BRACEBRIDGE · NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 4, 2026
The Festival of Lights
guide.
Two weeks of late-night shopping, fireworks and an evening Santa Claus Parade in the town that calls itself Santa’s summer home. Here is how to do it well.
THE PROGRAM
Three moments to plan around.
- 01
Moonlight Shopping Party & Street Festival
Downtown shops stay open late. Expect hot chocolate, food vendors, children’s crafts, an illuminated fire truck, a holiday train, visits with Santa and dancers performing in the shop windows. Fireworks start at 8 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive.
Event details - 02
Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt
Hidden elves are tucked into downtown businesses for the whole festival. Hunt them down as you shop; it is a great way to get kids into stores you might otherwise walk past.
- 03
Bracebridge Santa Claus Parade
Presented by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge–Muskoka Lakes, the evening parade runs along Manitoba Street and closes out the festival. Side streets close from late afternoon, so arrive early for a spot on the route.
Event details
Presented by the Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge BIA. Details can change, so confirm times with the organizers before you go.
SHOP & STOP DOWNTOWN
Where to spend the evening.
Algonquin Outfitters
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Shopping
Algonquin Outfitters
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Independent shop in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
Andreas Steak & Sea Food House
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Restaurants & food
Andreas Steak & Sea Food House
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Café in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
Basilico
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Restaurants & food
Basilico
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Café in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
Big River Baking Company
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Restaurants & food
Big River Baking Company
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Bakery in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
Black Dog Farm & Feed
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Shopping
Black Dog Farm & Feed
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Independent shop in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
Bonnie Lake Resort
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Places to stay
Bonnie Lake Resort
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Resort in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
Bracebridge Barrelhouse
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Restaurants & food
Bracebridge Barrelhouse
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Lake of Bays Brewing's two-storey Bracebridge brewpub, with barrel-aged beers brewed on site and wood-fired pizza.
Bracebridge Farmers' Market
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Shopping
Bracebridge Farmers' Market
Bracebridge, Muskoka
A seasonal market featuring local growers, food producers and makers.
Bracebridge Golf Club
Bracebridge · Muskoka
Outdoor adventures
Bracebridge Golf Club
Bracebridge, Muskoka
Golf course in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT
Local tips.
- Park once and walk. Downtown is compact, and Manitoba Street is the spine of everything.
- Start at Bracebridge Falls and the Silver Bridge, then work your way up the main street.
- Moonlight Shopping is busiest between 7 and 8 p.m.; arrive at 6 to shop before the fireworks crowd.
- Dress for standing outside. Late November evenings in Muskoka are often below freezing.
- Make a weekend of it: Santa’s Village, High Falls and the Muskoka Brewery taproom are all within minutes.
DOWNTOWN BRACEBRIDGE BUSINESSES
Be featured in this guide.
A limited number of Festival partner spots put your shop at the top of this page and on the MuskokaOntario homepage through the holidays.