The Best Places to Visit at Christmas in Ontario
By Natalie Friday, November 21, 2025
Key Takeaway: From twinkling light displays to cozy markets and festive trails, there are well known hotspots and hidden gems that capture the magic of the season like scenes from a movie! The holiday season transforms Ontario’s towns into magical winter wonderlands, making them perfect destinations for festive getaways.
Whether you’re admiring grand tree lighting ceremonies, exploring outdoor activities, or simply soaking in the festive charm, these destinations promise unforgettable memories with loved ones. Plan early, since many winter festivals and accommodations fill up fast during the Christmas season.
What Are the Top Places to Visit During Christmas in Ontario?
Whether you’re looking for charming markets, twinkling lights, or snowy landscapes, these Christmas towns in Ontario offer the ultimate holiday experience. Here’s a look at some of the best Christmas towns that capture the spirit of the season.
Where Are the Best Places to Visit in Ontario During Christmas for Holiday Celebrations?
Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Dickensian Christmas
Niagara-on-the-Lake takes you back in time with its Victorian charm and festive spirit. During the holiday season, the town hosts the annual Candlelight Stroll, where thousands of people gather to walk through the historic streets lit by candlelight, serenaded by carolers. The town also hosts a Christmas Market, and many of the wineries in the area offer holiday-themed wine tours and tastings. The annual Niagara Icewine Festival is a highlight you won’t want to miss: sipping Canada’s famed “liquid gold” (icewine) at beautiful vineyard estates, enjoying gourmet pairings and cozy fire-pits, all wrapped into a three-week celebration of winter indulgence. Don’t miss holiday skating at The Gardens at Pillar & Post, festive boutique shopping downtown, seasonal dining experiences at Vintage Hotels, and of course, a cherished annual tradition: Shaw Festival’s production of A Christmas Carol — a heartwarming, beautifully staged show that brings Dickens’ classic to life.
Why it works: Niagara-on-the-Lake perfectly blends festive tradition, world-class wine, theatre, and small-town charm, making it one of Ontario’s most enchanting holiday getaways for couples and families alike.
Elora: A Fairytale Christmas
Elora is like stepping into a snow globe during the holiday season. Two standout seasonal experiences: the Elora Christmas Market and the town’s beloved Village of Lights Festival. Together, they turn this riverside village into one of Ontario’s most charming winter getaways.
The Village of Lights Festival brings après-ski magic to the streets of Elora with:
- 🎇 The grand 5:55PM lights ceremony every Friday & Saturday night at Mill & Main St with bagpipers, Highland dancers & rotating performers
- ⛸️ A free pop-up skating rink (Fri–Sun)
- 🔥 Fire tables, heaters & cozy outdoor seating
- 🛍️ Pop-up markets, food & drink booths
- 🎶 Live concerts & free family matinees at the historic Gorge Cinema
- ⛸️ Free figure skating shows and hot chocolate for kids
Pair it with the festive Elora Christmas Market — artisan vendors, warm drinks, twinkle lights and plenty of small-town holiday charm — and you’ve got the perfect winter weekend.
Why it works: Beautiful streets, great food, walkable experiences, and a warm, cozy vibe that feels like a Hallmark movie
St. Jacobs: A Mennonite Christmas Wonderland
St. Jacobs, known for its traditional Mennonite culture, becomes a holiday gem with its Christmas in the Village events. The town’s popular holiday market features local vendors selling unique gifts and homemade treats, while horse-drawn wagon rides take visitors through snow-covered streets. Many visitors pair their trip with the Waterloo Central Railway’s Christmas train rides, which depart nearby and add even more magic to the day.
Why it works: Easy to get to, great for families, and full of festive energy with markets, village browsing, and holiday treats all in one place.
Stratford: Christmas in Theatre Town
Stratford is one of Ontario’s prettiest holiday towns, blending Victorian charm with arts, culture, and a true small-town Christmas feel. For 2025, the popular Stratford Christmas Trail returns from early November to December 20, guiding visitors through local shops with festive vouchers, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. The Victorian Christmas Tour showcases Stratford’s stunning heritage homes decorated for the season. Shop for unique gifts with a festive atmoshpere at the Stratford Christmas Market.
In the evenings, the city transforms with Lights On Stratford, a stunning outdoor light festival featuring large-scale art installations, illuminated walkways, and interactive displays across the historic downtown.
Add in cozy cafés, boutique shopping, riverside strolls, and Stratford’s signature artistic flair, and you have a holiday getaway that feels both magical and refined.
Why it works: Perfect for couples or families who want festive charm with a cultural twist — lights, shops, theatre vibes, and gorgeous historic streets all wrapped up in one beautiful destination.
Collingwood: A Snowy Mountain Christmas
If you’re dreaming of a snowy, storybook-style Christmas getaway, Collingwood and Blue Mountain Village deliver it all! Sparkling lights, ski-town energy, and cozy winter fun.
Blue Mountain’s Holiday Magic transforms the pedestrian village into a glowing wonderland each evening, with illuminated pathways, interactive displays, festive music, and photo stops around every corner. Pair it with hilltop views, chalet-style dining, and fireside après-ski and you’ve got an unforgettable winter escape.
Just minutes away, downtown Collingwood adds even more charm with decorated storefronts, seasonal markets, warm cafes, and family-friendly holiday events.
Why it works: It’s the perfect spot for families and couples who want both winter adventure and holiday village magic; skiing, lights, shopping, and festive vibes all in one destination.
Almonte: Christmas in a Charming Small Town
Almonte is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets for a small-town Christmas experience with historic stone buildings, cozy cafés, and a picture-perfect main street that lights up beautifully for the holidays.
The town’s signature celebration, Light Up the Night, is a beloved annual tradition featuring live music, fireworks, and a magical tree-lighting ceremony that draws visitors from across the region. Throughout the season, the village is filled with festive window displays, artisan shopping, and warm holiday treats — all set against Almonte’s charming heritage backdrop.
Why it works: A quieter, romantic-feeling small town with plenty of holiday spirit — perfect for couples or families looking for a slower-paced, storybook-style Christmas outing.
Kingston: A Waterfront Christmas
Kingston shines during the holidays with waterfront lights, festive markets, and charming historic streets. One of the season’s highlights is the River of Lights at Confederation Basin — a beautiful, free light show with thousands of synchronized lights dancing along the harbour.
Just under an hour away, you can also experience Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village, one of Ontario’s largest light festivals featuring over a million lights, horse-drawn rides, and magical holiday scenes. Pairing both makes for an unforgettable weekend.
Other Kingston favourites include the Holiday Market, skating at Springer Market Square, decorated downtown shops, and a full lineup of concerts and seasonal performances.
Why it works: Waterfront views, gorgeous lights, great food, and tons of festive things to do, Kingston delivers a perfect winter getaway.
Perth: A Heritage Christmas
Photo Credit: Tim Forbes
Perth is a town that exudes timeless charm. with heritage stone buildings, twinkle lights, and cozy shops that make it feel straight out of a holiday movie. The season kicks off with Once Upon a Christmas, a festive downtown celebration with lights, music, carriage rides, and holiday shopping.
Perth is also a stop on the CPKC Holiday Train, which rolls into town with live performances and a beautifully decorated train, a favourite for families. Throughout December, the town offers charming holiday markets, boutique shopping, and beautifully decorated streets ideal for a winter stroll by the Tay River.
Why it works: Warm, small-town charm with big holiday spirit. A dreamy getaway for anyone wanting a quieter but truly magical Christmas setting.
Explore These Magical Christmas Towns and More With Summer Fun Guide
Ontario comes alive in winter, and Summer Fun Guide makes it easy to find the season’s best experiences. Discover charming Christmas towns in Ontario, from Niagara Falls’ fireworks and light shows to cozy main streets lined with holiday décor. Plan a snowy day trip for cross-country skiing, snow tubing, or a quiet walk through a small-town square beneath a sparkling tree. Our event calendar highlights the province’s top Christmas events, while listings for resorts, indoor attractions, and seasonal coupons help you turn inspiration into a full getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Places to Visit During Christmas in Ontario
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ontario’s Christmas Towns?
The best time to visit Ontario’s Christmas towns is late November through mid-December, when most holiday markets, light festivals, and special events are in full swing and before the busiest holiday rush. If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for weekdays or the first two weekends of December. For the biggest events (like Candlelight Strolls, holiday trains, or large light festivals), early December evenings offer the most festive atmosphere. Many towns keep their lights up until early January, so you can still enjoy magical displays even after Christmas.
Which Towns Are the Best Places to Visit During Christmas in Ontario?
Ontario is filled with destinations that feel straight out of a holiday postcard. Niagara-on-the-Lake offers elegant Victorian streets and candlelit strolls. Elora glows along the Grand River with its Festival of Lights. St. Jacobs embraces old-world charm through horse-drawn wagon rides and holiday markets. Stratford transforms into a cultural winter escape with its Christmas Trail and heritage home tours. Collingwood, Almonte, Kingston, and Perth each bring their own festive flair, from waterfront skating to small-town markets and twinkling streetscapes.
Where Can I See the Most Beautiful Christmas Light Displays in Ontario?
Ontario has some truly breathtaking light displays during the holiday season. Some of the most beautiful include:
- River of Lights (Kingston) – A stunning waterfront show with synchronized lights and music.
- ALight at Night (Upper Canada Village) – One of the largest light festivals in Ontario with over a million lights, horse-drawn rides, and magical village scenes.
- Blue Mountain Holiday Magic Light Trail (Collingwood) – A glowing walking trail through the pedestrian village with interactive displays.
- Village of Lights Festival (Elora) – Nightly 100,000-light “switch on” ceremonies and après-ski village displays.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake – Beautifully decorated heritage streets, holiday trees, and festive displays throughout town.
These destinations offer some of the most immersive, magical, and photo-worthy Christmas lights in the province.
Which Ontario Towns Offer the Best Christmas Shopping and Markets?
Ontario’s Christmas markets give each town its own personality. Niagara-on-the-Lake pairs its Candlelight Stroll with a festive market filled with local treasures. St. Jacobs celebrates Christmas in the Village with handmade goods and home-baked treats. Stratford’s Christmas Market and Christmas Trail combine shopping with seasonal entertainment and light displays. Smaller towns such as Perth and Almonte provide a cozy shopping experience with independent boutiques and beautifully decorated storefronts.
What Are the Best Places to Visit in Ontario During Christmas for Outdoor Fun?
For outdoor adventure, Collingwood and Blue Mountain lead the list of places to visit in Ontario during Christmas. Visitors can ski, snowboard, or explore festive light trails before warming up fireside in the village. In Kingston enjoy skating at Springer Market Square, exploring the River of Lights along the waterfront, and wandering historic downtown streets. For quieter outdoor escapes, Elora and Perth offer scenic walking routes surrounded by sparkling lights and historic charm.
Which Christmas Towns in Ontario Offer the Most Festive Atmosphere?
Each town celebrates the holidays in its own way. Almonte’s Light Up the Night kicks off the season with fireworks, live music, and small-town cheer. St. Jacobs offers horse-drawn wagon rides through snowy streets and a community feel rooted in tradition. Niagara-on-the-Lake and Stratford deliver elegance and nostalgia with their decorated streets and welcoming shops. Kingston and Perth balance heritage beauty with lively public events that bring people together year after year.
Happy Holidays!
Natalie