The Ultimate Holiday Bucket List: 5 Must-Visit Winter Festivals in OntarioBetween witnessing the first snowfall of the year, and putting up our Christmas trees, I’d say that many of us are ready for our winter festivities to begin. To guarantee that your holiday is filled with glee, we’ve put together a list of the best things to see this year. So, round up your friends and family, pack on the layers to stay warm, and get ready for a holiday that’ll be hard to forget.
1. Canada’s Wonderland Winterfest
Where: Canada’s Wonderland | Nov 16, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
Winterfest is a seasonal event that transforms the popular amusement park into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. Featuring a festive atmosphere with an abundance of twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and immersive winter-themed experiences, visitors can expect to encounter elaborately-decorated pathways, themed entertainment, and live shows that capture the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy seasonal treats, hot beverages, and meet holiday characters.
2. The Winter Village
Where: The Distillery District | Nov 13, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
If you’ve never visited the Distillery District’s Winter Village, this should be on the top of your list. It’s the perfect place to walk around and take in beautiful decorations near the holidays. With a variety of local shops, craftspeople, restaurants, and cafes, there’s an abundance to do. Marvel at their 55-foot tree decked out in over 600 giant ornaments, while you listen to busker’s carol.
3. Winter Wonders
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens | Dec 5, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
The name says it all — Winter Wonders is a winter wonderland of nature and light. This one-of-a-kind outdoor experience gives visitors access to seven magical displays along Hendrie Park’s winding pathways. Festive music will be played, and holiday treats will be available on site. At every corner, there will be something new to admire with trees and structures lit from bottom to top.
4. Hamilton Winterfest
Where: 100 King Street West | Feb 1 – 17, 2025
If cozying up at home isn’t your style this season, get ready to step out and experience the magic of Hamilton Winterfest! From February 1-17, 2025, this vibrant festival brings the city to life with concerts, crafts, drag shows, dancing, theatre, fashion, and stunning art installations.
5. Winter Festival of Lights
Where: Niagara Falls | Nov 16, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
Since 1982, Niagara Falls’ Winter Festival of Lights has been Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival. Spanning 51 nights, it features dazzling displays, millions of lights, and the breathtaking sparkling winter lights show at the Falls.
Who says your holiday festivities have to stop here? Discover some other ways to have fun inside and outdoors this winter season.
Images courtesy of: The GATE (Canada’s Wonderland Winterfest); Toronto Storeys (Distillery District); Curiocity (Winter Wonders); OPG (Winter Festival of Lights).