20 Best Christmas Towns in Ontario That are Pure Magic

There are so many magical Christmas towns in Ontario, Canada. Ontario is one of the best places in the world to discover cute festive places, all decked out for the holiday season. I love exploring these holiday towns in Ontario to see the Christmas lights, decorated storefronts and windows, and attend local Christmas markets and festivals.

While there are many cute small towns in Ontario, this is an exclusive list of the best Christmas towns to visit in November and December, right before the holidays. I’ll highlight the unique traditions and events in these small towns and villages.

The town of Almonte has a couple of special Christmas events, making it one of the best Christmas towns in Ontario. First, Light Up the Night is a wintry open-air concert that also has vendors selling food and drink and a brilliant fireworks display. Thousands of people fill the streets to attend one of the most magical holiday events in the region.

Also, don’t miss the Almonte Christmas Night Parade takes place annually in Almonte. There are numerous floats with Christmas music and beautiful lights. Free public skating follows the parade.

Christmas Towns in Ontario: Bath

Bath might be a tiny community in Lennox and Addington County, but it proudly boasts some of the best Christmas events in Ontario. Its main street only has a few shops and restaurants, but it’s a Christmas town in Ontario you need to add to your list.

The Bath Holiday Bazaar (at Bath Public School) and the Bath Holiday Vendor Market (at St. John’s Hall) showcase over 100 vendors combined with amazing gifts for the holidays. There are also raffles, home baked goodies, a silent auction, kids crafts, and photos with Santa.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s another fantastic holiday market in Bath. The Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Holiday Market has dozens of vendors at the brewery in the Old Barn. There are different vendors in November and December, so it’s a good excuse to attend twice.

Blue Mountain Village

Blue Mountain Village is home to plenty of magical holiday experiences this season. The village is all decorated for the season and it’s a great place to get your shopping done. There are also cozy dining experiences, as well as the snowdome cocktail garden to enjoy a festive beverage or two.

On top of several fun winter experiences at Blue Mountain, like a winter thrill ride on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, you should also check out their Holiday Magic Light Trail. It’s a 1km walk through Blue Mountain Village where you’ll be surrounded by brilliant lights and holiday music.

Every building is wrapped in holiday bows. There are many photo opportunities throughout the village to capture memories with your family and friends. In addition, there are musical light shows and interactive installations.

Brockville

Brockville has a cute downtown core lined with local shops where you can go Christmas shopping this year. Each shop window features a creative festive display: you might see Santa, stockings on a fireplace, Christmas trees, and so much more. There are quite a few Christmas events in Brockville that you won’t want to miss.

First, Miracle on King Street is a free event that’s a wonderful way to ring in the Christmas season. Santa Claus makes an appearance at City Hall, and there’s a vendor village showcasing locally made handicrafts. Dine at local restaurants or food trucks and some of the shops in town host special events.

Brockville is also home to the Brockville Rotary Santa Claus Parade, the Brockville Christmas Market, and River of Lights. Drive down to Blockhouse Island to witness a holiday lights display with thousands of sparkling lights set to music. Every night from the end of November and throughout the holidays, you can enjoy this fun, free, family-friendly spectacle.

Not far from Brockville, the Alight at Night Festival happens annually at Upper Canada Village. Over one million captivating lights and decorations illuminate the heritage buildings and landscapes of Upper Canada Village. It’s a magical, postcard-worthy scene!

Dresden

Watch downtown Dresden transform into a Christmas wonderland! Dresden has named itself “Christmas Town“, so you know that it’s automatically one of the best Christmas towns in Ontario. There’s an illumination map on their website where you can find the best holiday decorations in town.

The Dresden Night Market takes place on a quaint downtown main street with beautiful decorations and twinkling lights all around. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open, and dozens of local vendors from Chatham-Kent line the city streets. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Ontario.

In addition, Merry and Bright Thursday Nights take place every Thursday during the holiday season. Shop under the lights of Christmas town from 5pm to 8pm. There’s hot chocolate in the Commons, and the Christmas Town Pub at the Wheelhouse has festive sights and sounds.

Dundas

Dundas, Ontario is my hometown and I always loved attending the annual Dickens of a Christmas event when I was growing up. This holiday event is still going strong, decades later, and it’s the perfect excuse to spend the day on Dundas’ quaint King Street.

The tree lighting ceremony at Memorial Square kicks off the festivities. I have such strong memories as a child from when Santa rode in on a firetruck. Then, Dickens of a Christmas takes place each weekend from the end of November until the weekend before Christmas.

There’s a strolling Santa, roaming entertainment, photo stations, free hot apple cider and gingerbread cookies, and musical guests. Dundas also has free parking throughout the month of December, so it’s even easier to visit Dundas and do some Christmas shopping in town.

Christmas Towns in Ontario: Elora

Elora is one of the most enchanting Christmas villages in Ontario that you need to experience. In fact, it’s a stunning place to visit all year round with its picturesque gorge and bustling downtown streets. It should come as no surprise that Elora gets all decked out for the holidays.

The entire town’s buildings and lampposts are decorated with twinkling lights and festive trees, including some of the historic buildings, the Mews and the Gorge Cinema. There’s also a public skating rink in town, and you can catch a Christmas click at the Gorge Cinema throughout the season.

Christmas Towns in Ontario: Fergus

Right next door to Elora, the Scottish town of Fergus is equally as festive, making it another unmissable Christmas town in Ontario. Fergus kicks off the Christmas celebrations with the tree lighting ceremony, complete with bagpipers, of course. The popular Fergus Santa Claus Parade is held on the first Saturday in December.

The Wellington County Museum & Archives has an annual Christmas Market with food and drink, music, family activities, Santa Claus and a huge Christmas tree. Later in early January, the Fergus Pipe Band also hosts A Night With Robbie Burns with dancing, music, and haggis!

Galt (Cambridge)

Cambridge has six events that comprise Winterfest, taking place across the month of December. First, the CPKC Holiday Train comes to town in late November and kicks off the festivities. Winter Ice and Lights, as well as Music and Lights in the Village happen in Cambridge (in Preston and Hespeler, respectively).

However, Galt is one of the most magical Christmas villages in Ontario. It’s no wonder that this popular film location with its historic downtown core feels extra magical this time of year. On top of the decorated city streets and fantastic local shops, the Cambridge Christmas Market returns to City Hall with handmade wares by over 50 local artisans and crafters.

Glen Williams

Glen Williams, a hamlet in Halton Hills, is a picturesque town that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie. During the holidays, the entire community comes out to celebrate at the Christmas Market at Williams Mill and the Christmas Market in the Glen. Go for a wander around Glen Williams to browse the shops and vendor market, listen to live music and carolers, and take photos at the decorated displays.

There’s another fabulous Christmas event in Glen Williams called Light up the Hills. Light Up the Hills showcases holiday lights at three locations throughout Halton Hills: Georgetown at Dominion Gardens Park, Acton at Acton Sports Park, and Glen Williams at Shelagh Law Parkette. Each lights display features a large Christmas tree and numerous holiday decorations. Go for a stroll at each park to discover them all.

Kingsville

Kingsville is another one of the best Christmas towns in Ontario due to its annual Fantasy of Lights festival. Fantasy of Lights kicks off with the Santa Claus Parade and the opening ceremonies for the event. The celebrations wrap up on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks show and free public ice skating.

Highlights from the Fantasy of Lights include beautiful residential lights displays (take a self-guided tour!), holiday concerts, Kingsville Express train rides, the Christmas Artisan Market, the Paws and Claus Marketplace (photos of Santa and your pet), and Crafts with Santa. Don’t miss shopping in quaint downtown Kingsville, and be sure to frequent the shops and restaurants while you’re there.

Merrickville

The beautiful small town of Merrickville is known as the “Jewel of the Rideau” as it sits on the Rideau Canal, and it’s been officially named “Canada’s Most Beautiful Village” in the past. While this charming village is lovely to visit all year long, it looks even more magical during the holidays (especially if there’s a light dusting of snow!).

Christmas in Merrickville is a magical holiday event in town with an artisan market, a Christmas parade, carolers, wonderful decorations around town, free hot apple cider, and meet and greets with Santa. Pop into Merrickville’s unique boutiques to do some holiday shopping while you’re there.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

While Niagara Falls is a world famous destination, those in the know venture over to Niagara-on-the-Lake for its wineries and quaint downtown. Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the best Christmas towns in Ontario as it transforms into the ultimate Christmas village. There’s no shortage of illuminating displays, festive decorations, and holiday cheer.

The annual Candlelight Stroll is a magical journey through town that you’ll remember for years to come. There’s a Santa Claus Parade each year on its main street with festive floats and Santa Claus himself. Check out a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Shaw Festival, and there’s outdoor skating in the gardens at the Pillar and Post hotel.

For something a little different, check out The Rotary Holiday House Tour. This is a self-guided tour through some of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most stunning homes, all decorated in the spirit of Christmas. There are new themes each year.

Orangeville

Orangeville is a picturesque Ontario Christmas town with a charming main street and downtown core. There are holiday decorations all over town, unveiled at the Yuletide Window Reveal event. This happens at the same time as the old fashioned tree lighting ceremony, Joy and Lights Tree Lighting. Another great annual event in Orangeville is the Orangeville Christmas Market.

Christmas in the Park takes place each December at Kay Cee Gardens. Organized by the Optimist Club of Orangeville, Christmas in the Park is a holiday celebration that happens all long month long.

There are millions of Christmas lights strung all over the park, as well as illuminated characters and community displays. Best of all, this annual event is always free to attend every night.

Christmas Towns in Ontario: Perth

Have you visited the town of Perth yet? It’s one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario and the Christmas season is even more magical in Perth. There are numerous holiday festivities and events throughout November and December, including a beautifully decorated downtown core.

In November, be sure to mark your calendar for the Mistletoe Market, the Once Upon a Christmas event, the Children’s Only Gift Shop, the Christmas on the Tay Market, a Meet and Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an appearance by the CPKC Holiday Train. Some events spanning November and December include the Festival of Trees, Shop Stamp & Win, and Home for the Holidays at Perth Museum.

In December, don’t miss the Winter Maker’s Market, the Nick of Time Christmas Craft Show, the Santa Claus Parade, Christmas at the Palace, A Christmas Carol, the Perth Citizens Band Christmas Concert, the Women & Men of the Tay Christmas Concert, and the annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1st. Phew! As you can see, there are so many incredible things happening in Perth over the holidays.

Port Credit (Mississauga)

Although there are many fun Christmas events in Mississauga, the village of Port Credit is one of the best places to be within the city for the holiday celebrations. The annual lighting of the lighthouse is a beautiful spectacle and unique take on a Christmas tree lighting.

The Mississauga Festival of Trees is a multi-day winter holiday event at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga (Dixie & Lakeshore). Marvel at the twinkling displays of seasonal lights and modern tree art installations created by local artists. Enjoy the sights and sounds with live entertainment as you browse the artisan and culinary markets.

Winter IN the Port has a whole schedule of annual activities and events. There’s a window wonderland to explore with decorated shop windows and storefronts. Get your Christmas shopping done here! Don’t miss the annual Caroling in the Park event, photos with Santa in Port Credit, and the Cranberry Christmas Market at Clarke Memorial Hall.

Port Hope

Port Hope is another wonderful Christmas town in Ontario to add to your list this season. In fact, Port Hope is named “Ontario’s favourite small town”, although it’s too hard for me to choose a favourite small town, personally.

First, the Port Hope Candlelight Festival is an annual tradition in town with a vendor marketplace, holiday decor, free holiday gift wrapping and of course, the Candlelight Walk. Port Hope also has an annual Santa Claus Parade at the end of November.

Furthermore, the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope has its Capitol Christmas event. There are festive trees at this national historic site decorated by local businesses and community groups. You can even win a totally decorated tree for the holidays! Grab some hot cocoa and cookies and be sure to check out a live performance while you’re there.

St. Jacobs

St. Jacobs is most famous for its massive farmers market, though it’s also transforming into a picturesque Christmas village just in time for the holidays. There are Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festive decor throughout this winter wonderland. With a light dusting of snow, you’ll feel like you entered a snow globe.

St. Jacobs Sparkles is the biggest holiday shopping event of the year. There’s live music and carolers, free treats handed out by the local fire department, live storytelling, Santa Claus, and gluhwein by warming fire pits.

St. Jacobs Market also hosts its Sip n’ Shop event, a holiday market with handpicked vendors showcasing unique and exquisite gifts. There are festive beverages, Christmas lights, and loads of holiday cheer.

Christmas Towns in Ontario: Stratford

Stratford is one of the best Christmas towns in Ontario where it will feel like you’re walking through a Hallmark movie. There are many holiday happenings throughout November and December, including the Stratford Sparkles Christmas Market, the Downtown Winter Wander-land event, and Lights On Stratford, its winter festival of lights.

The Stratford Christmas Trail is a great way to experience the local shops and come away with a bunch of awesome gifts for yourself or your loved ones. Take a self-guided tour around town with your Christmas Trail vouchers and redeem them at six stops on the way. Come away with unique gifts and yummy treats!

Unionville

Main Street Unionville was the original filming location for Stars Hollow, the quaint town of Gilmour Girls fame, so it’s no surprise that Unionville is one of the best Christmas towns in Ontario. The Visit Markham website dubs Unionville, “The Holiday Town“, due to its holiday events and decorations.

Downtown Unionville has many cute shops and a collection of festive events, like the Santa Claus Parade, Breakfast with Santa, Christmas markets and more. Christmas lights and decorations cover every building, lamppost and gazebo in town. There are many photo locations all over town to take pictures with your loved ones.