Guelph Holiday Break Guide: 5 Family-Friendly Activities for Kids

Victoria Furdui • December 8, 2025

Winter break is the perfect time for families to slow down, spend time together, and make some cozy seasonal memories. Whether you’re looking for festive outings, outdoor adventures, or kid-friendly indoor activities, Guelph has plenty to offer while school is out. Here are some great family events and activities to enjoy during the holiday break!

1. A Very Charlie Brown Concert
When: Sunday, December 21, 2pm & 7pm
Where: River Run Centre: 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph
Bring the whole family to enjoy a cherished holiday classic brought to life on stage. A Very Charlie Brown Concert celebrates Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas, performed by a talented jazz trio and accompanied by a children’s choir, The Kingsbury Music Singers. This heartwarming concert is a perfect way to get kids into the festive spirit with the music they know and love. Buy your tickets here!

2. Family Movie Night: Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018)

When: Monday, December 22 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Guelph Public Library: 1 Starwood Drive, Guelph

Kick off the winter break with a cozy family movie night at the Guelph Public Library. Enjoy popcorn and a screening of Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018), a feel-good holiday film kids will love. It’s the perfect way to ease into the break and spend relaxed time together. Register here!

3. Holiday Toys and Games Drop-In

When: December 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31 & January 2, 3, 4 | 10am - 5pm
Where: Guelph Civic Museum: 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph
Add some playful fun to winter break with the Holiday Toys and Games Drop-In at the Guelph Civic Museum. Kids of all ages can explore puzzles, crafts, vintage toys, and hands-on games pulled from the museum’s vaults. It’s an easy, come-and-go activity that keeps children engaged, curious, and entertained throughout the day.

4. Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas

When: Monday, December 29, 2:30pm
Where: River Run Centre: 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph

Get ready for the most paws-itively magical show of the season! Magician Aaron Matthews and his remarkable team of talented dogs take the stage for an afternoon packed with high-energy tricks, hilarious moments, and heart-melting holiday charm. With mind-reading pups, dazzling stunts, and nonstop family fun, this one-day-only performance is guaranteed to be a holiday highlight. Bring the whole family and experience the magic! Buy your tickets here!

5. Skating at Market Square

When: Open daily (weather permitting)

Where: Guelph City Hall Market Square: 1 Carden Street, Guelph
There’s nothing more timeless than lacing up your skates and gliding under the open sky. Market Square’s outdoor rink is open daily (weather permitting) and offers a perfect spot for families to enjoy some fresh air, movement, and winter magic. Whether you're practicing your first strides or showing off your spins, it’s a simple, joyful way to add a little sparkle to the winter break. Bundle up and hit the ice!

Bonus: More Ways to Enjoy Winter Break

If you’re looking for extra inspiration between events, here are more great ideas to keep kids (and parents!) entertained:

  • Tobogganing at local hills
  • Indoor rock climbing
  • Escape rooms
  • FunVilla
  • Bowling
  • Arcades
  • Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
  • Pottery painting studios

Winter break goes by quickly — but with so many family-friendly activities happening around Guelph, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it. Whether you’re catching a concert, exploring local museums, or enjoying a little holiday magic, we hope this guide helps you fill the season with fun, connection, and memories. Stay warm, have fun, and enjoy the break!

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