Toronto 
The magic and spirit of the holiday season is merry and bright across Ontario this December. All the major centres, like the Toronto, Ottawa, and more, have major holiday celebrations, events, and outdoor winter activities. Plus, there are several smaller towns and cities in the province, for which this is especially true.
Credit: Bruce Hotel Startford
In these getaways and ideal holiday spots, visitors can experience holiday fun for the day, weekend, or the entire holiday break from Christmas to New Year’s. And aside from the Christmas or festive events and holiday fun, these locations provide plenty to do for free, outside and within some of Ontario’s most scenic winter parks.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
The holiday spirit is alive and well across the Niagara-on-the-Lake region and across the town. Shop the local boutiques and stores while enjoying the town’s Queen Street, which is fully decorated for the season (this is also where you’ll find Just Christmas, the local Christmas store!). Outside of the Queen Street area, there is much more to discover, like the wineries and tastings, dining, or winter trails and holiday lights.
Frosty Fun Day Trip and Winter Getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake
- These festive hotel deals around Niagara-on-the-Lake are a great way to start off your getaway planning for a multi-day or weekend trip: the Christmas Wonderland package from Harbour House Hotel, Queen’s Landing, or the Prince of Wales Hotel (all from the Vintage Hotels group).
- If those deals don’t suit your getaway, these spa hotels are great for day visitors and overnight guests: Pillar and Post Inn & Spa, 124 Queen Hotel & Spa, or the Brickwork Spa in a more rural part of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake is also known as Ontario’s wine country. And these wineries have as much to offer in December as they would in the spring or summer. Join the Greatest Winery Tour to sample the winter Peller Estates feature of ice wine from inside an authentic igloo.
- If weather in town is calm, there are beautiful riverside and lakeside trails to enjoy for the scenery and fresh air. Some of the town’s best trails are also steeped in history, including those around Fort Mississauga and Mississauga Point Lighthouse National Historic Sites or those outside of the Fort George National Historic Site.
- Enjoy festive dining specials (Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day) from restaurants around Niagara-on-the-Lake: Tiara Restaurant in Queens Landing Hotel, Oban Restaurant, or The Garrison House.
- You can also head to Niagara Falls to enjoy all the winter wonders.
Kingsville
Embrace supporting local this holiday season with a visit to Kingsville. The small southern Ontario town is filled with local dining, accommodations, shops, and other services or businesses. As one of Ontario’s southernmost towns, Kingsville may be one of the warmest Canadian destinations for a holiday trip. It could even be warm enough for a trip that helps you avoid the snow! Overall, a trip to Kingsville will offer a quieter side of the holiday travel experience, excellent waterfront views and scenery, and a great deal of local history to explore while wandering the town or trails.
Christmas in Windsor – Santa Claus Parades, Carols, Holiday Theatre & Events
- The Kingsville Fantasy of Lights is over a month long, with many activities to look forward to closer to the holidays. These include touring residential light displays, outdoor fun at Lakeside Park on December 21, and family fun at the Kingsville area for New Year’s Eve (including fireworks).
- Explore the local shops, boutiques, and plenty of dining opportunities along Kingsville’s Main Street.
- There are few, if any, major hotel chains around Kingsville. If you want to make it a weekend holiday getaway to the area, opt for the adorably cozy inns and bed and breakfasts. Choose between those with holiday availability from the Distinct Inns of Kingsville.
- Sip through warm drinks from La Dulce Vida Café, cold brews from The Grove, and the wine lists of O’ Sarracino Trattoria and Wine Bar, or Wineology.
- The Colasanti Gardens are part of the greater Kingsville region and located about 7km northeast of downtown Kingsville. This local shop and family attraction are open until December 23, and again December 26-30 with an arcade, mini golf, petting farm, garden centre, and restaurant. Families can save on admission for the above dates with the Winter Break Deal.
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Stratford
From early December to January 2026, the town of Stratford offers several ways to embrace winter, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. All holiday season, Stratford is a bustling place for events, light displays, holiday dining, and holiday entertainment. But most importantly, Stratford is the top destination in Ontario for Christmas chocolate!
Winter Getaway to Stratford – Top Winter Activities, Festivals and Outdoor Adventures
- The festive holiday lighting is on this season in Stratford and beyond, with more to see in the nearby town of St. Marys. In Stratford, take in the magic of the Lights on Stratford Event until January 18, 2026. In St. Marys, enjoy the WinterLights event until January 1, 2026.
- The Chocolate Trail is one of the most notable year-round attractions in Stratford, and among the more unique in all of Ontario. This is a chance to shop local chocolatiers and more across the town of Stratford. If you make it before December 20th, follow the map of the Christmas Chocolate Trail to have local shops and boutiques also marked.
- Save a bit for the holidays with winter or Christmas packages from the Bruce Home Hotel, or The Parlour Inn.
- Ring in the New Year in Stratford a few ways: with the Midnight Masquerade: A Hidden Affair at the Bruce Hotel (December 31), a three-course seafood dinner at The Starlight (December 31) or the Stratford Symphony Orchestra New Year Celebration (January 1, 2026)
Morrisburg
Morrisburg is one of the last major stops on the 401 before hitting the Quebec border to the northeast. This riverside community is a little way off the highway, too, giving it a more peaceful setting next to the St. Lawrence. The town is steeped in rich history on full display from the museums and other monuments around South Dundas to the architecture around Morrisburg. Take in the history alongside all the festive fun and holiday spirit that is alive and well in Morrisburg and the greater South Dundas area.
Credit: Alight at Night
- A winter walk around the Morrisburg Waterfront Park is a great way to get free access to local history through the sculptures, plaques, and interpretive panels on display.
- The Upper Canada Village, a short drive up the river from Morrisburg, is open for the holiday season with a very festive reason: the Alight at Night Festival. The Festival features on-site shopping and dining, kids’ activity stations, carriage rides, a Santa photo station, and train rides. The outdoor light display and winter attraction is open until January 15, 2026.
- The Stone Crop Acres Winery & Vineyard will be open through December 21, featuring tastings, a food menu, and holiday concerts.
- Ice skating, a favourite holiday activity to many Canadians and Ontarians, is easy to find in Morrisburg with the community outdoor rink, as well as South Dundas with four more rinks to skate.
- Find scenic recreational opportunities near Morrisburg at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary; the area is open year-round with ski and hiking trails that get visitors views of an array of bird species. The park offers around 6km of cross-country ski trails, and over 8km of winter hiking trails.
- The smaller town’s historic architecture is best enjoyed through the accommodations like The McIntosh Country Inn, the Inn by the Park, or the Russell Manor Bed & Breakfast.
Uxbridge
The small community of Uxbridge is a short drive northeast of the GTA and Markham.
Credit: Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights
- Weather and snow-dependent, a visit to Uxbridge can precede or follow a day on the ski hills. The Dagmar Ski Resort and Lakeridge Ski Resort are both a short drive south of Uxbridge and within the Durham Regional Forest. Lakeridge Ski Resort also has a tubing hill.
- The Walker Woods & Glen Major Forest provides plenty more outdoor fun and recreation with over 40km of trails, including those for winter hiking or cross-country skiing. Visit the East or West Duffins Headwaters Conservation Areas to enjoy the winter wonderland woodlands.
- The Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights is on from December 6, 2025 to January 3, 2026, as a drive-through display with admission by donation.
- Embark on a self-guided historical tour of Uxbridge to uncover the town’s natural scenery and cultural heritage. Part of the tour will take you past the Fantasy of Lights display at Elgin Park.
- There are many more wonderful winter trails within “The Trail Capital of Canada!”
- Find those last-minute holiday gifts, or enjoy warm drinks and hearty meals, as you explore the rest of Uxbridge. Brock Street East and West are a great source for Uxbridge’s local boutiques and shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Blue Mountains
The mention of Ontario’s Blue Mountains area is likely to bring about the thought of visiting the Blue Mountain Resort and Village. This is a perfect place to start your visit and a way to spend your time in the area. And beyond the resort is a much wider area to explore, especially if you have a few days in Ontario’s Blue Mountains for Christmas or New Year’s.
- Beginning with the Resort’s mountain and play areas, take your pick of winter fun! It could be downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, hiking, snow tubing, ski touring, and even winter rides on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.
- And for overnight stays, guests can take advantage of the Stay & Ski package, or the Holiday Magic Package, or simply rent a room for the night.
- Even if you aren’t staying at the Village overnight, be sure to stay until sundown to embrace Holiday Magic, Blue Mountain’s outdoor light display.
- More ways to make the most of your time around the Resort and Village include time at Iwa Spa and Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain or time at the several restaurants and eateries.
- Thornbury and Craigleith are also part of the Blue Mountains region, with both towns also on the shores of the Georgian Bay. With these locations, you can enjoy the activity, adventure, or snow at the Blue Mountain Resort, and a quiet retreat to a lakefront accommodation or restaurant.
- There is a second ski hill in Craigleith with downhill terrain and areas for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
- Get all the last-minute holiday shopping done with local Blue Mountain stores or boutiques. Most of them are located in Thornbury or Blue Mountain Village.
Brockville
Brockville, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, is where the Netflix movie Hot Frosty was filmed. This Christmas, explore Courthouse Avenue, where the movie was filmed.
- Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to Brockville’s River of Lights, open until January 4, 2026 on Blockhouse Island. the drive-through display is set to music you can tune into on your car radio, and holiday train rides are available on select dates.
- Christmas in Downtown Brockville kicked off in November and early December with a parade and Christmas market. The area is perfect for an afternoon on the town. The streets are lit up for the holidays while many storefronts provide festive displays along the sidewalks and windows.
- Catch various live concerts this New Year’s Eve from within the historic churches of Brockville- an annual event now in its 34th year. Brockville Arts Centre will screen the movies Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, and Wicked during the holidays.
- Eat your way through all the delicious food downtown restaurants offer. Visit 1000 Islands Brewery or Keystorm Pub for craft beer, and cocktails, enjoy English classics at the charming Cosies Tea Room and Café, savour Mediterranean cuisine at Buell Street Bistro, or experience history and flavour at Brockville’s 100-year-old restaurant, Tait’s Fresh Start.
- The local ice skating experience in Brockville is unique in that it is on an outdoor but covered rink at Rotary Park. The 8km Brock Trail is great for enjoying the winter scenery of the waterfront. More winter recreation is found at the Mac Johnson Creek Conservation Area, which has groomed cross-country ski trails.
- Stay in luxury at 48 King Street West Boutique Hotel, featuring unique suites like “The Vault.” Enjoy waterfront amenities at Tall Ships Landing Coastal Resort or themed suites at Noble Suites Boutique Apartment Hotel. Relax at Hampton Inn by Hilton or Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Experience history at Sir Isaac Brock B&B (1824) or Widows Peak B&B (1881).
Winter Getaway to Brockville – Top Outdoor Thrills and Family Fun Activities
Cambridge
Ontario’s historic Cambridge, Galt, in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, has everything a couple, group, or family could need for a memorable holiday trip. This is true for a quick day trip or a full weekend vacation. Cambridge, on the west side of the Grand River, is surrounded by well-preserved historic architecture, well-kept trails, and quick access to Kitchener-Waterloo. A holiday trip to the region may be filled with festive fun, outdoor experiences, relaxing and unwinding around town, or all of the above.
Family Fun Things to Do During Christmas – Winter Break in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- Winterfest is officially on in Cambridge for the holiday season and until December 31, 2025. The event invites guests and visitors to walk or drive around town to see incredible holiday light displays and immersive displays like “e/motion.” The event concludes with a New Year’s Eve party at the Hespeler Arena.
- Downtown Cambridge (where many of those light displays are set up) encompasses an area around the Grand River from Samuelson Street in the north to around Concession Street in the south. This area is a prime location for seeing the best of Cambridge’s historic architecture and history while also being the best spot for local holiday shopping and dining.
- There are several trails around Cambridge for touring the more natural areas of the town. Follow the 5km Mill Run Trail along the Grand River to explore the forests of the Chilligo Conservation Area. Plus, the Dumfries Conservation Area provides several other ways to enjoy the winter scenery including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
- The greater Kitchener-Waterloo region is home to other festive activities and light displays like the drive-through Gift of Lights in Kitchener or the Wonders of Winter at Waterloo Park (both open until January 3, 2026).
- Discover the unique attractions of the area. Wander with tropical butterflies at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and enjoy interactive exhibits for all ages at THEMUSEUM. Explore heritage at Schneider Haus and experience a Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride.
- Chicopee Tube Park is a year-round adventure park on the west side of the Grand River in Kitchener. The summer attraction is the park’s zipline, while the winter attraction is a 900ft. slope exclusively for snow tubing. The park makes the adventure easier with a lift bringing riders to the top of the hill.
Barrie
The city of Barrie surrounds the western shores of Lake Simcoe in central Ontario. This waterfront city transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season, from the nearby Springwater Provincial Park to the heart of Barrie, to the waterfront trails. The festivities around town will bring your visit to areas filled with local places to dine, drink, warm up, or take part in winter recreation like ice skating.
Credit: Horseshoe Resort
- Embrace the holiday season in Barrie with the Magic of Lights. The outdoor drive-through light display is on at Springwater Park until January 3, 2026. More displays light up the city of Barrie, including the Festival of Trees on Lakeshore Drive.
- Celebrate further into the holiday season with Barrie’s Downtown Countdown on December 31. The free event will feature skating, live music, and a fireworks show.
- The city of Barrie is well-equipped to host your holiday skating plans with several outdoor rinks, including City Hall and Heritage Park.
- There are plenty of winter outdoor adventures to be had in the area, including skiing and tubing at Horseshoe Resort and plenty of hiking/snowshoeing opportunities to explore the scenic beauty of the Copeland Forest. There is a stay and spa package which includes a trip to Vettä Nordic Spa
Burlington
Burlington in the GTA has plenty of attractions along Lake Ontario. Most city services, shopping, accommodations, and dining are all found along these waterfront areas. Further west from Burlington is the rest of the Halton region, filled with many protected natural areas and conservation areas, and therefore, many places for outdoor winter fun. Plus, the Halton Conservation organization has planned several holiday-themed events for these conservation areas near Burlington to give visitors the best of both worlds: recreation and festive activities.
- Enjoy winter recreation within the heart of Burlington and near the city’s waterfront parks. The Rotary Centennial Pond is open to ice skating when cold enough, or quiet walks along the city’s many waterfront or urban trails. The city’s waterfront is incredibly festive, too, with the city’s Festival of Lights illuminating your walks.
- Come Christmas, Royal Botanical Gardens becomes all the more spectacular with seasonal activities. Experience the magic of Winter Wonders at the Royal Botanical Gardens! Until January 5, Hendrie Park dazzles with light displays, fire pits, festive food, and roaming entertainers. Indoors, enjoy botanical arrangements, a whimsical train display, and live music. Highlights include the Escarpment Train Exhibit at Rock Garden and the RBG Express train ride through wintery landscapes.
- Winterlit is a multi-month event at the Mountsberg Conservation Area which creates a perfect activity for getting into the festive spirit. The outdoor light display is open from December 31, 2025, to February 16, 2026.
- Visit the Mountsberg Conservation Area’s Raptor between Christmas and New Year’s to take part in the Raptor Encounter experience.
- Or head back to the rural parts of Halton and hit the slopes of the Glen Eden Ski Hill. More relaxed cross-country skiing experiences are available at the Crawford Lake, Mountsberg, and Hilton Falls Conservation areas.
