CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN ONTARIO
By Natalie Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Key Takeaway: Ontario is bursting with festive cheer this holiday season! From Santa Claus parades and dazzling light displays to charming Christmas markets and magical winter villages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ontario’s holiday and Christmas events promise memory-making moments for all ages. Bundle up, grab your loved ones, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year across every corner of the province!
What are the Best Christmas Events in Ontario?
The weather is colder, the days are shorter, and the nights are darker. What better way to cheer up then by stretching out the festive activities for as long as humanly possible? Ontarians are great at celebrating despite the dark, cold days and this year feels extra special after how lockdowns affected the Holidays last year. This year Ontario is back in action and open to make memories with friends and family. Let’s remember that all we have is the present moment, get out there and enjoy it!
What Christmas Events Are There to Do in the GTA?
Santa Clause is coming to town and hitting multiple parades this year across the province, and he will be sprinkling some extra holiday magic this year with larger-than-life festive floats. One of the biggest Santa Claus parades in the GTA is Sunday, Nov 23rd, The Original Santa Claus Parade in Toronto starting at 1pm but make sure to go early as this popular parade attracts hundreds of thousands of people. Can’t’ make it in person, no worries enjoy on live television from the comfort of your own home.
Stroll the cobblestone streets at the Distillery Winter Village outdoor Christmas market. Visit the cute booths set up that are selling artisanal goods and stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District. The area is impeccably decorated to suit the season, complete with lights, a huge tree, live entertainment, restaurants, shops and more. This is one of our favourite holiday traditions, make sure to visit before Dec 31st!
Another notable Christmas market is Holiday Hills taking place Nov. 14- Dec. This free festival at Stackt market that will transform a whole city block of Toronto into a winter wonderland where you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a whole lineup of cozy, fun, festive activities and experiences.
What Holiday Events Are Happening in Ottawa?
Experience the magic of Christmas from the comfort of your own car at the Magic of Lights, Nov 21 – Jan 3, a dazzling drive thru holiday light show featuring your favourite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Locations in London and Barrie as well.
From Dec 8- Jan 9, enjoy another dazzling edition of Winter Lights Across Canada where each evening, thousands of colourful lights illuminate buildings, parks and streetscapes throughout downtown Ottawa-Gatineau, as well as a free multimedia show on Parliament Hill.
Ottawa’s European Christmas Market is the perfect place to get into the holidays spirit. This event attracts up to 100,000 visitors over the course of the month and boasts over 35 vendors. Come see their stunning tree lighting ceremony on opening night, Nov. 21st, and stay for holiday cheer that the whole family can enjoy! Get yourself a warm drink and delicious food at the traditional style kiosks at this holiday market. This is a free and family-friendly event that will have shopping, live music, performers, vendors, and a whole lot of festive spirit. Check the schedule for dates and programming!
At Saunders Farm explore snow covered mazes, hayrides, play structures and Christmas displays at the Country Christmas celebration. Enjoy a visit with Santa and his elves and warm up by the bonfire after and enjoy seasonal treats and hot beverages. Stroll through the Holiday Light Festival – a stunning walking trail adorned with thousands of colourful lights and music, enjoy festive family activities and shop for unique gifts and even shop for a Christmas tree. Open weekends Dec. 6-30th.
Where Can I Enjoy Holiday Festivities in Central, ON?
Come experience the magic and enjoy horse drawn trolley rides, a festive Christmas market, character meet and greets, and a warm cup of hot chocolate. In Keene at Lang Pioneer Village, get into the Christmas spirit at the Christmas by Candlelight event, a traditional Pioneer Christmas. Join along in a carol sing, tour the village by wagon ride, meet Santa, witness a live nativity and learn about the origins of Christmas traditions. Tickets available for Dec. 6 & 7th.
From November 15th to January 3rd the beautiful Blue Mountain Village is transformed into an illuminated, joyful holiday environment hosting tons of events all season long. Take a stroll down the 1km light trail, shop, dine at some incredible restaurants, and take in the overall cheer in the air. Head to Blue Mountain’s event calendar to see what’s going on each day for their Holiday Magic in the village!.
Where are the Christmas Markets & Christmas Events in Eastern ON?
Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village kicks off Nov. 28- Jan. 15th. Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting! Over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop.
Experience the magic of the season in Brockville with two enchanting holiday events. At Clow’s Christmas Trail, wander a hidden Christmas village nestled in the woods, complete with Elf Lodge, Ice Castle, Santa’s Cabin, and more along a 1.5 km illuminated trail. Enjoy old-fashioned family fun with hot chocolate, popcorn by the fire, and photos with Santa (Dec 5–8 & 12–23, 6–8:30 pm). Then, head to River of Lights on Blockhouse Island, where thousands of twinkling lights dance to music in a 40-minute show you can enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle. Catch the nightly Lights & Music Show from 6–10 pm or visit during sensory-friendly hours with lights only from 5–6 pm and 10–11 pm.
In Beautiful Perth, Once Upon A Christmas, Saturday, November 22, 10am-4pm, is a day to enjoy a storybook Christmas including choirs, music, fire pits, Santa Claus and his elves, horse drawn wagon rides and face painting.
What Christmas Events Are There in Niagara?
If you don’t already live in Niagara, the annual Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is worth the visit. Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival, this spectacular festival displays millions of lights and larger than life displays across the tourism districts. New for this year, experience a dazzling new addition to the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights. The Laser Light Spectacular is a free, family-friendly show that lights up the night sky with bursts of colour, music, and motion!
For a unique holiday experience, visit Safari Lights in Stevensville, a 3km dazzling holiday lights drive-thru adventure! Immersive light tunnels, luminous motion lights and whimsical animal light displays you won’t see anywhere else!
Inside the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, celebrate the holiday season with Niagara’s Annual Poinsettia Show. This iconic show features traditional holiday landscapes with modern touches of brilliant colours and lights that make the warmth and magic of the holiday season come to life.
Running every weekend starting Nov 12 – Dec. 18th, the Niagara Falls Christmas Market has tripled in size this year! This festive market will feature shopping from artisanal vendors and local businesses, light displays, live entertainment, photo-ops, glow swings, glow seesaws, and more! New this year, enjoy Christmas-themed street food, holiday treats and drinks by warm, cozy fire pits!
What Are Fun Christmas Events in Southwestern & Northern ON?
In London, The Merry Market kicks off Nov 27th – Dec. 21st. Wander through the beautiful Winter Village and Twinkle Town to get the perfect selfie or photo of you and the family by the magical Christmas tree, ice sculpture, and the big red phone booth decked out for the holidays. The kids can write their letters to Santa and mail them into Santa’s mailbox on-site. It’s a one-stop shop!
In Kitchener check out the Gift of Lights, a family-friendly drive-thru holiday light display with two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays.
Visit Amherstburg, every night until Jan 4th, for the River of Lights Festival, showcases 100’s of customized LED light displays, carolers, angels, soldiers and more on the town’s two main parks, Toddy Jones Park and King’s Navy Yard Park.
The Festival of Northern Lights is a beautiful event that takes place yearly in Owen Sound with 400 displays and over 25 kilometres of beautiful light displays that illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park. Owen Sound’s Festival of Northern Lights will begin on November 15th and will shine nightly from 5 pm – 11 pm.
Take a stroll through wooded trails in Mountsberg for Winterlit. The Winterlit Trail features a unique and stunning lighting experience with inspirational art installations including soundtracks from local musicians.
Make The Most of These Ontario Christmas Events With Summer Fun Guide
There’s no better time to explore Ontario’s festive spirit, and Summer Fun Guide makes it easy to plan your perfect holiday adventure. From parades and markets to light shows and seasonal getaways, discover all the best events and attractions in one place. Don’t miss out on exclusive Summer Fun Guide Coupons, our Events Calendar, and insider travel tips to make the most of your winter fun. Follow us on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to stay inspired all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Events in Ontario
What Makes Ontario’s Christmas Events So Special?
Ontario in winter feels alive in a way few places do. City streets glow under millions of lights, small towns fill with music and parades, and rural landscapes turn into storybook settings.
From illuminated walking trails to Santa parades and heritage village festivals, the province offers something for every pace. What makes Christmas events in Ontario stand out is their variety; you can move from a major spectacle in Toronto to a quiet, lantern-lit farm celebration all within a single weekend.
Where Can I Find the Most Spectacular Light Displays in Ontario?
The province’s light shows have become their own holiday tradition. The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Illumi in Mississauga, and Winter Lights Across Canada in Ottawa headline the list for scale and creativity. Smaller displays like Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village or the Festival of Northern Lights in Owen Sound offer a slower, more personal experience. Together, they form a glowing map of must-see Christmas events in Ontario that brighten even the coldest nights. Use our Ultimate Guide to Lights Shows in Ontario for a list of the best lights shows across the province.
What Are Some Hidden-Gem Christmas Events in Ontario?
Beyond the headline festivals, there are quieter moments worth seeking out. Lang Pioneer Village’s Christmas by Candlelight recreates a 19th-century Christmas with carols and candlelit tours. Saunders Farm Country Christmas blends rustic fun with bonfires and seasonal treats. In Simcoe, the Christmas Panorama lights up downtown parks with nostalgic displays that families return to year after year. These small-scale traditions are where many visitors find the season’s real warmth.
How Can I Turn Ontario Christmas Events into a Weekend Getaway?
A short holiday getaway is one of the best ways to experience the season. Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake after an evening at the Winter Festival of Lights, or head to Blue Mountain’s Holiday Magic for lights, dining, and outdoor activities. Ontario’s holiday towns are full of boutique hotels, inns, and B&Bs that make an overnight stay part of the experience. Pairing events with cozy accommodations turns Christmas events in Ontario into a memorable mini-vacation.
How Can I Plan a Route for the Best Christmas Events in Ontario?
Think in regions. The GTA offers parades and markets, Central Ontario shines with village light displays, and the North brings wide-open winter landscapes. Choose a few destinations within a reasonable drive and build your route around them. Check out the Events Calendar to see what’s on, and use the accommodation section for hotels and resorts. Many events run regularly through December, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Happy holidays!
Natalie