The Town of Bracebridge has been recognized with the Municipal World WinterLife Award, celebrating the community’s outstanding efforts to create meaningful winter experiences and bring residents and visitors together throughout the winter months.
The award recognizes communities that demonstrate outstanding achievement in community engagement during the winter. Bracebridge’s submission highlighted the community’s vibrant winter season, including the Festival of Lights and Fire & Ice Festival, as well as the many businesses, organizations, volunteers and residents who help bring these experiences to life.
Festival of Lights
A collaboration between the Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge BIA, the Festival of Lights brings the community together to celebrate the unofficial start of the holiday season. The evening features live entertainment, family activities, Santa, a holiday train and a fireworks countdown, while local businesses stay open late and contribute to the festive downtown atmosphere.
The celebration continues throughout the holiday season with initiatives such as the Let It Glow holiday window display contest and the Bracebridge BIA’s Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the downtown and support local businesses.
Fire and Ice Festival
In January, the community embraces winter in a different way with Fire & Ice, another collaborative effort involving the Town, Downtown Bracebridge BIA, local businesses, community organizations, sponsors and volunteers.
The festival transforms Manitoba Street into a winter playground, featuring the iconic downtown tube run alongside a variety of activities for attendees of all ages, including skating, snowshoeing, ice sculpting, curling, mini hockey, fire pits, live entertainment, food and more.
The January 2026 festival was supported by approximately 110 volunteers, ranging in age from 14 to 75. These contributions are one example of the community-wide participation that makes Bracebridge’s winter events possible.
Year-Round Economic Support
Winter programming provides an important opportunity to support the local economy during a traditionally quieter tourism season. Fire & Ice brings residents and visitors into the downtown to shop, dine and participate, while local accommodations and businesses benefit from increased activity around the festival.
The Town’s award-winning winter season is ultimately a reflection of a community that chooses to embrace the season.
For more information about winter events and activities in Bracebridge, visit bracebridge.ca/events.
Bracebridge recognized with Municipal World WinterLife Award
