The holidays in Barrie are busy, magical, and—let’s be honest—sometimes overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together these Barrie Holiday Tips to help families, workplaces, and friends enjoy the season without unnecessary stress. As both a mom and the co-owner of a local small business, I wanted to share some of my favorite ways to make the season special while still keeping things manageable.
1. Choose Experiences Over More “Stuff”
I’ve learned that memories last far longer than toys or gadgets. One of my favourite Barrie Holiday Tips is to choose experiences over adding more “stuff.”Taking your kids, friends, or coworkers to something interactive—whether that’s a skating night, a holiday market, or an escape room—means everyone leaves with a shared story. Barrie has so many options to pick from, and they all feel more meaningful than another wrapped box under the tree.
2. Plan a Corporate Gathering That Isn’t Just Dinner
If you’re planning a work holiday party, think about mixing it up. Restaurants downtown are always a hit, but pairing them with an activity—like a team escape room—adds an interactive element that gets people laughing and working together. It breaks the ice and makes the evening more memorable for everyone.
3. Start a Family Tradition That’s Just Yours
Growing up, my family always drove around to look at Christmas lights. Now, as a parent, I love adding a twist to that idea. Some families in Barrie make an escape room part of their holiday tradition, while others do board game nights, craft evenings, or cookie-decorating competitions. The “what” doesn’t matter as much as the fact you do it every year together.
4. Book Ahead for Popular Activities
This is my biggest tip: don’t wait until the last minute. December always fills up quickly for family outings and staff events. Whether you’re looking at skating rinks, theatre shows, or escape rooms, reservations go fast. Even if you’re not sure of the exact date, it’s worth getting something on the calendar so you’re not left scrambling.
5. Support Local: Holiday Activities at Home
As a small business owner myself, I can tell you that local support makes a huge difference—especially around the holidays. Shopping at independent stores, dining at local restaurants, or booking entertainment with businesses like ours helps keep the community strong. Plus, you’ll often find more unique experiences than what big box stores or chains can offer. There’s so much to do right here in our community. Check out Tourism Barrie’s website to keep updated on what’s new!
A Final Thought
The holidays don’t have to be complicated. Use these Barrie holiday tips and focus on experiences; they can be magical for families, friends, and even workplaces. If you’re curious about adding an escape room to your holiday lineup, you can check availability and book here. But whatever you choose, I hope you find time to laugh, connect, and make some new traditions this season.
— Kathryn, Mom & Co-Owner of Escape Room Barrie