Discover festive shopping, seasonal food, charming holiday villages and light-filled experiences across the province.
There’s something special about Ontario during the holidays. From downtown markets filled with handcrafted gifts to glowing winter light festivals, communities across the province invite visitors to celebrate the season.
These outings are also opportunities to support the local restaurants, cafés, accommodations, makers and hospitality professionals who make Ontario a welcoming place to explore. Smart Serve Ontario is pleased to highlight 23 destinations for your seasonal plans.
Greater Toronto Area & York Region
TORONTO
Distillery Winter Village
Historic cobblestone lanes sparkle with seasonal market cabins, shopping, food and holiday entertainment. Plan time to explore the district’s local restaurants.
STOUFFVILLE
Stouffville Holiday Market
Main Street fills with local vendors, festive lighting, seasonal bites and community performances.
AURORA
Aurora Christmas Market — Aurora
Discover makers, entertainment and a welcoming holiday atmosphere at Aurora Town Square.
RICHMOND HILL
Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace
Richmond Green Park hosts festive lights, artisan stalls and seasonal treats.
MOUNT ALBERT
Niemi’s Scandinavian Christmas Market
Enjoy Scandinavian-inspired shopping, family farm charm and handcrafted seasonal gifts.
VAUGHAN
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The theme park celebrates with spectacular lights, entertainment and seasonal food. Tickets required.
Hamilton, Halton & Niagara
BURLINGTON
Burlington Festival of Lights
Spencer Smith Park becomes a sparkling waterfront destination. Nearby downtown hospitality businesses make a great addition to the evening.
NIAGARA FALLS
Stouffville Holiday Market
See illuminated displays throughout the tourism district and explore Niagara Falls’ year-round restaurants and attractions.
Waterloo Region & Southwestern Ontario
ELORA
Elora Christmas Market
Located on Mill Street West opposite the pedestrian bridge, this market is a reason to explore Elora’s beautiful shops, cafés and local restaurants.
ST. JACOBS
Sparkles in the Village
Twinkling streets, seasonal shopping and cozy cafés bring small-town holiday charm.
CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge Holiday Market
Shop handmade wares from local artisans and explore downtown Cambridge.
KITCHENER
Kitchener Christkindl Market
A German-inspired Christmas market featuring traditional foods, handcrafted gifts and cultural entertainment.
LONDON
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Find seasonal vendors, food and festive entertainment at London’s Covent Garden Market.
Note: Please check official event page for dates and times.
DRESDEN
Dresden Christmas Night Market
Downtown Dresden welcomes artisans, food trucks, entertainment and a pop-up holiday bar.
Georgian Bay & Grey County
MEAFORD
Christmas on the Bay
Enjoy European-style outdoor cabins, seasonal food and local vendors beside Georgian Bay.
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Blue Mountain Holiday Magic
Illuminated village streets and nearby dining make this an appealing winter getaway.
Ottawa & Eastern Ontario
OTTAWA
Ottawa Christmas Market
At Lansdowne, traditional-style wooden kiosks, local food and live performances welcome visitors.
BATH
MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market
Explore local artisan shopping in an Eastern Ontario farm-brewery setting.
Note: Please check official event page for dates and times.
Northern Ontario
NORTH BAY
North Bay Winter Outdoor Market Experience
Downtown markets feature local makers and seasonal activities; the November 27 date coincides with the holiday walk.
TEMISKAMING SHORES
Village Noël Temiskaming
Celebrate Francophone holiday traditions with regional artisans and cultural activities.
THUNDER BAY
Canada’s Largest Indigenous Christmas Market
Discover Indigenous makers at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition and explore Thunder Bay’s local hospitality scene.
Note: Please check official event page for dates and times.
More Winter Magic
SIMCOE
Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights
See illuminated displays at Wellington Park and visit nearby Norfolk County businesses.
LASALLE
LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights
Seasonal lighting and community events brighten the Windsor–Essex area.
Note: Please check official event page for dates and times.
Support Local. Celebrate Ontario.
While visiting a winter market, consider booking a meal at a neighbourhood restaurant, stopping at a local café or exploring shops near the event. Ontario’s hospitality workers, event organizers and small-business owners help make these experiences possible.
Celebrate the Season Responsibly
If your plans include alcohol, make responsible choices and arrange a safe ride home. Whether you enjoy a festive cocktail, a non-alcoholic seasonal drink or simply the lights, the best celebrations are ones everyone can enjoy safely.
From all of us at Smart Serve Ontario, we wish you a wonderful holiday season!
Event dates, hours, fees and programs may change. Visit the linked organizer pages before travelling.