The holidays are upon us, and there’s no better time to embrace the joy of the season in Guelph! Whether it’s gliding across the ice at an indoor or outdoor rink, zipping down a snowy hill on a toboggan, marveling at twinkling holiday lights in the park, or enjoying festive family traditions like pictures with Santa or The Nutcracker concert for kids—Guelph is full of holiday magic for everyone.

In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the best holiday activities Guelph has to offer. It’s the perfect time to create lasting memories and enjoy the season’s magic with family, friends, and little ones!

Skating Rinks in Guelph

Exhibition Park Arena

The area offers a variety of different skating programs including ...

Public Skating

This skate is a great way to socialize and skate with family and friends. Skate Aids are not permitted at this skate, but sleges are. Children 9 years and younger must be supervised on the ice by a parent/guardian who is at least 12 years of age, with sufficient skating ability. No hockey sticks allowed.

Family Skate

Skating at this quieter ice time is geared towards families with children aged 8 and under. Adults and children must each register. Skate aids, wheelchairs, and sledges are allowed at this skate. No hockey sticks allowed.

Shinny Programs

Drop-in, pick up hockey. Full equipment and helmets are mandatory, and the space is limited to 22 players and 2 goalies. Please bring a light and dark jersey for play.

Sensory-friendly Skate

Come enjoy a sensory-friendly skate, in an adapted skating environment for children, youth, and adults of all abilities. Dimmed lighting, no music, a small group of skaters, no buzzers or whistles. Wheelchairs, skate aids, sledges, and other mobility devices are welcome on the ice. Accompanying adults or support persons skate free of charge. No hockey sticks allowed.

Adult/Child Shinny

Hockey player to benefit from drop-in pick up hockey. Full equipment and helmets are mandatory. Adults must attend with a child and children must attend with an adult. Each player must register, and games are self-led.

Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

Guelph's Downtown Market Square

Tobogganing Hills in Guelph

Holiday Activities to Do With Children

List of Services

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A Hauntingly Good Halloween in Guelph

By Hudson Smith • October 28, 2025

Halloween in Guelph is more than just costumes and candy — it’s that magical mix of community, creativity, and crisp autumn air that makes this city feel like home. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin, planning a cozy movie night, or looking for a fun local event, Guelph has something for every kind of ghoul and goblin. Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at Strom’s Farm A Guelph fall tradition! Strom’s Farm & Bakery offers everything from corn mazes and wagon rides to caramel apples and cider doughnuts (trust us — you’ll want seconds). Wander through rows of pumpkins to find your favourite and snap a few festive photos along the way. 📍 5089 Wellington Rd 32, Guelph, ON N1H 6J4 Fall Markets & Family Fun October weekends are filled with local markets and events, from the Aberfoyle Antique Market to smaller pop-ups throughout the city. Browse for vintage décor, locally made candles, and cozy knits — or enjoy a warm drink while supporting local makers. Nothing says “autumn” like spending a Saturday outdoors with something pumpkin-spiced in hand. Get Spooked (in a Fun Way!) at Bingemans Screampark Looking for thrills beyond the city limits? Just a short drive away, Bingemans Screampark in Kitchener delivers haunted houses, eerie mazes, and live actors ready to give you a fright you won’t forget. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves a good scare — best enjoyed with friends and plenty of bravery. 📍425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, ON N2B 3X7 Trick-or-Treat Hotspots Around Town From the charming porches of Exhibition Park to the family-friendly streets of Westminster Woods, Guelph’s neighbourhoods truly shine on Halloween night. Expect glowing jack-o’-lanterns, creative costumes, and friendly neighbours handing out treats. Cozy Up at Home If your perfect Halloween involves staying in, make your home the main attraction. Light a candle, pour a cup of cider, and stream a classic like Hocus Pocus or The Addams Family. Add a touch of “moody modern” décor — think black taper candles, amber glassware, and autumn florals — for a look that’s more sophisticated than spooky. Happy Halloween from the Hudson Smith Real Estate Group! Whether you’re out exploring pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating with the kids, or cozying up at home, we hope your Halloween is filled with laughter, community, and a little bit of magic. If you’re thinking about making a move before the year wraps up, our team is here to help you find a home that’s scary good. hudsonsmith.ca | 519-821-3600 | hudson@hudsonsmith.ca

The Hidden Value of Home Staging

By Hudson Smith • October 16, 2025

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren’t just important — they’re everything. In today’s market, buyers form opinions within seconds of walking through the door (or scrolling through photos online). That’s where home staging comes in — the subtle art of helping buyers see themselves living in your home. What Is Home Staging, Really? Home staging goes far beyond decorating. It’s about creating an emotional connection. A professional stager uses layout, lighting, colour, and accessories to highlight your home’s best features while minimizing distractions. Every detail — from the placement of a chair to the tone of a wall — is chosen with intention. At Hudson Smith Real Estate Group, we’ve seen time and time again how the right staging transforms a space. A well-staged home doesn’t just look beautiful; it photographs beautifully, feels inviting, and draws in buyers who are ready to act. The Impact on Buyer Perception Staging helps buyers picture themselves in the home — not your home, but their potential one. Neutral palettes, uncluttered surfaces, and strategic furniture placement make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more functional. According to industry studies, over 80% of buyers say that professionally staged homes make it easier to visualize the property as their future home. That emotional pull is what often leads to quicker offers and stronger sale prices. The Financial Payoff It’s natural to wonder if staging is worth the investment. The numbers say yes: Staged homes typically sell up to 73% faster than unstaged ones. They can sell for 6–10% more on average, easily covering the cost of staging. Even partial staging — such as main living areas and primary bedrooms — can dramatically improve online engagement and showings .Think of it like preparing your home for its debut performance: the better the presentation, the bigger the audience response. Online Appeal in a Digital World Most buyers start their search online, meaning your listing photos are the first showing. A staged home captures attention instantly — bright, balanced, and visually appealing. Combined with professional photography and video, staging ensures your home makes a lasting first impression — one that stops buyers mid-scroll and makes them want to see more. Our Approach at HSG We work closely with trusted stagers and stylists who understand how to enhance a home’s personality while keeping it universally appealing. Whether it’s a minimalist downtown condo or a sprawling family home, our goal is to highlight what makes each property shine. Of course, we’ll have our stager come to your home and make sure it’s picture-perfect — a complimentary service included when you list with our team. Every listing tells a story — staging helps make sure it’s the story buyers want to hear.

The Best Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Guelph for 2025

By Hudson Smith • October 2, 2025

Guelph has long been known as one of Ontario’s most welcoming and community-driven cities, and it’s no surprise that families continue to choose it as home. With excellent schools, plenty of green space, safe streets, and a strong sense of community, Guelph offers a wide variety of neighbourhoods suited to families at every stage of life. If you’re thinking of making a move in 2025, here are some of the best family-friendly neighbourhoods in Guelph to explore. 1. Westminster Woods & Clairfields South Guelph’s Westminster Woods and Clairfields areas are consistently top picks for families. With extensive trails, nearby parks, and highly regarded schools like Westminster Woods Public School, it’s a safe, vibrant community where kids can walk or bike to friends’ houses. Plus, you’re close to shopping at Clairfields Commons and have quick access to Highway 401 for commuters. 2. Kortright Hills Nestled in Guelph’s south end, Kortright Hills is loved for its quiet, winding streets, mature trees, and larger lot sizes that give families room to spread out. The neighbourhood backs onto plenty of green space and trails, making it easy to enjoy nature right outside your door. With Kortright Hills Public School at its heart, it’s a true family-oriented community where kids can walk to school and neighbours know each other by name. 3. Exhibition Park For those who love character homes and community charm, Exhibition Park is a gem. Centered around its namesake park — complete with tennis courts, splash pad, playgrounds, and green space — this neighbourhood combines history with walkable access to downtown. Families love the sense of community and the chance to be steps away from Guelph’s best festivals, markets, and schools. 4. Kortright East & Kortright West South of the city’s core, Kortright East and West are two of Guelph’s most popular family neighbourhoods. Kortright East is known for its larger executive homes on mature lots, while Kortright West offers a wider mix of housing styles, from established properties to newer builds. Both neighbourhoods give families easy access to schools, shopping at Stone Road Mall, the University of Guelph, and plenty of trails and green space. 5. East End One of Guelph’s fastest-growing areas, the East End is an excellent option for families seeking more affordable housing without sacrificing amenities. With schools, parks, and community centers built into the neighbourhood design, it’s a hub for young families. Ongoing development also means new amenities are constantly being added, making it a great place to plant roots for the future. Why Families Love Guelph No matter where you choose, Guelph offers families: Top-rated Public and Catholic schools An active sports and recreation culture Abundant parks, trails, and green spaces Safe neighbourhoods with strong community pride Quick connections to the 401, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the GTA Thinking About a Move in 2025? At the Hudson Smith Group, we know that the right neighbourhood is just as important as the right home. Whether you’re looking for quiet streets, walkability, or the best schools, our team can help you find a community that fits your family’s lifestyle. 📩 Reach out today to start your search in Guelph’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods.

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Holiday Activities for ALL Ages in Guelph!