Want to feel like you’ve escaped to a winter wonderland? A Hallmark movie? A holiday extravaganza? Ontario’s small towns are gearing up for the festive season ahead and if you’re hoping to be part of the action, we don’t blame you. From dazzling light festivals to cheerful markets, these are the small Ontario towns with the most holiday cheer.

Bracebridge – Santa’s Village 

Nestled in the heart of the Muskokas, Bracebridge, Ontario turns into a Christmas wonderland.

The town’s Christmas-themed amusement park is open year-round but during the holidays, transforms into a holiday attraction that brings people from near and far.

Snap photos with Santa, check out the shopping vendors and sip on some hot cocoa. The fun kicks off on November 16th, running until December 23rd, 2024.

When: November 16th – December 23rd, 2024 (select dates)
Where: 1624 Golden Beach Road, Bracebridge, ON
Cost: $45.95+ per person

Blue Mountains – Holiday Magic at Blue

Blue Mountain Resort in the Blue Mountains turns into a magical holiday escape on November 16th.

“From cozy dining experiences to discovering the perfect gift; the twinkling lights illuminating a magical winter trail to merry entertainment that rekindles your inner child; the Blue Mountain Village holds holiday surprises and delights around every corner,” shares the resort.

There’s even a snowdome cocktail garden to end your day sipping a holiday beverage at.

When: November 16th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON

Lasalle – Holiday Lights Heritage Nights

The town of Lasalle brings festive fun in the form of lights.

Located right in the heart of the town, outdoor light displays transform the area into a magical outdoor walk-through including “numerous ornamental and holiday lighting displays and a forty-foot-tall walk-through tree.”

The festivities are free to attend – a perfect place to bring your family one evening during the holidays.

When: November 22nd, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
Where: 5950 Malden Road, Lasalle, ON

Meaford – Christmas on the Bay

Georgian Bay’s largest European-style Christmas market is the thing holiday dreams are made of.

This outdoor market has a little of everything including fire pits, live music, vendors and food.

The best part? Parking and admission are free.

When: November 28th – December 1st, 2024
Where: 12 Nelson Street East, Meaford, ON

Dresden – Christmas Night Market

There’s a reason Dresden coins itself as Christmas Town.

Dresen completely shifts into a holiday spectacle for one night only so you’re going to want to mark your calendar. The pedestrian-only streets fill with holiday vendors, live music, unique dining opportunities, pop-up bars, light displays and so much more.

When: November 30th, 2024
Where: Downtown Dresden, ON

Uxbridge – Holiday Trail

Uxbridge, Ontario is gearing up to become a festive wonderland!

The town turns one of its main roads into a fun holiday stop featuring free trolley rides, a festival of lights and shopping vendors.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be around, too.

When: Friday, December 6th & Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Where: 62 Brock St W, Uxbridge, ON

Get into the festive spirit and be sure to make the trip to one of these Ontario towns with holiday cheer.

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Taylor Lucas

Associate Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for storytelling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing, she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

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