Did you know that the coldest snow ever recorded on Earth was part of a –89°C day in Antarctica?
Thankfully, Georgina’s version of winter is more “bundle up for events” than “planet Hoth.”
Holiday Nights, Local Lights
Mid-December is packed: menorah lighting at the Point, big-ticket concerts at the Leacock, and live music spilling into Newmarket and East Gwillimbury.
It’s that sweet spot where there’s still time before the holidays really kick in, but the calendar already feels full.
💡 Why it matters
Local events make dark evenings feel brighter (and a lot more fun).
Concerts and markets give a real boost to small venues, performers, and local organizers.
Planning even one outing this week can make December feel more memorable, not more rushed.
📰 Town News
Georgina Council Adopts 2026 Budget
Georgina Council has formally approved the Town’s 2026 budget, covering everything from roads and parks to recreation and community services.
Georgina Council has approved the 2026 Town Budget, including a 3.5% tax levy increase - 2.25% for day-to-day services and 1.25% dedicated to improving infrastructure.
Key highlights for 2026:
New South Keswick Fire Hall - $15.3M
A major safety investment for a rapidly growing area. Mostly funded by development charges.
Willow Beach Park - $8.4M
A fully developed waterfront park, plus design work for a new 2.46-hectare park in Simcoe Landing (Phase 9).
Roads, Sidewalks & Trails - over $8M
$3.9M for pavement rehab
$2.5M for Black River sidewalk & multi-use path
$1M for Station Rd/Old Homestead intersection upgrades
$0.9M for shoreline protection along Lake Drive North
Community & Cultural Spaces
Support for upgrades to the Stephen Leacock Theatre, Georgina Centre for Arts & Culture, and subdivision entrance features.
Plus extended support for YSpace entrepreneur programming.
Support for Seniors
A new Seniors Property Tax Rebate Program for eligible residents.
Utilities (Separate from taxes)
Water/wastewater bills up roughly 9%, stormwater fees up 2%.
Why it matters:
This budget shapes the services and improvements residents will see next year - safer roads, better parks, upgraded recreation and cultural spaces, and continued support for growing neighbourhoods.
Blue Box Program Changing in January
Georgina’s Blue Box recycling program will transition to a new producer-led system starting the week of Jan 5, 2026, including new wheeled carts and bi-weekly pickup.
Why it matters:
This is the biggest recycling change in years - every household will be affected.
York University & Georgina Sign New Collaboration Agreement
The Town of Georgina and York University have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration in primary care, economic development, entrepreneurship and more - building on the success of YSpace Georgina.
Why it matters:
This could bring new programs, student involvement, and resources into Georgina.
New Way to Book Large Item Pickup
Residents can now schedule large-item waste pickups (like furniture and appliances) through a new, simplified system.
Why it matters:
It streamlines booking and helps reduce roadside clutter.
🗓️ Events & Activities
(All times verified as of Dec 6 — please double-check before you go!)
🎁 Holiday & Community Events
Menorah Lighting at the Point – Jackson’s Point
📅 Sun Dec 14 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
📍 Jackson’s Point Parkette, 21093 Dalton Rd., Jackson’s Point
✨ 9th annual community menorah lighting with Chabad of Georgina and the Jackson’s Point BIA. A warm, family-friendly evening of light and community by the lake.
🎶 Live Music & Theatre
The Next Generation Leahy – Live at the Leacock (Georgina)
📅 Sat Dec 13 | 7:30 p.m.
📍 Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts, 130 Gwendolyn Blvd., Keswick
🎻 High-energy Celtic-inspired family show as part of the theatre’s 40th season. Amazing musicianship and a big, festive sound.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live Performance (Coming Up Next Week)
📅 Thu Dec 18 | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts, 130 Gwendolyn Blvd., Keswick
🎹 The Sullivan-Parker-Kettlewell Trio performs the full 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack live, with piano, upright bass, drums and a local children’s choir.
Rockstar’s 2025 Winter Showcase – Newmarket
📅 Fri Dec 12 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket
🎸 Student performers of all ages take the stage for a family-friendly rock showcase. Great excuse to wander Main Street before or after.
Party with the Orangeman Band – East Gwillimbury
📅 Fri Dec 19 | 8:00 – 11:30 p.m.
📍 Lions and Sun Bar and Lounge, 18947 Woodbine Ave., East Gwillimbury
🍻 Live band, classic pub vibes, and a dance-all-night energy. A solid option if you’re looking for a more grown-up night out.
🏪 Community & Business Notes
Venues are busy: The Leacock, Old Town Hall, and local bars are filling up with holiday shows — booking early helps support these spaces.
Good week for “shop local”: Pair a concert or event with a stop at a nearby café, shop, or bakery to keep spending close to home.
Out-of-town isn’t far: Newmarket and East Gwillimbury shows are a short drive and still very much part of our local weekend orbit.
🌤️ This Week’s Weather at a Glance
Sun: –2°C · Light snow
Mon: –3°C · Cloudy
Tue: –1°C · Flurries
Wed: –2°C · Mostly cloudy
Thu: –5°C · Snow showers
Fri: –4°C · Cloudy
Sat: –3°C · Partly sunny
What this means for your week
Best outdoor day: Saturday
Slower commutes early week
Great week for indoor events
Evening windchill dips sharply after 4 p.m.
What are you most excited for this month?
🌅 Close-out note
This week is peak “small-town December” - menorah lights in Jackson’s Point, fiddles at the Leacock, and community stages buzzing from Newmarket to East Gwillimbury.
Whether you’re:
cheering on local performers,
catching a holiday concert, or
just grabbing a warm drink after a walk by the lake,
Try to pick one thing that gets you out into the community.
See you next Monday,
— Your Georgina Digest Team
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