Festivals
Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, December 6
Kawartha Conservation's Christmas at Ken Reid
Important Parking InformationOn-site parking at Christmas at Ken Reid is limited to 100 spaces, which must be pre-purchased in advance for $20.00 per car (HST included). No day-of onsite parking will be available within Ken Reid Conservation Area. Tickets are non-refundable and sold on a first-come, first-served basis through the event website. For all other attendees, we’ve made it easy and stress-free to get to the event! Enjoy our convenient off-site parking options with free shuttle buses running all day from multiple pick-up locations in Lindsay. Stay tuned for shuttle schedules and locations, and secure your spot early to avoid disappointment! Pay for Parking Here |

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.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
| 10 - 11 a.m. | Santa's Workshop Lawn | |
|
City of Kawartha Lakes Library with their Library of things and Story Time |
10 - 12:30 p.m. | Warming Centre |
| 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Candy Cane Corner | |
|
Storybook Walk with the Grinch |
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Story Walk Trail |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Warming Centre Lawn | |
| Visits with SANTA | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Santa's Workshop |
| 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Warming Centre | |
| 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Santa's Workshop Lawn | |
| 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Candy Cane Corner | |
| Visits with SANTA | 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Santa's Workshop |
|
Storybook Walk with the Grinch |
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Story Walk Trail |
| 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Warming Centre Lawn | |
| 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Candy Cane Corner |
ALL DAY EVENTS
| Horse and Wagon Rides | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Midday break) | Roadway in front of Warming Centre |
|
Pony Petting Zoo by Walkabout Farm Theraputic Riding Association |
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Candy Cane Corner |
| 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Candy Cane Corner | |
| Ontario Science Centre | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Santa's Workshop & Candy Cane Corner |
| Kid's Craft Corner | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Santa's Workshop |
|
ARK (Autism Resources Kawartha) *This is a quiet space located in the Birches Room |
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Warming Centre |
| Christmas Vendors Market | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Warming Centre Parking Lot |
| Food Trucks | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Warming Centre Parking Lot |
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.
Below is the FREE bus schedule from IE Weldon and Fleming College to Ken Reid Conservation Area during Christmas at Ken Reid.
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.
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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