(Barrie, ON) – Residents can register for City of Barrie winter recreation and culture programming starting Tuesday, December 9. Effective tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2, customers can browse programs at play.barrie.ca and save them to their “Wish List”, to conveniently find desired programs when registration opens. Registration for non-residents starts December 16.
“The City’s Recreation and Culture Team is offering a lineup of special holiday drop-in activities, workshops, winter break camps, and events. Our holiday programs are packed with cheer for all ages and abilities—perfect for enjoying the season, staying active, and having fun!” said Kevin Datema, Director of Recreation and Culture Services. “Embrace the winter magic and enjoy the amazing opportunities our city offers to help make your holidays happy and healthy.”
The City is also offering the following special holiday programs throughout December:
- 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge: FromDecember 14–25 earn points by completing daily health-related tasks such as exercise, nutrition, or wellness habits. Pick up your Fitmas Challenge package on Monday, December 1, 2025, at front desks and fitness centres. Return the completed scorecard by January 4, 2026, to enter a draw for City of Barrie swag.
- Winter Break Camps: Kids aged 4–12 can enjoy sports, games and crafts over the holidays. One-day camps will be available at Peggy Hill Team Community Centre and East Bayfield Community Centre December 22, 23, 29, 30 and Jan 2, 2026.
- Holiday activities: Ornament & Card Making Class and Winter Wonderland program. For details visit play.barrie.ca.
Holiday Skating: Create classic winter memories by lacing up at the East Bayfield Community Centre, Peggy Hill Team Community Centre and Allandale Recreation Centre. For details visit play.barrie.ca.
Those looking for holiday gift ideas can purchase a recreation gift card at Allandale, East Bayfield, Peggy Hill Team, and Parkview Community Centres. Cards can be used towards drop-ins, recPASS memberships, registered programs, and facility rentals.
The City also provides a fee assistance program, called recACCESS, that offers support to low-income families and individuals in Barrie by providing qualifying participants with a recPASS membership and youth subsidies that can be applied to the registration fee for qualifying programs and activities.
Register for recreation programming opportunities including Winter Break Camps and holiday activities at play.barrie.ca, or visit barrie.ca/RecDropins for the most current schedule of drop-in offerings.
