Kiwanis Club of Barrie and local Tim Hortons owners return to support family festivities as award-winning Canadian country-rock band The Redhill Valleys headlines the annual holiday celebration

Barrie, ON – Mark your calendars! Downtown Barrie’s beloved Noella Tree Lighting Celebration returns Saturday, November 21, from 3 PM to 8 PM, bringing families, friends and neighbours together to officially welcome the holiday season.

This year’s celebration will once again feature the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie and local Tim Hortons owners, who return to sponsor the family and children’s activities and attractions. Adding to the excitement, the Downtown Barrie BIA is pleased to announce that The Redhill Valleys, winners of the 2025 Country Music Association of Ontario Award for Group or Duo of the Year, will headline the afternoon’s live entertainment at 4 PM in Meridian Place.

From festive family activities and live music to the Santa Claus Parade (Barrie Chamber of Commerce), Festival of Trees (Rotary Club of Barrie), Noella Tree Lighting Celebration (Downtown Barrie BIA) and Fireworks (City of Barrie), November 21 will bring together several of Barrie’s favourite holiday traditions in one downtown celebration.

The Redhill Valleys Headline the Noella Stage at 4 PM

This year’s Noella celebration will feature an exciting addition to the afternoon’s entertainment as The Redhill Valleys take the Meridian Place stage at 4 PM.

Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, the three-piece Americana and alternative-country band has earned national recognition for its rich harmonies, roots-driven guitar and classic rock influences.

Featuring Chelsea McWilliams, Tim Allard and Matt Soliveri, The Redhill Valleys draw inspiration from artists including Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young.

Winners of Group or Duo of the Year at the 2025 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards, the band has appeared at major festivals including Boots and Hearts, Big Sky and Cavendish Beach Music Festival, along with international performances at the UK’s C2C: Country to Country festival.

With songs including “Making Rumours,” “Rhinestoned” and their latest single “Easy Come Easy Go,” The Redhill Valleys will bring their signature Canadian country-rock sound to Downtown Barrie as the community gathers to celebrate the start of the festive season.

Following their performance, local musician Brett Caswell’s Choir Revolution will take the stage with a selection of holiday favourites, helping set the festive mood for the arrival of the annual Santa Claus Parade.

One Downtown. A Full Day of Holiday Traditions.

The Noella Tree Lighting Celebration is part of a coordinated community effort that brings together the Downtown Barrie BIA, Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Barrie Rotary Club and City of Barrie.

The Barrie Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Santa Claus Parade, bringing one of Barrie’s most anticipated holiday traditions through the downtown.

The Barrie Rotary Club’s Festival of Trees Light Displays will illuminate the waterfront, adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season.

Following the parade, Santa Claus will return to the Meridian Place stage to lead the community in the countdown to the annual Noella Tree Lighting Celebration, followed by the City of Barrie fireworks display to officially welcome the festive season.

The City of Barrie will assist with facilitating the day’s activities, supporting the coordinated effort to bring these community celebrations together.

Celebrating the Season by Giving Back

In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, the Noella Tree Lighting Celebration will also encourage residents and visitors to support two important community initiatives: the Barrie Food Bank and the Rock 95 and Kool FM Toy Drive.

Families attending the celebration are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy to help support local individuals and families during the holiday season.

The opportunity to give back adds another meaningful element to a day centred on community, generosity and coming together.

Further details about donation collection and the community initiatives will be shared as the celebration approaches.

A Downtown Tradition Worth Celebrating

For generations, the arrival of Santa Claus, the lighting of the Christmas tree and the first holiday celebrations of the season have brought Barrie families together downtown.

The Downtown Barrie BIA is pleased to continue that tradition alongside the community organizations, local sponsors and volunteers who help make the celebration possible.

With the return of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie and local Tim Hortons owners supporting family activities, award-winning Canadian musicians taking the stage and several of Barrie’s cherished holiday traditions coming together, Saturday, November 21 promises a memorable start to the festive season.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date, invite family and friends, and plan to spend the afternoon and evening in Downtown Barrie.

Save the date and stay tuned for more Noella announcements!

For event information and updates, visit www.downtownbarrie.ca and follow @downtownbarrie on social media.