Jolly Holiday Fun in Mount Brydges

written by Alana Lister

When the snowflakes start to swirl through the air and the most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner, what time could be better to try something new? The warmth of the summer days might be hidden away, but in Mount Brydges, this winter is gearing up to be

a cozy celebration of festive joy, and the townspeople are preparing for that special kind of deep, lasting warmth that comes from fellowship and belonging.

On Sunday, December 21 in Mount Brydges at the Tri-Township Arena from 1:30-2:50pm, the Mount Brydges Optimist Club will be hosting their beloved annual event, the free ­community Santa Skate, and all are invited to join in the frosty fun!

Whether a ­seasoned skater, a complete beginner or somewhere in between, each and every community member is invited to participate in the 2025 edition of the Santa Skate and its range of special seasonal delights available for the whole ­family. And of course, what would a Santa Skate be without the appearance of the big man in red himself? Santa Claus will be making a special visit to the Santa Skate during the ice time, and he will join the guests in gliding a few laps across the ice, enjoying the rush of cool air and warm community spirit right along with the other skaters. Santa will also be available to pose with the guests for ­pictures – a perfect opportunity to snag that holiday-card-worthy 2025 ­family photograph to decorate the mantelpiece.

There are a few housekeeping items that the Mount Brydges Optimists would like to share with their guests prior to the event. First, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice, to ensure the safety of all participants.

Additionally, each skater must bring along their own skates and protective equipment, and must bring and wear a CSA-approved helmet – bike helmets will not be permitted. Furthermore, ­anyone interested in volunteering at this event, including students in need of volunteer hours, are invited to please email annettemuellejans@gmail.com. Courtesy of the Mount Brydges Optimist Club, the event will be completely free, but there will be opportunities to pay the holiday spirit forward and spread some joy to those most in need: donations of canned goods and other non-perishable items will be gratefully ­welcomed and ­encouraged, and will all be given to the Caring Cupboard in Mount Brydges.

To add a little warmth to a wintry afternoon, the Mount Brydges Optimists will be serving steaming cups of complimentary hot chocolate to all the event’s attendees.

Whether it’s by racing across the ice with the wind nipping chilly noses, or by watching loved ones skate by in a flurry of colour, movement and giggles, every community member can be a part of unforgettable moments at the Santa Skate that will surely become treasured holiday memories. On and off of the ice, there is a certain small-town ambience and charm that has become the hallmark of more than two decades of Santa Skates in Mount Brydges, and this year’s event will be no ­exception. On December 21, 2025, all are warmly invited to join the Mount Brydges Optimists in enjoying a fun opportunity for exercise, friendly laughter and magical holiday moments that, like the ­dazzling snowflakes outside, will each be beautifully unique.