Festivals
Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, December 6
Kawartha Conservation's Christmas at Ken Reid
Get ready for the magic of the season! The Annual Christmas at Ken Reid is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome families and visitors for a full day of festive fun.
Join us at Ken Reid Conservation Area on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this FREE family-friendly holiday celebration, held annually on the first Saturday of December.
Enjoy a day packed with seasonal activities and entertainment, including:
- Horse and Wagon Rides from Hyde Park Farms
- The Eyrie Birds of Prey Services
- Visits with Santa Claus
- Pony Petting Zoo by Walkabout Farm Theraputic Riding Association
- Balloon Animals from SuperNova
- SAW Woodworks Live Carvings
- Storybook Walk with the Grinch
- Live Music by Gerald Van Halteren Music
- Live Music by Keith Kirkpatrick
- Fun and Games with Ampere Association
- ARK (Autism Resources Kawartha) (all day quiet space in the birches)
- Vendor Market
- City of Kawartha Lakes Library with their Library of things and Story Time
- Kawartha Conservation Foundation
- And so much more!
Admission is free - donations are gratefully accepted to support future events and programming.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family for another unforgettable day of holiday cheer!
If you would like to Donate to Christmas at Ken Reid, you can do so by visiting our Donation page. Or reach out to Carolyn Snider at csnider@kawarthaconservation.com, or phone 705.328.2271 ext. 212.
Thank you to this year's sponsors
2025 Sponsors
Illuminated Forest Returns December 12–28 at Ken Reid Conservation Area
The winter magic returns this season as Kawartha Conservation’s Illuminated Forest once again transforms the front trails of Ken Reid Conservation Area into a glowing, white-light wonderland. From Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 28, visitors are invited to wander beneath the shimmering canopy, take in the peaceful glow of the forest, and enjoy an inspiring seasonal experience with family and friends.
New for 2025: Free Transit to Ken Reid Conservation Area
To help even more residents enjoy the Illuminated Forest, Kawartha Conservation and the City of Kawartha Lakes are partnering to provide free public transit from Lindsay to Ken Reid Conservation Area on:
- Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13
- Friday and Saturday, December 19 and 20
Visitors taking the City’s public transit can enjoy the event at no cost, with only the regular $4 per vehicle parking fee applying to those driving.
Transit Schedule
Lindsay (Canadian Tire Rear Parking Lot) to Ken Reid Conservation Area
From Canadian Tire (Reach Parking Lot) → Ken Reid
- 4:30 p.m. – First departure
- 5:30 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m. - Last Departure
From Ken Reid → Canadian Tire (Rear Parking Lot)
- 5:00 p.m.
- 6:00 p.m.
- 7:00 p.m.
- 8:30 p.m. – Final departure
- Arrives at Canadian Tire (Rear Parking Lot) at 9:00 p.m.
Location & Parking
This year’s Illuminated Forest will take place at the front of Ken Reid Conservation Area, with parking available in both the main dog park parking lot and the Administration Building parking lot, as needed.
- Illuminated Forest admission: Free
- Parking: $4 per vehicle, or free for transit riders
Donations
If you and your family have enjoyed the Illuminated Forest in previous years or would like to see it continue as a local holiday tradition, please consider donating to ensure Kawartha Conservation can continue to support community events, such as the Illuminated Forest.
Partner Organization
Community Sponsorship Program
At Kawartha Conservation, we are driven by a vision that resonates deeply with our core values: 'Engaged communities that love, respect, and appreciate our natural environment.' It is this guiding principle that brings to life our annual, community-centric events - the Kawartha Fall Festival and Christmas at Ken Reid. These gatherings are not just events; they are a manifestation of our shared commitment to fostering a deep connection with nature, celebrating our environmental heritage, and building a strong, united community.
However, transforming this vision into reality comes with its own set of challenges. While we are dedicated to offering these events free of charge, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all, the financial and logistical demands are substantial. This is where we invite you, our potential sponsors, donors, and business partners, to join us in this noble endeavor. Your support can help sustain the magic of these events, enhance their reach and impact, and ensure they continue to be a source of joy and inspiration for everyone involved.
Imagine your contribution sparking joy in children's eyes, promoting a sense of belonging among community members, and heightening awareness of our precious natural environment. By supporting these events, you're not just funding activities; you're investing in the heart and soul of our community, nurturing a legacy of environmental appreciation and harmony.
We encourage you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether through sponsorship or donations, your contribution will be pivotal in enriching our community's cultural fabric and environmental consciousness. For more details on how you can make a difference, please contact Melissa Creasy Alexander. Together, let's turn our vision into a living, breathing reality for everyone to cherish.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to something truly special. Let's join hands in making the Kawartha Fall Festival and Christmas at Ken Reid symbols of our collective love, respect, and appreciation for our natural world.
Why not make a weekend of it?
Why not make a weekend in the Kawarthas of it, and use our discount promo code to stay at Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Lindsay.
Call the hotel at 705-328.0100 and mention Ken Reid Conservation Area, or use Promo Code:
1000068806 at www.wyndhamhotels.com to get your special rate.
Contact Us
Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Tel: 705.328.2271
Fax: 705.328.2286
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