This Ontario village is a real-life Christmas movie set with glittery lights and train rides

It's like stepping into a Hallmark film.

Lead Writer, Travel

If you've ever dreamed of starring in a Christmas movie, you'll want to plan a trip to this enchanting Ontario village. Tucked away amid snowy trees, the hidden gem is a real-life holiday movie set and offers endless festive fun.

The village is located a road trip away from Toronto and is especially magical during the Christmas season, when the snow-covered pathways and dazzling decor make it look like a scene from the North Pole.

Santa's Village is a holiday-themed amusement park in Bracebridge, about 2.5 hours from Toronto.

The 60-acre attraction is so magical that it even served as the backdrop for Netflix's The Knight Before Christmas in 2019, starring Josh Whitehouse and Vanessa Hudgens.

This month, the park is hosting the Muskoka Christmas event, complete with over 1 million twinkling lights, cozy cups of cocoa, sparkling displays, and more.

You can ride the Candy Cane Express train through the snow-covered Christmas wonderland, hop on Santa's carousel, and more.

You can also enjoy treats like gingerbread cookies and gourmet fudge, as well as meals like burgers and sandwiches.

The nearby town of Bracebridge is also worth exploring during the holiday season and has served as a backdrop for holiday movies as well.

According to IMDb, festive films including Christmas at Grand Valley and A Christmas Village have been shot there.

The quaint town boasts twinkling streets lined with cozy cafes and cute local shops, as well as a majestic cascade.

If you're looking for some real-life holiday movie magic, Santa's Village is worth a road trip.

Santa's Village

Price: $46.95 + per person

When: Until December 28, 2025

Address: 1624 Golden Beach Rd., Bracebridge, ON

Santa's Village 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.

A burst of snow will bring up to 20 cm to Ontario this week before the cold snap ends

Temperatures will warm up but still be cold enough for "lingering" snow.

CSIS is hiring for these jobs and you can get paid up to $120,000 a year to be nosy

You'll help investigate threats to national security. 🔍

U of T is the only Canadian school in the top 10 of this new best universities ranking

It beat every Canadian university in all of these subject areas! 📚

Canada's 'most romantic town' is near Toronto and it's filled with European charm

It's the perfect place to visit with your favourite person.