Five Events to Get You in the Holiday Spirit…and One to Welcome 2025!

Yes, we can’t believe it either, but 2024 is coming to an end!

To get you in a festive mood, we’ve collected five events a short drive from Bobs Lake Cottages & Escapes, and an extra-special way to ring in 2025 in style! As always, call or email before attending. We don’t want you to leave your cushy cottage for an event that’s canceled!

Festival of Lights

Close-up of a decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, showcasing holiday spirit.

The town of Perth will kick off the festivities this Friday, December 6. Highlights of the celebration include a Drone light show at 6:15 p.m. and a viewing of the Christmas trees in the Crystal Palace.

During the event, attendees are encouraged to donate to The Table Community Food Centre


Breakfast with Santa

Cute Santa Claus plush toy wearing red and green attire sits on a wooden surface, perfect for holiday decor.

Enjoy a delicious meal with Jolly St. Nick, get your face painted, and buy last-minute presents at the Storrington Lions Club Hall.


Young Petty Stones: Holiday Rock ‘n Roll Show

Photo: Young Petty Stones Instagram

Join the Young Petty Stones, a four-piece music group, at The Cove Inn on Friday, December 13, for a musical show that pays homage to Neil Young, Tom Petty, and the Rolling Stones. Each member shares a deep respect for the greats of rock ‘n roll, and their bona fides include “The Night is Young: The Music of Neil Young,” “Four Petty: The Music of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers,” and “The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Revue.”

Tickets cost CA$85 and include access to the show, a dinner buffet, and a donation to Westport Food Bank. Call 613-273-3636 or email thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com to book your spot!

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., dinner starts at 7:00 p.m., and the show is from 8:30 – 11:00 p.m.


Perth Citizens’ Band Christmas Concert

Let Canada’s oldest town band fill the evening with joyous Christmas music at their annual Christmas concert—now on its 30th year!—at the Perth Legion.

Tickets are CA$10 each or CA$20 for a family. Call 613-256-4221 to purchase.


Wings ‘n Tunes + Open Mic with Shawn McCullough + Friends

We’ve talked about The Cove Inn in our Westport, ON day trip blog, and here’s another reason to visit this charming town while you’re staying at Bobs Lake Cottages & Escapes. Every Wednesday, master guitar player/singer/alternative lyricist/showman/songwriter Shawn McCullough provides live music at the inn. On the 18th, get a chance to bring home an acoustic electric guitar if you get up on stage and perform!


Perth Polar Bear Plunge

Welcome the new year with this uniquely Canadian tradition: a plunge at the Tay River on January 1, 2025! This annual event has been raising funds for the local community since 1994. 

Breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m. Safety briefing for the plungers starts at 10:00 a.m. and awards and certificates will be handed out at the Legion Hall an hour later.

Breakfast is free to plungers with a minimum of CA$35 in pledges or CA$10 for those not taking part in the plunge.

(If you’re ringing in the new year at Bobs Lake Cottages & Escapes, you can do a polar plunge on the first day of 2025 right outside your cottage!)


Winter at Bobs Lake Cottages & Escapes

Our enchanting and cozy cottages are open year round (with the exception of the Little House) and offer some of the best accommodations for your family reunion this winter! During your stay with us, enjoy a variety of cold-weather activities such as cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and ice fishing. 

Prefer a more serene getaway? How does making s’mores by a campfire?

If you like the idea of taking a polar plunge but do not want to head to Perth, why not do one right at Bobs Lake? After getting out of the lake, run a few feet to one of our outdoor hot tubs and warm yourself back up—and then stay there for the rest of the day, no judgment!

We have Malm fireplaces in our cottages, full kitchens that encourage you to take your time in preparing a hearty meal, and an unbeatable view of the frozen lake!

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