Good morning Oakville. Happy Monday!

🎄 A Holiday Note from Us

As the year winds down, we’re taking a short pause to enjoy the holidays and recharge. The Oakville Digest will be back in your inbox on Monday, January 5. We’ve already included events and things to do through then so you can relax and enjoy the season without worry.

Thank you for being part of our community and for reading along this year, we’re very for you. Wishing you a cozy holiday season, plenty of memories and laughs, and a happy, healthy New Year ✨

Back to regularly scheduled programming:

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

❄️ Polar Dip returns & Minecraft/Snow White Performances
🚒 Seasonal Safety Tips from Oakville Fire
📅 Some exciting events to keep you busy this Holiday Season!

Let’s dive in!

~ Nick

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❄️ Courage Polar Bear Dip Returns

source: polarbeardip.ca

Oakville’s beloved New Year’s Day tradition is back, with the 41st Courage Polar Bear Dip hitting the shores of Coronation Park on Jan. 1. Organized by brothers Todd and Trent Courage, the dip supports World Vision Canada and aims to raise $100,000 this year for clean water projects in Ghana and Honduras. With above-freezing weather expected, organizers anticipate around 800 brave souls will plunge into Lake Ontario, cheered on by thousands more.

The day kicks off with 12:30pm registration, a costume contest at 1:15pm, and the icy dip at 2pm, followed by a post-dip celebration at Tin Cup Oakville. Since 1995, the event has raised over $2.47 million for global water access. Todd Courage, reflecting on a past visit to Rwanda, reminded participants why the cause matters—millions still lack safe water. It’s a chilly challenge with a warm heart.

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🎭 Snow White Meets Minecraft Magic

Burloak Theatre Group’s annual pantomime is back with Snow White and the Secret Vault, running at the Oakville Centre until Dec. 28. This year’s show gives the classic fairy tale a Minecraft twist, mixing pixelated fun with musical theatre, comedy, and crowd interaction. Co-written by Chantal Forde and Tim Cadeny, it features returning cast members from past hits like Matilda and Spongebob Squarepants.

The family-friendly show plays with two worlds—fairy tale and game—with the villainous Lucille (played by Cadeny) earning all the boos. With Minecraft’s global popularity and the return of in-person holiday traditions, BOTG’s latest mashup promises laughs, nostalgia, and a few blocky surprises.

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🚒 Oakville Fire Shares Holiday Safety Tips

With the holiday season in full swing, the Oakville Fire Department is reminding residents to stay fire-safe at home. Key tips include watering real Christmas trees daily, keeping decorations away from heat sources, avoiding candle use near flammable materials, and checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly. Starting Jan. 1, new rules will require CO alarms on every floor of homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

The fire team will also be at local community rinks to share advice in person. Catch them today at Glen Abbey, tomorrow at Trafalgar Park, or Dec. 29 at Sixteen Mile. A little prevention now can help keep the holidays merry and safe.

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