Twelve days of celebrating the holidays in Guelph

WERONIKA SZCZYPKA

December is a wonderful time of year. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season takes over as students prepare for holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. During this time, many might want to participate in the various holiday activities. Guelph has a variety of fun and affordable activities students can engage in!

ICONS BY FLATICON

• 1. Moe Hill Tobogganing Looking for a place to get your winter thrill in? Look no further! Guelph’s famous tobogganing hill, known to locals as ‘Moe Hill’ is by far the biggest and best hill to bring your sleds to. The hill is located off of Municipal Street just behind the Royal City Tennis Club, and is definitely a must-do during the winter season.

• 2. Skating Rink Downtown Whether you’re a pro skater or just a beginner, the downtown skating rink is the perfect place to get your physical activity in. This adorable little skating rink can be found right outside of Guelph’s City Hall! Come by during the day or enjoy a nice lit up evening skate. Don’t have skates? No worries! Visit Play It Again Sports and grab yourself a used pair for some sliding and gliding fun!

• 3. Build a Snowman on

Johnston Green A tradition that seems to be repeated yearly is building snowmen! However, as a University of Guelph student, the ideal place to practice this tradition in our very own Johnston Green! Grab your friends and make an entire snowman community!

• 4. Walk in Hanlon Creek

Conservation Area The arboretum is well known for being a beautiful place to go for a walk, but if you’re looking to change things up, the Hanlon Creek Conservation area is an excellent way to get in touch with nature. There is a wide variety of trails, with different terrains. If you love wildlife, this conservation area is bustling with it! From deer to owls, you can almost always see some cute critters on your hike. Feel free to observe them but ensure to not intervene in their own holiday activities!

• 5. Guelph Covered Bridge - Speed River If you’re in Guelph often, chances are you’ve seen the covered bridge, downtown by the Speed River. Right behind the beloved Boat House, the covered bridge is an adorable wooden bridge that leads to the trails by the Speed River. At night, the bridge is lit up with wonderful colours, giving it a very Hallmark Holiday feel.

• 6. Hot Chocolate At

Chocolats Favoris Perhaps you’ve heard of Chocolats Favoris? Given the fact chocolate is in their name, it’s no wonder chocolate is their specialty! This store is known for their chocolate dipped ice cream in the summer, however in the winter, hot chocolate is the way to go! Add some marshmallows and warm up inside their cozy store or grab a box to go and make it at home.

• 7. Gingerbread House

Building - With The Grain Want a fun activity for a night in? Look no further! Grab your friends and head over to any grocery store to grab some gingerbread house building kits. For those looking to shop local, With The Grain bakery has gingerbread house kits available during the season. It’s an easy, fun, and delicious craft which you can do by yourself or with your friends. Most grocery store kits come with some base candies, but if you’re looking to level up, grab some of your own tasty treats and put a twist on your gingerbread house.

• 8. Play with Clay Have your artistic juices been flowing? If you want a fun hands on activity head downtown Guelph to ‘Play with Clay’. Grab a kit to take home, or enjoy sculpting and painting your own creations right in store. Open until midnight most days, this is a fun activity to do at any time during the day. Make a holiday themed ornament to decorate your room or to give to a loved one as a fun DIY gift.

• 9. Guelph Storm Game For Sports Fans, watching a winter sport is a great way to keep the excitement going! Our very own OHL team the Guelph Storm never ceases to disappoint. Win or lose, it is a guarantee you’ll get a kick out of the game. The games offer a cheerful spirit, as well as fun raffles, contests, and general good times. Ensure that before or after the game, you check out the Old Quebec Street Mall connected right to the arena! With old style archtiecture and hanging string lights this is a lovely place to take some fun photos post game.

• 10. Stone Road Mall Santa

Photos Do you believe in magic? Get your fill by booking a Santa photo shoot with your friends. The Stone Road Mall invites a special guest from the North Pole each year to meet and greet Guelph’s residents! If you want to feel the magic of Christmas, this is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, making you feel like a kid again.

• 11. River Run Centre

Christmas Shows The River Run Centre is known for always putting on various concerts and theatrical shows! Despite being a little theatre, they’re production never fail to disappoint. During the holiday season you can catch many great shows to put you into the holiday spirit.

• 12. Holiday Movie Marathon Home Alone anyone? What better way to celebrate the holiday season than watching all your favourite holiday classics. Invite your friends, get dressed in your holiday pjs and relive your childhood.