My favourite way to celebrate Christmas is to partake in as many Christmas activities as I can leading up to the holiday. Sometimes, the build-up to Christmas is more exciting for me than Christmas day itself! I’m definitely a child at heart when it comes to Christmas.
There are tons of great Christmas activities for those of all ages to enjoy in Ontario. A snowy Canadian winter gives them even more charm! Whether you live in Ontario or are visiting for Christmas, I hope that this post encourages you to take part in my favourite Christmas activities.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a great place for those of all ages to walk around, eat, and admire the stands and displays. The Christmas markets in Ontario are mostly modelled off of the infamous European Christmas markets. It is a dream of mine to go to all of the amazing Christmas markets in Europe!
The most popular Christmas market in Ontario is probably Toronto’s Christmas Market. I have been a few times and I absolutely love going. It always gets me into the Christmas spirit!
More info on the Toronto Christmas Market: http://tochristmasmarket.com/
There are also other great Christmas markets around Ontario that I hope to visit some day:
- Ottawa Christmas Market: http://www.ottawachristmasmarket.com/
- Kitchener Christkindl Market: https://www.christkindl.ca/
- Kingston Christmas Market: https://www.visitkingston.ca/events/kingston-holiday-market/
- Cambridge Christmas Market: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/cambridge-christmas-market.aspx
Christmas/Winter Festivals
Christmas/winter festivals are similar to Christmas markets but generally have more activities going on. They seem like so much fun and each festival looks so different. Lights, decorations, skating, food, whatever it may be – there is something for everyone at Christmas festivals!
I have never been to a Christmas festival but I’m planning on going to Aurora Winter Festival at Ontario Place this year so stay tuned and I will update this post with my feedback!
- Aurora Winter Festival: https://www.aurorawinterfestival.com/toronto/
- WinterFest at Wonderland: https://www.canadaswonderland.com/play/winterfest
- Christmas in Cambridge: https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/christmas-in-cambridge.aspx
Christmas Light Displays
Many cities and towns in Ontario are well known for their Christmas light displays, often in their downtown core. Although these displays might not have as much to do as Christmas markets or festivals, sometimes it’s nice to simply go for a walk with loved ones and admire beautiful Christmas lights.
- Winter Festival of Lights: https://wfol.com/
- Alight at Night: https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night/
- Burlington’s Lakeside Festival of Lights: https://burlingtonfestivaloflights.com/
- Gift of Lights: http://bingemans.com/gift-of-lights.php
- Simcoe Christmas Panorama: http://www.simcoepanorama.ca/
Christmas Parades
Going to my hometown’s Christmas parade was a yearly tradition during my childhood. Arriving early to choose a good spot with lawn chairs and hot chocolate in hand was a must. I recently started going to the parade again to get into the Christmas spirit. Who says Christmas parades are just for kids?!
There are so many local Christmas parades across Ontario that I couldn’t possibly list them all. I encourage you to Google the Christmas parade closest to you. Grab a Starbucks holiday drink and enjoy the happy atmosphere at the parade!
I hope you enjoyed this list of Christmas activities in Ontario!
