Barrie, ON — As 2026 gets underway, Downtown Barrie is welcoming residents and visitors into a season filled with warmth, connection, and uniquely local winter experiences. From cozy dining and sweet seasonal trails to cultural festivals and outdoor fun, the downtown is alive with reasons to explore, gather, and support local all winter long.

The months ahead will feature a lineup of winter favourites and returning community events designed to bring people together, celebrate local businesses, and embrace the season.

What’s Coming This Winter in Downtown Barrie

• Localicious Prix Fixe Dining – A celebration of downtown’s diverse culinary scene, offering curated menus and special dining experiences from locally owned restaurants.

   

• Downtown Barrie’s Hot Cocoa Trail – Sip, Savour & Shop – A winter classic inviting visitors to warm up with creative cocoa stops while exploring downtown shops and cafés.

   

• City of Barrie Winterfest – Family-friendly outdoor fun, winter activities, and seasonal programming that highlight the joy of the colder months.

   

• Barrie Film Festival’s Reel Stories: Winter Documentary Festival – Thought-provoking films and storytelling that bring global and local perspectives to downtown screens.

   

• And so much more — including pop-up experiences, seasonal promotions, and community-driven activations throughout the winter.

Downtown Barrie remains a place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the season—whether that means sharing a meal, sipping something warm, discovering a new film, or simply taking a winter stroll along the waterfront.

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