Best Christmas Events in Ontario
Following on from the delights of Ontario’s winter wonderland, it’s time to explore the very best Christmas events. Here, you’ll find a selection of Ontario’s must-visit Christmas destinations that guarantee festivity and fun.
Toronto Christmas Market
First on the list, you’ll find the Toronto Christmas Market, a veritable tour de force in Canadian celebrations. Beautifully lit up by tens of thousands of Christmas lights, the market transforms the Distillery Historic District into a charm-filled Christmas haven. Expect an array of artisans presenting their works for your perusal – there are over 300 to choose from.
Plus to the quality handcrafted goods, you’ll find tempting cuisine here, with more than 30 different types of traditional holiday foods on offer. Remember to dress warmly, as the entire market takes place outdoors and can get pretty chilly. Embellishing the experience, live performances, and visits from Santa Claus himself are a net plus for this unique market.
Niagara Winter Festival of Lights
Alternatively, if you favour a nuanced approach to Christmas light displays, the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights is a must-visit. Hosted from mid-November to end January, it represents a beacon of winter celebrations and one of the most renowned light festivals worldwide.
Stretching over 8km along the Niagara Parkway, the festival’s displays comprise millions of lights, animating the entire city in a festive glow. Your experience gets elevated with additions like the “Winter Wonderland” featuring Disney-themed exhibits, and the illumination of the city’s landmarks including the Skylon Tower and Niagara Falls.
In sum, both of these events offer the perfect blend of joy, tradition, and wonder. So, whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a Christmassy marketplace or the captivating beauty of vibrant light displays, Ontario does not disappoint. Take these experiences to heart, and you’re bound to end up having a Christmas season filled with joy and fascination.
Family Activities for Holiday Cheer
Ontario’s Christmas season is chock-a-block with activities that inject that delightful dose of holiday spirit into your family outings. Let’s dive right into what’s in store.
Visit Santa’s Village
You’ve probably heard tale of Santa’s Village, located in Bracebridge. Known as the home of Father Christmas, this activity-fuelled hub transforms into a snow-covered spectacle come winter. Santa’s Village boasts amusement rides suitable for all ages and a petting zoo full of friendly critters. Treat the kids to the unique experience of a reindeer meet and greet. Not to mention, the gingerbread decorating sessions which are quite a hit. Capping it all off is the opportunity to meet Santa himself in his humble abode, an experience sure to fill your little ones with awe and joy.
Ice Skating at the City Hall
Consider ice skating at the Nathan Phillips Square, right in front of Toronto’s City Hall. This iconic spot attracts locals and tourists alike with its large, illuminated ‘Toronto’ sign acting as the perfect backdrop for a night-time skating session. With rental skates available, it’s an easy and fun activity for families to revel in the festive mood. Just remember to bundle up and enjoy gliding under the sparkling lights that mirror the holiday dazzle. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a novice, skating at the City Hall gives a taste of winter magic that is truly Ontarian.
Remember, the Christmas season in Ontario isn’t simply a mere date on the calendar. It’s a vibrant, festive journey filled with activities that cater to every family member’s whims and wishes. Making the most of these experiences may just turn your winter holidays into your best family tradition yet. Be ready to brace the cold, and let Ontario’s Christmas charm lead the way.
Culinary Delights During Christmas
Ontario has a culinary tradition that’s as diverse and vibrant as its world. Festive times, especially Christmas, invite a flurry of food-related activities, offering a tantalising taste of the land of the Maple leaf during the holiday season.
Holiday-Themed Food Festivals
Continuing your Ontario Christmas journey, festivals centred around food showcase a delicious array of local and international cuisines. Three to jot down are the Toronto Christmas Market’s tasty offerings, the Niagara Icewine Festival, and the multicultural Winterfest at Hamilton.
For starters, the Toronto Christmas Market, aside from being a gift hunter’s paradise, teems with delectable food stalls. You’ll find mouthwatering specialities like chimney cakes, thinly-sliced smoked salmon, and Mulled wine to keep the chilly weather at bay.
Second, the Niagara Icewine Festival brings together vintners showcasing their exquisite ice wines. Ice wine, a dessert wine, is unique to cold climates like Ontario’s, where grapes are left to freeze on the vine before being harvested. Pairing ice wines with savoury dishes is a gastronomical experience that’s not to be missed.
Finally, heading over to Hamilton’s Winterfest, a delightful potpourri of world cultures awaits. Nibble on succulent dumplings from China, hearty empanadas from Latin America, or creamy Butter Chicken from India, celebrating global flavours amidst Ontario’s snow-laden landscapes.
Traditional Christmas Dinners
An Ontarian Christmas isn’t complete without experiencing a traditional Christmas dinner. Christmas Eve in Ontario smells of slow-cooked turkey stuffing, the sweet aroma of apple pies, and pungent Rich Christmas pudding, setting up the atmosphere of a homely festive feast.
To join in this culinary heritage, many cafes and restaurants across Ontario offer Christmas Eve dinner. For instance, Old Mill Toronto’s annual Christmas Eve Dinner offers an extravagant feast with Roast turkey, Baked Nova Scotia salmon, and a confounding variety of desserts.
Relishing an Ontarian Christmas dinner, ladled with generous helpings of love and a dash of holiday cheer, is a merry itinerary to not only fill your tummies but also warm your heart in the frosty faucets of Ontario’s winter. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with every bite in this delightful part of the world.
Christmas Decor and Shopping Areas
Ontario’s sparkling Christmas atmosphere doesn’t stop at the lively events and mouth-watering food. The region also boasts of enchanting shopping experiences where Christmas decorations take centre stage. In this section, you’ll encounter bustling festive markets and uniquely decorated shopping centres that transform into hubs of holiday activity.
Festive Markets and Craft Shows
Ontario takes pride in its robust array of festive markets teeming with unique crafts and holiday decor. One top pick is the One-of-a-Kind Winter Show in Toronto. It showcases over 800 artisans, designers, and crafters. For instance, you might unearth handcrafted wooden toys, one-off ceramic pieces, and custom-made jewellery. Simultaneously, the Ottawa Christmas Market offers a blend of traditional market-stalls stocking local crafts and contemporary design pieces. Each stall is bedecked with twinkling lights and tinsel, creating a picturesque holiday shopping experience.
Christmas in the Country, held at the Hamilton Convention Centre, is equally engaging. It’s well-known for its rich offering of distinctive decor items, gourmet food, and handcrafted gifts. You’ll find artists showcasing beautiful holiday decor from intricately etched glass ornaments to hand-stitched festive throws. Such markets don’t just provide an opportunity for you to find unique holiday gifts but also present a festive ambiance that’s a joy to explore.
Best Decorated Shopping Centres
Ready to immerse yourself in a shopping mall where Christmas decor paints every corner? Ontario’s major shopping centres go all out with their holiday decor, making each shopping trip an encounter with Christmas magic.
Notably, the Toronto Eaton Centre captures everyone’s attention. Celebrating the yuletide with Canada’s largest Christmas tree, reaching a staggering 100 feet, this mall captivates shoppers and onlookers alike. The tree, adorned with more than 160,000 LED lights, is sure to light up your Christmas shopping experience.
On the other hand, Sherway Gardens in Toronto reimagines itself into a Christmas village every holiday season. With over-sized ornaments hanging from ceilings and an extensive Santa’s Workshop, it’s a sight to behold. Also, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga follows suit with elegant holiday displays, featuring an ice palace and frost-covered trees.
Outdoor Christmas Activities
Venturing outdoors during the Christmas season opens up a whole world of fun-filled opportunities. Ontario transforms into an idyllic winter wonderland brimming with diverse range of entertaining activities.
Sleigh Rides Across Snow-Covered Trails
Experience the joy of traditional sleigh rides as you dash through the snow-fringed trails in Ontario. Companies such as Pommier Jewellers offer Christmas-themed horse-drawn sleigh rides, injecting a traditional charm into the winter holidays. Equipped with warm blankets and a variety of trails to choose from, it’s an activity enjoyed by families and couples alike. Remember to dress warmly, ensuring a comfortable and cosy ride underneath the starlit winter sky.
Winter Hiking at Provincial Parks
Many of Ontario’s Provincial Parks remain open during the winter welcoming adventurous hikers. The Bruce Peninsula National Park, for instance, guarantees breath-taking views of frost-kissed forests and frozen waterfalls. Strap on your snowshoes and begin on a refreshing journey through trails blanketed by white, fluffy snow. Refuel at one of the park’s picnic areas, and remember, waterproof footwear keeps your feet dry and warm.
Make sure to consult the park’s guidelines before your hike. Even though the chilly weather, Ontario’s winter world provides an alluring backdrop for outdoor Christmas activities. In the heart of Ontario, outdoor adventures don’t end with the fall of snow—they simply transform into a different kind of delightful.
Conclusion
So, you’ve seen the magic that awaits you in Ontario during the Christmas season. With a plethora of activities, from vibrant Christmas markets and dazzling light festivals to adventurous winter sports, there’s no shortage of festive fun. You can investigate into the culinary delights at food festivals or traditional Christmas dinners, adding an extra layer of warmth to your holiday season. And let’s not forget the joy of holiday shopping amidst the elaborate Christmas decorations in Ontario’s major shopping centres. For those who love the outdoors, traditional sleigh rides and winter hiking are just the ticket. It’s clear that Ontario offers a vibrant and festive journey for everyone. So, why wait? Plan your Christmas in Ontario and create cherished family traditions amidst the holiday charm of this beautiful region.
