This romantic village near Toronto has a 'Christmas Wonderland' with a glittering ice rink

It's a magical spot for a festive date.

A bridge and Christmas tree with twinkling lights. Right: A person on a skating rink.

A Christmas garden in Ontario. A skating rink in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

This magical destination near Toronto is the place to be for holiday romance. The twinkling "Christmas Wonderland" is straight out of a storybook and is brimming with enchantment and festive things to do.

The Gardens at the Pillar and Post Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake have transformed into a holiday paradise for the Vintage Hotels' Christmas Wonderland Garden event.

Running until January 4, 2025, the dreamy experience features "twinkling lights, warming fires, festive hot drinks, holiday movies under stars and Monet-inspired landscapes," according to the website.

The Gardens are brimming with Christmas trees, selfie stations and glittery lights that will have you feeling like you've stepped into a Hallmark film.

You can wander through endless magic while sipping specialty drinks from The OutPost.

One of the most popular attractions at the Pillar and Post is the skating rink. The glistening ice rink is free to enjoy and rentals are available from The Outpost for $5.

The ice rink typically opens the second week of December and is available throughout the winter, but keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates and opening announcements.

The Gardens are free for the public to enjoy. If you're looking for a festive getaway, you can book the Christmas Wonderland Package which includes luxury accommodations, a complimentary festive hot drink and snack per guest, Christmas movies and a Vintage Hotels keepsake blanket and access to the ice rink.

On select dates, hotel guests can enjoy a Christmas film beneath the stars. Upcoming movies include The Santa Clause, Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life.

While you're in the area, you'll want to explore the enchanting village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The town looks like a holiday postcard and has sparkling streets and quaint shops full of Christmas decor.

Christmas Wonderland Garden

Price: Free

When: Until January 4, 2024

Address: 526 Regent St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Vintage Hotels Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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