Here's how people are spending the first official day of winter around the region

First day of winter festivities in Simcoe County December 21 marks the first official day of winter, and people across Simcoe County are embracing the season with enthusiasm.

Dec., 21 marks the first official day of winter, and people across Simcoe County are embracing the season with enthusiasm.

Many families and friends are spending the start of winter enjoying the outdoor festivities, despite the bone-chilling temperatures.

At Horeshoe Valley Ski Resort in Craighurst, skiers and snowboarders are taking it to the hills for a day of fun. This is definitely one of the best [winters] in the last 15 years,” shared Jon Reid the resort’s general manager.

“It’s nice, it actually feels like winter in early December. It’s been a fantastic start and things are really setting up well for the holidays,” shared Reid.

The natural dose of snow from Mother Nature has allowed the ski resort to get their snow making extravaganzas in the works, creating a really fresh base for skiing and snowboarding.

Now that winter has officially begun, skiers and snowboarders have committed to the promising season ahead.

“We here it from our retail partners and friends, people are shopping and buying gear and getting committed for the winter season, skiers and snowboarders are very passionate people and they get very excited when they hills open… it's like a rush of energy being outside and ripping down those hills”, continued Reid.

Meanwhile over at Drysdale’s Tree Farm in Egbert, families are braving the cold to pick out their perfect last-minute Christmas tree.

The tree farm is a festive hotspot offering a variety of Christmas trees, wagon rides, hot chocolate, horse and buggy rides and a special meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We came here to Drysdale’s Tree Farm for the tractor ride and we got to see Santa!,” shared one family enjoying the festivities in Egbert.

With just four days until Christmas, there is still plenty of time to shop and get ready for the holidays.

“The Evergreen store is open, we are open until the 24. It’s not too late to get a Christmas tree, there is still lots of trees here or you can go out and cut your own,” shared Doug Drysdale the owner of Drysdale’s Tree Farm.

The outdoor festivities are endless, “We just finished playing some hide and seek out in the forest,” said one family at the farm.

As winter sets in, people are embracing the season, diving into outdoor activities and family traditions that make this time of year so special.