Ultimate Guide to Holiday Light Shows in Ontario for 2025
By Natalie Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Although summer is in our name, we’re head over heels for winter too—especially the holiday season! The sparkle of magical light shows, the warmth of mulled wine, and the joy of festive markets make this time of year extra special. If you’re ready to bask in the glow of holiday cheer, we’ve rounded up some of the best light shows in Ontario for 2025.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
Nathan Phillips Square transforms into a glittering winter wonderland with magical light displays, live entertainment, ice sculptures, and free Saturday skate rentals.
When: Nov 29, 2025–Jan 7, 2026
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
Experience a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, enchanting live shows and holiday entertainment, ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, exciting rides and holiday treats.
Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour (Toronto)
Stroll through Casa Loma’s dreamy gardens and tunnels glowing with elaborate light displays and festive music. Add on their daytime Christmas at the Castle for the full experience.
When: Select dates, Dec 6, 2025–Jan 3, 2026
Village of Yorkville Holiday Magic (Toronto)
This Yorkville park transforms into a glowing installation each season, making it the perfect backdrop for a holiday stroll, warm drink, or festive photos.
When: Nov 22–Dec 31, 2025
Journey Into Enchantment (Ajax)
Drive a two-kilometre route packed with over two million lights, glowing tunnels, character displays and synchronized holiday music.
When: Nov 15–Dec 27, 2025
Enlightenment: Vivaldi Light Show (Toronto)
Inside Knox Presbyterian Church, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons comes alive with immersive light and projection choreography.
When: Select dates, Nov 14–mid-Dec 2025
Ottawa
Magic of Lights (Wesley Clover Parks)
Stay cozy in your car and enjoy this drive-through holiday light show. With dazzling LED displays and festive scenes, it’s a family favorite.
When: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 3, 2026
Winter Lights Across Canada
Every night until January 9th Ottawa’s downtown core lights up with thousands of twinkling lights and a stunning free multimedia show on Parliament Hill. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the capital’s festive spirit.
When: Dec 8, 2025–Jan 9, 2026
Holiday Light Festival at Saunders Farm
Snap holiday photos among the lights, grab a warm bite to eat, pick the perfect tree and snag a great gift at The Farmshop! Don’t forget to stop by the Christmas Activity Stations
Northern ON
Sudbury Festival of Lights
Get into the spirit of the season by visiting the Festival of Lights. Brilliant displays of Christmas lights at Science North! Encompassing over 250 separate elements containing approx 3.25kms of lighting with nearly 55,000 LED lights. Admission & parking is free!
When: Dec 1–31, 2025
Southwestern Ontario
Bright Lights (Windsor)
Jackson Park transforms into a glowing garden of lights with themed displays, illuminated tunnels, and festive décor. Visit Santa in his workshop, ride the holiday train, shop sip and eat at the holiday market and so much more.
When: Nov 28, 2025–Jan 7, 2026
Gift of Lights (Kitchener)
Bingemans hosts this dazzling drive-through event featuring a 40 foot twinkly LED tree, two tunnels and over 300 animated and static displays. It’s a magical outing for all ages.
Winterlit Trail (Mountsberg Conservation Area)
Take a scenic stroll through an enchanting trail adorned with unique lighting and art installations. Local music adds a soulful touch to this serene holiday experience and cozy by Fireside Lounges keep you warm so you can ejoy the fesivities.
Holiday Lights Heritage Nights (LaSalle)
A huge walk-through festival with dazzling light displays, a giant tree, market vendors and festive entertainment.
When: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights
One of Ontario’s oldest light festivals, filling downtown Simcoe and Wellington Park with glowing displays, markets, treats and horse-drawn trolley rides.
When: Nov 29–Dec 31, 2025
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights
Over 25 km of lights brighten the harbour, riverbanks and downtown, with concerts, holiday markets and opening-night fireworks.
When: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 11, 2026
Blenheim Festival of Lights
A cheerful small-town holiday celebration with markets, carols, parade and nightly light displays.
Central ON
Simcoe Christmas Panorama (Simcoe)
Explore this winter wonderland with over 60 dazzling displays and 500,000 lights. Don’t miss the horse-drawn trolley rides, character meet and greets a meeting with Santa! Grab a warm cup of hot chocolate while you walk under the lights festive market for a magical holiday evening.
Lang Pioneer Village Christmas by Candlelight (Keene)
Step back in time and experience a traditional Pioneer Christmas with caroling, Christmas craft and games, horse-drawn wagon rides and a live nativity scene. It’s a nostalgic way to celebrate the season.
Holiday Magic at Blue (Collingwood)
Follow the Interactive Light Trail through the village and around the Mill Pond. Enjoy fireworks over the pond on Saturday nights, plus weekend holiday music, a Snowdome Garden, seasonal entertainment and even visits from Santa on a horse-drawn sleigh.
When: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
First Light at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons (Midland)
Thousands of candles illuminate the historic mission site during this beloved cultural celebration.
When: Nov 27–30, Dec 4–7 & 11–14, 2025
Magic of Lights Barrie
A 2 km drive-through with huge themed displays including Holiday Barbie™, Bigfoot® and prehistoric dinosaurs.
When: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 3, 2026
Forest of Light (Huntsville)
Wander through dazzling light tunnels, glowing gardens, whimsical displays, and art installations that transform Sandhill Nursery into a 1 km twinkling winter wonderland. St. Nicholas himself will be popping in on: December 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 2pm-5pm
When: Dec. 1, 2025–March 21, 2026
Eastern ON
Alight at Night (Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg)
Stroll through this heritage village illuminated by over one million lights. From cozy horse-drawn wagon rides to singing heartwarming carols, this event is like stepping into a Christmas postcard.
River of Lights (Brockville)
This free light and music show on Blockhouse Island is a holiday treat. Stay warm in your car and tune into festive tunes while thousands of lights create a magical atmosphere along the St. Lawrence River.
When: Nov 29, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
Christmas Light Trolley Tour(Kingston)
A festive 75-minute trolley ride through Kingston’s best decorated homes with holiday music and beautiful neighbourhood displays.
When: Dec 4–31, 2025
Niagara Region
Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls)
Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival features millions of lights, a new laser show and illuminated displays along an 8-kilometer route. Pair it with the illuminated Niagara Falls for an unforgettable experience.
When: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
Safari Lights (Stevensville)
A 3 km drive-through adventure packed with glowing tunnels, dazzling displays and whimsical animal scenes.
When: Nov 21–Dec 30, 2025
No matter where you are in Ontario, there’s a holiday light show near you to add a little sparkle to your season. Wishing you a warm and merry Christmas filled with lights, laughter, and love!
Natalie