January events in Burk’s Falls, Huntsville, Callander, Bracebridge and North Bay can make the month feel a lot shorter. Planning a few outings makes winter feel more manageable, whether you have kids at home or you are just looking for a reason to get out of the house.
We pulled together some of the January 2026 events happening in Burk’s Falls, Huntsville, Callander, Bracebridge, and North Bay. There are free library programs, a winter market, workshops for adults, and a full day winter festival.
Family friendly events and programs are listed first, then workshops and bigger outings.
Paws to Read – Huntsville
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 3:45 pm
Location: Huntsville Public Library, 7 Minerva Street East, Huntsville
Cost: Free (registration required)
More info: https://www.huntsvillelibrary.ca/programs/kids-and-tweens/
Paws to Read is a gentle way for kids to build reading confidence. Children read aloud to a trained therapy dog in a calm setting. Registration is required in advance and spaces tend to fill quickly, so it suits families who like to plan ahead. It is an amazing opportunity for reluctant readers.
Winter Market: The Frosted Edit – Callander
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Reptile Adventure Camp on site: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Callander Community Centre, Callander
Cost: Free
The indoor winter market at the Callander Community Centre brings together local vendors, with the added draw of Reptile Adventure Camp on site from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It is an amazing opportunity to shop for winter birthdays, while the kids get to see some incredible animals up close and personal.
Event listings and details are available through the North Bay Public Library calendar:
https://northbaypl.librarycalendar.com/
Burk’s Falls Library 130th Birthday Celebration
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (drop in anytime)
Location: Burk’s Falls Library, 39 Copeland Street, Burk’s Falls
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CkKbG276b/
The Burk’s Falls Library is celebrating 130 years of service. It is a drop in style event, so you can stop by whenever it works during the day. There is free cake. We do not think we need to say more. Cake.
Alphabet Storytime – Burk’s Falls
Dates: Tuesdays in January and February 2026
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Burk’s Falls Library, 39 Copeland Street, Burk’s Falls
Cost: Free
More info: https://burksfallslibrary.ca/
Alphabet Storytime runs on Tuesday mornings and is geared to children from birth to age five. The focus is early literacy, with stories and songs in a relaxed setting. It is a great option to do first, then explore the library with your little one. When our kids were small and we were on maternity leave, we did this one often.
Read, Sing, Play (Preschool Program) – North Bay
Dates: Thursdays in January and February 2026
Time: 10:30 am to 11:00 am
Location: North Bay Public Library, 210 Worthington Street East, North Bay
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.northbay.ca/library
Read, Sing, Play is a preschool program at the North Bay Public Library. It combines stories, music, and play in a half hour format. We would tie this one in with groceries, or let your littles get their energy out running around the mall afterward.
(P.S. Check out Talize in North Bay – thank us later.)
Intro to Robotics and Technology – Huntsville
Dates: January 2026 (check the library calendar for exact dates)
Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Huntsville Public Library, 7 Minerva Street East, Huntsville
Cost: Free (registration required)
More info: https://www.huntsvillelibrary.ca/programs/kids-and-tweens/
Intro to Robotics and Technology is designed for older kids who are curious about STEM. The program introduces robotics and basic technology concepts in a hands on way. Registration is required in advance through the library, which helps keep group sizes reasonable. It is amazing for older kids, and a nice way to broaden their friend group too.
Puzzle and Board Game Swap – North Bay
Date: January 2026 (see library calendar for the exact date)
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: North Bay Public Library, 210 Worthington Street East, North Bay
Cost: Free
More info: https://northbaypl.librarycalendar.com/event/program-booking-5839
The Puzzle and Board Game Swap is a simple way to refresh your game shelf without spending anything. Bring puzzles and games you are finished with and swap them for something new to you. We love games, so we are excited to go and see what is there, even just to chat about what games other people recommend.
Heads Up for Healthier Brains Workshop – Burk’s Falls
Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Burk’s Falls Library, 39 Copeland Street, Burk’s Falls
Cost: Free
More info: https://burksfallslibrary.ca/
Heads Up for Healthier Brains is a workshop aimed at adults and caregivers who are supporting people with memory changes. It provides information and practical tools in a local, accessible setting. It can be a useful resource if you have a parent, partner, or friend who is experiencing memory issues.
Fire and Ice Festival – Bracebridge
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Bracebridge
Cost: Passes required
More info: https://fireandicebracebridge.com/buy-passes
The Fire and Ice Festival in Bracebridge is one of the bigger winter events in the area. It runs all day and includes fire elements, ice, and outdoor activities throughout the downtown core. There is a huge tubing slide down the main street, which is amazing, but the line is long, so dress warm.
How to use this January events guide
January in Almaguin, Muskoka, and North Bay does not have to mean staying home all month. Whether you want quick local programs for preschoolers, something more structured for older kids, a market style outing, or a full day winter festival, there is a mix of options within a reasonable drive.
Planners can use this guide to map out the month in advance. If you prefer to decide closer to the day, watching library calendars and social media for reminders can work just as well. Either way, a few small outings often make winter in northern Ontario feel more manageable.