Welcome in winter with fun and festive events

Welcome in winter with fun and festive
Newmarket events

NEWMARKET, Ontario, December 14, 2009 - The sound of sleigh bells and the smell of peppermint is in the air. The winter season is once again upon us and what better way to keep warm than joining in on Newmarket's exciting events and activities.

Festival of Lights

From December 11 to December 31, visit Fairy Lake Park (Water Street) between 6 and 9 p.m. for a stunning display of festive twinkling lights. Enjoy a train ride on the Tim Hortons Express. The train will be in operation from December 11 to 20 and December 27 to 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. weather permitting.

Olympic Torch Community Celebration

On Friday, December 18, beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive), be a part of history as the Olympic Torch passes through Newmarket on its journey to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. For more information, visit www.newmarket.ca or www.vancouver2010.com.

22^nd Annual Nativity Pageant

From December 21 to 24 at Fairy Lake Park (Water Street), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in co-operation with the Town of Newmarket, will be presenting the Annual Christmas Pageant, "A Journey to Bethlehem", featuring a live cast and live animals. On December 21, 22 and 23, the performance will be repeated twice each evening at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Christmas Eve (December 24), the final presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Hot chocolate will be available and admission is free.

Tim Hortons First Night

On Thursday, December 31, celebrate New Year's Eve at the Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive) from 6 to 9 p.m. Fun family entertainment will include horse and wagon rides, bouncy castles, a climbing tread wall, mini golf, the Tim Hortons Express Train, face painting, balloon twists, crafts, skating and swimming. A free bracelet, noisemaker and hot chocolate will be limited to the first 4,000 people. At 9 p.m., a pyrotechnic grand finale countdown will be showcased.

Mayor's New Year's Levee

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at the Newmarket Community Centre (200 Doug Duncan Drive), join the Mayor and Council for refreshments and entertainment in celebration of the New Year. All welcome!

Winterfest

On Saturday, February 6 and 7, join in on the many fun-filled activities at Winterfest. February 6 indoor fun at the Community Centre (200 Doug Duncan Drive) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes a pancake breakfast, family bingo, face painting, hair wraps, pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, kids Valentine's crafts, an inflatable spiral slide, Harvo the Clown balloon twists, Caroline's Caricatures, Henna body art, a pottery wheel, a quilt raffle, a photography contest, therapy dogs, fire prevention, information booths, games and more.

Outdoor festivities on February 6 at Fairy Lake Park (Water Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes amusement rides, dog sled rides, pony rides, novelty photo boards, children's games, hot food and drinks, fish pond game, a ring toss course, John's chainsaw carving, horse drawn wagon rides, mini golf, snobowling, and a train ride on the Tim Hortons Express.

On Sunday, February 7 at the Ray Twinney Complex (100 Eagle Street West), free public skating with the Newmarket Hurricanes will be available from noon to 2 p.m. and free swimming from 1 to 4 p.m. The Winterfest Craft Sale will be held from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information on Winterfest 2010, call the Town of Newmarket at 905-895-5193.

Toyland at the Museum

On Monday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., come to the Elman W. Campbell Museum and enjoy their old-fashioned wooden toys (no batteries required!) and activities. See our model train, walk on stilts, and make a simple toy to take home. All old toys will be out to play. Admission is $2 per participant. For more information, call the Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street) at 905-953-5314. 

The Newmarket Theatre: Quality Entertainment in Your Own Backyard!

You don't have to travel far to see quality entertainment. The Newmarket Theatre (505 Pickering Crescent) presents a wonderful line-up this winter season which is sure to satisfy the appetite of all the entertainment buffs. Upcoming shows include:

Nutcracker Ballet
Saturday, December 20 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Geritol Follies Variety Show
Saturday, January 23 at 2 p.m.

For further information or to order tickets, call the Newmarket Theatre's 24-hour ticket order hotline at 905-953-5122 or visit www.newmarkettheatre.ca.

Skating and Swimming

In addition to the Town of Newmarket events listed above, the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex and Magna Centre have a variety of swimming and skating programs. For more information and scheduling, see the following public swimming schedule and skating schedule.

Youth Centre

There is a lot to see and do at the Newmarket Youth Centre this winter. Some programs include belly dancing, Teen Zeen, hip hop and boxing. For more information and other programs, see these Youth Centre Programs.

Special Needs Programs

This winter, the Town of Newmarket will be hosting a new and exciting array of programs for people of all ages with special needs. Activities are focused on meeting friends, developing skills and being active in a welcoming and supportive environment. Activities include life skills, fitness and arts programs. For more information, see the complete list of special programs.

Additional recreational activities and registration information can be found in the Winter and Spring Activity Guide. For further information on all Town of Newmarket events, please contact the Town at 905-895-5193 or www.newmarket.ca.

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Media contact:
Danielle Goodridge, Communications Specialist
Tel: 905-953-5300, ext. 2043 | E-mail: dgoodridge@newmarket.ca