Experience the holiday magic of South Eastern Ontario
We’re bringing the holiday season to life with this list of events and experiences. Some of these enchanting experiences will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie! Don’t miss out on the holiday magic happening right here in South Eastern Ontario.
1. Big Bright Light Season in Downtown Napanee
When: Friday, November 18th, 2022 to January 1st, 2023
People from all around the region come to visit the historic Dundas Street in downtown Napanee every year to take in the stunning holiday lights that line the restaurants, shops and boutiques to bring them into the festive spirit! Make sure you visit and stop by many of their wonderful local shops to grab some goodies as well.
2. Mackinnon Holiday Market
When: Saturday, November 26th & 27th and December 3rd & 4th, 2022
Enjoy a day filled with family and fun this winter at the annual Mackinnon Brothers Brewing! Meet with Santa, get your photos taken, enjoy a horse and wagon ride, shop local artisan and food vendors and warm up by the fire! Please bring a non-perishable item to donate for the local food drive, or a cash donation to be given to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre.
3. Merry Little Main Street in Bath
When: Thursday, December 1st, 2022
Enjoy a day of shopping in the adorably quaint town of Bath! The sweet little village offers an evening of celebration and seasonal festivities from 5 PM to 8 PM! Local businesses including Bergeron Estates Winery, MacKinnon Brothers, Books on Main and many more will be participating with treats, giveaways and plenty of great deals.
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4. Westport Holiday Shop N Hop
When: Friday, November 25th & 26th and December 2nd & 3rd, 2022
Get ready for the holidays with a little bit of pizzazz at the Shop N Hop in Westport! Two weekends filled with fun and Christmas spirit will include loot bags, giveaways, a gingerbread house competition, live music and more holiday-themed goodness!
5. Festival of Small Halls Holiday Series
When: Friday, November 25th & 26th and December 2nd & 3rd, 2022
Calling all music lovers! The Festival of Small Halls is back again with a line up of great musicians to get you ready for the holidays! Get your tickets quick before they sell out, and enjoy the sounds of musicians including the Devin Cuddy Band at the Delta Old Town Hall and the Hawksley Workman at Manotick United Church.
6. Jack Frost Fair by the Kemptville Farmers’ Market
When: Sunday, December 4th, 2022
Shopping for the holidays can feel like a chore, so make it a little more fun this winter by attending the Jack Frost Fair in Kemptville. Check out plenty of delicious baked goods, stocking stuffers, grab a fresh wreath and even a real Christmas tree!
7. Christmas in Merrickville
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 2022
Experience Merrickville during the holidays. It’s like walking into an old-fashioned Christmas card with the streetlamps aglow and snow glittering along the historic streets. Merrickville is the perfect place to find your holiday spirit – and cross a few items off your Christmas shopping list within the town’s unique shops and artisan studios. Stop in for their Christmas in Merrickville event which features breakfast with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, a tree lighting ceremony, Santa Clause parade, and more!
8. Delta’s Yuletide Magic of Lights
When: Saturday, December 10th, 2022
Hosted annually, the musical Mensen Family enjoys sharing the spirit of the holidays with all who join. Bring your loved ones to Delta before the holidays begin and enjoy a beautiful concert of great classics you can sing along to all evening long. The Old Stone Mill is beautifully lit with “candles” and thousands of Christmas lights are on display throughout the village of Delta.
9. Johnston Brothers Tree Farm
Celebrating their 75th anniversary! Known for offering cut-your-own Christmas trees available until Christmas eve. Look here for horsedrawn wagon rides, which are always a favourite with young and old. We hear the holiday swags are also gorgeous at Johnston Brothers!
10. Christmas Light trail at Serenity Bay Resort
Light up the holidays with your family! The free Christmas Light Walking Trail at Serenity Bay Resort runs the month of December, sees visitors enjoy displays, light trails and more during the lead up to the holidays. It also gives visitors the opportunity to donate to the local food bank and is a memorable Christmas activity for both young and old. Last year, more than 1,000 people walked the trail. Book a cottage at the resort for even more fun – and enjoy a hot tub overlooking the quiet lake!
View more events from Westport, Rideau Lakes, and North Grenville
11. Upper Canada Playhouse – Christmas Show
When: Thursday, December 1st to 18th, 2022
No matter how often you’ve heard the story, the nostalgia you feel from watching The Christmas Carol never wavers. Join a magical cast of talented young artists as they wow you with beautiful songs and dances while telling the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
When: December – January 2022
Get lost in the holiday spirit at Upper Canada Village this season with their annual Alight At Night festival. This festival takes visitors into a winter wonderland full of hope, magic and love. Stroll through the old village donned in over a million Christmas lights, or book yourself a horse-drawn carriage ride for an extra special experience.
View more events from Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
13. Kingston Trolley Tours Christmas Light Tour
When: Starting Saturday, December 3rd, 2022
What’s better than the charming red Kingston Trolley Tours? The Kingston Trolley Tour: Christmas Light edition! Hop on the iconic tour trolley and see thousands of sparkling lights and ornate lawn displays throughout the city’s core. Sing along to Christmas Carols from inside the trolley as you view houses, streets, businesses and landmarks decked out in their holiday finest. It’s definitely a festive spirit booster leaving visitors with a twinkle in their eyes!
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When: November 19th and 20th 2022
Get prepared for Christmas before December arrives by attending the fourth annual Christmas Market in Brockville. You’ll find beautifully hand-crafted decorations, unique gift ideas and plenty of delicious goodies to bring home, all while supporting local artists.
15. The River of Lights
When: Saturday, November 26th, 2022 to January 2nd, 2023
Get into the spirit of the season with a beautiful show of lights on Blockhouse Island this year! The River of Lights will have a dazzling show from 6:00 to 10:00 PM every single night until January. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on the Aquatarium Holiday Express train ride!
16. Clow’s Christmas Trail
When: Starting Saturday, December 2nd, 2022
If you enjoy the decorations that the holidays bring then you have to take a ride over to Hallecks Road to see their trail of Christmas wonder in the woods! Over one kilometre of the road is decorated with holiday-themed displays including Santa’s Toy Shop and the Nativity Scene, and you might even meet Santa Claus along the way.
17. A Christmas Spectacular
When: Sunday, December 18th, 2022
December sees everything from the legendary The Nutcracker performance to live British Christmas comedy to holiday live music hitting the historic stage at one of the region’s premiere theatres. There is nothing quite like enjoying the classic music of the holiday season to get you in the spirit! Join the talents of Pete Paquette with the Rockin’ Royals Band and the Tonettes to hear some of your favourite tunes including White Christmas, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and much more.
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When: Wednesday, October 26th to November 06th 2022
Get ready for the holidays before the rush! Enjoy free admission to the 12 Days of Christmas Market and Sale hosted by The Local Store in Prince Edward County. You can shop ‘til you drop with over 120 local artists, farmers, foodies and plenty of unique gifts and decorations. The Local Store is available online with a huge, curated collection of Prince Edward County Gift Boxes with lots of different price points. They ship worldwide and have local pick-up.
19. ODE to JOY – ANDARA Gallery
When: Saturday, November 12th to December 18th, 2022
The ANDARA Gallery is a rustic old farm turned art lovers personal heaven and hosts a variety of local art including its owners Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi. Join them this year between 11 AM and 5 PM to browse fine art, paintings, books, cards and more.
20. Holiday Photo in the Barn – ANDARA Gallery
When: Saturday, November 12th to December 18th, 2022
Who doesn’t love alpacas? Join the ANDARA Gallery with your friends and family to get your holiday photos done in a unique and fun atmosphere. Walk with beautiful alpacas and then step inside their century-old barn for a photoshoot. Reserve now before spots fill up!
21. Holly Jolly Market at Base 31
When: Friday, November 18th, 19th and 20th
Drop in for this market which features all kinds of creators, makers, and bakers. Plus, enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, selfie stations and more!
When: Friday, November 25th to 27th 2022
Who doesn’t enjoy holiday shopping? If you love a bit of Christmas spirit then mark your calendar for the last weekend of November. With plenty of vendors to pursue you can find beautiful and unique decorations and gifts that will impress and inspire your family and friends this holiday season.
View more events from Prince Edward County
23. The Gananoque Festival of Lights
When: Friday, December 2nd and 3rd, 2022
Kicking off with the annual tree lighting at Town Hall, the Gananoque Festival of Lights is a treat for all ages to enjoy! Walk down candy cane lane, spot snowmen, reindeer, Santa and plenty more festive lights while listening to live music and drinking a piping hot chocolate from Pumphouse Creamery.
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When: Saturday, November 12th 2022
Shop for magical gifts from over with 50+ makers!
When: Thursday, November 17th to December 18th 2022
Support local while finding something unique and special for your loved ones this holiday! The perfect way to get ready for the holidays is by touring through local markets for special decorations and gifts, so head on over to Belleville to support local artisans for some unique finds. This event will include a community skating rink, buskers, and Santa chair photo ops!
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