Noella Kids Zone, The Redhill Valleys, Santa Claus Parade, Festival of Trees, annual Tree Lighting and fireworks highlight November 21 celebrations

Barrie, ON – The countdown to the holiday season is underway! On Saturday, November 21, from 3 PM to 8 PM, Downtown Barrie will come alive with festive activities, live entertainment and cherished community traditions as the Downtown Barrie BIA presents the annual Noella Tree Lighting Celebration in Meridian Place.

With the return of the popular Noella Kids Zone, award-winning Canadian country-rock band The Redhill Valleys taking the stage, and the excitement of the Santa Claus Parade, tree lighting and fireworks, families are invited to spend an afternoon and evening celebrating the start of the festive season in Downtown Barrie.

Festive Fun for the Whole Family

A favourite part of the Noella celebration is the opportunity for children and families to take part in the holiday excitement before Santa’s arrival.

Thanks to the returning support of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie and local Tim Hortons owners, the Noella Kids Zone will once again welcome families with festive-themed inflatables, holiday crafts and interactive activities.

Their continued sponsorship helps the Downtown Barrie BIA bring family-friendly attractions to the heart of the celebration, creating opportunities for children to play, create and enjoy the magic of the season.

This year’s activities will also feature a special holiday craft experience that connects young participants to one of Noella’s most anticipated traditions, with more details to be announced next week.

Live Music Sets the Stage for Santa’s Arrival

The Meridian Place stage will come alive with Canadian music as The Redhill Valleys headline the afternoon’s entertainment at 4 PM.

The Hamilton-based Americana and alternative-country trio, winners of Group or Duo of the Year at the 2025 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards, bring their signature blend of rich harmonies, roots-rock guitar and classic country influences to Downtown Barrie.

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

Together, the performances provide a musical lead-in to an evening filled with some of Barrie’s most anticipated holiday traditions.

One Downtown Celebration, Four Community Partners

November 21 will bring together several long-standing community celebrations through a coordinated effort involving the Downtown Barrie BIA, Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Barrie and City of Barrie.

The Barrie Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Santa Claus Parade, bringing Santa and the excitement of the holiday season through Downtown Barrie.

The Rotary Club of Barrie’s Festival of Trees Light Displays will illuminate the waterfront, creating a festive setting for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Following the parade, Santa Claus will return to Meridian Place to lead the community in the countdown to the annual Noella Christmas tree lighting.

The evening will conclude with a fireworks display presented by the City of Barrie, which also provides important facilitation support to help bring the day’s celebrations together.

The collaboration allows families to enjoy an afternoon of activities and entertainment before gathering for the parade, tree lighting and fireworks, all within Downtown Barrie.

Sharing the Spirit of the Season

The Noella Tree Lighting Celebration also provides an opportunity for the community to support local families during the holiday season.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Barrie Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for the Rock 95 and Kool FM Toy Drive.

These community initiatives add a meaningful opportunity to give back while celebrating the season together.

Make Downtown Barrie Part of Your Holiday Traditions

With family activities beginning at 3 PM, live entertainment throughout the afternoon and the excitement of Santa’s arrival, the Noella Tree Lighting Celebration offers a full afternoon and evening for families, friends and neighbours to enjoy.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, explore Downtown Barrie’s shops, restaurants and cafés, enjoy the Noella Kids Zone and stay for the Santa Claus Parade, tree lighting and fireworks.

As one of Downtown Barrie’s most cherished annual traditions, Noella continues to bring the community together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 21, and join us in Downtown Barrie for an afternoon and evening of festive family fun!

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.