, the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Holiday Market runs from November 12 to December 23.
Where to stay
Gravenhurst has everything from lakeside resorts to small guest houses. Browse the directory for options such as Taboo Muskoka on Lake Muskoka and The Muskoka Rose Guest House & Retreat. Some properties change their services in the off-season, so confirm what is open when you book.
Planning tips
- Pick your weekend. For the full holiday atmosphere, go on November 28: parade, market and wharf lighting in one day. For snow, aim for February.
- Drive for winter. Snow can arrive quickly in Muskoka, and winter tires are strongly advised.
- Check opening days. The Discovery Centre is closed Monday to Wednesday in winter, and Bethune Memorial House operates seasonally, so check Parks Canada before you count on it.
