Festivals

Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, December 6

Kawartha Conservation's Christmas at Ken Reid

Important Parking Information

On-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
Mr. and Mrs. Claus waving at children

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

Live Music by Keith Kirkpatrick

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

The Eyrie Birds of Prey Services

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

SAW Woodworks Live Carvings

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

Balloon Animals from SuperNova

12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Warming Centre

Live Music by Gerald Van Halteren Music

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Santa's Workshop Lawn

The Eyrie Birds of Prey Services

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

SAW Woodworks Live Carvings

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Warming Centre Lawn

The Eyrie Birds of Prey Services

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

Fun and Games with Ampere Association

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.

Thank you to this year's sponsors

2025 Sponsors

Illuminated Forest Returns December 12–28 at Ken Reid Conservation Area

White lights guide the way through the Illuminated Forest 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.

Donate Here


 

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.

An image of trees with a 10% off code for Days Inn

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