If you're obsessed with all things Christmas, you'll want to start your car and take a trip to these magical small towns in Ontario. Offering endless holiday enchantment, these places are straight off a Christmas card.
You can wander along dazzling main streets, take in the twinkly store windows, sip festive drinks in cozy cafes and enjoy holiday-themed events at these small towns and villages across the province. They're great spots to get some last minute holiday shopping done so you don't have to brave a busy mall.
Put on your mittens and get ready to explore these 10 Chistmassy towns in Ontario.
Blue Mountain Village
Address: Blue Mountain Village, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can step into a Hallmark film at this magical village in Ontario. Blue Mountain Village transforms into a Christmas wonderland each year where "every street sparkles with twinkling lights, every building is wrapped in holiday bows, and the air is filled with festive tunes and jolly jingles."
You can follow a magical trail of lights, shop at the quaint boutiques, sip boozy drinks in the new Snowdome Cocktail Garden and more.
Keep an eye out for Santa as you wander through the village.
Almonte
Address: Almonte
Why You Need To Go: Dubbed the "Christmas Capital of Ontario," and "Mini Hollywood North," this small town will whisk you into your favourite holiday film.
The town has served as the backdrop for several Hallmark movies so you'll feel like the main character as you explore the magical streets adorned in Christmas cheer.
From holiday shopping to cozy drinks served at cute cafes, you can indulge in all the festivities at this charming small town.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can visit an "authentic Christmas village" near Toronto. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake "transforms into a picturesque holiday haven, where every corner is draped in the warm glow of lights."
There are endless things to enjoy, from getting comfy at a cafe with a mug of hot cocoa to gliding around an illuminated ice rink.
The stores are adorned with garland and bows and look like the front of a Victorian Christmas card. You can shop for unique stocking stuffers, enjoy candlelight tea, see festive performances and more while visiting this dazzling town.
Upper Canada Village
Price: $17 + per adult
When: Select nights from December 1, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Address: 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can "stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting" at Upper Canada Village's Alight at Night. The annual event features over one million colourful lights and dazzling pathways to explore.
You'll be transported back in time as you gaze at the heritage buildings adorned in a Christmas glow.
For an extra magical experience, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the enchanting village.
St. Jacobs
Address: St. Jacobs, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located just outside of Toronto, this historic small town is a magical spot to visit during the holiday season. It features a twinkling Main Street filled with unique shops where you can find all sorts of gifts and stocking stuffers.
There are cozy bakeries and delicious restaurants to enjoy, including Village Biergarten, where you can indulge in a meal in an outdoor dome.
You can also take a trip to the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market where you'll find all sorts of local produce, art and other items.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: Even though Stratford is technically a city, it's got that cozy small-town charm going on. During the Christmas season, the area comes alive with twinkling lights, magical store windows and more.
It's a great place to get some holiday shopping done, and you can follow the Christmas Trail and find all sorts of goodies along the way.
The historic buildings and quaint streets will transport you to a snowy European village.
You can even follow the Chocolate Trail for a little extra sweetness this holiday season.
Perth
Address: Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fancy a Christmas trip to Europe? This picturesque small town will make you feel like you're wandering through the streets of Scotland and there's tons of festive fun to be had.
You can enjoy holiday musicals, Christmas dinners and more while visiting this spot. There are picturesque parks to stroll through as well as quaint local boutiques, eateries and more for a magical experience.
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: Nestled along a rushing gorge, this tiny town is overflowing with holiday charm. Elora is filled with local boutiques, cozy cafes and beautiful streets that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
This year, the town has been decked out in endless twinkling lights and you'll feel as if you've stepped into a snow globe. It's the ideal spot to get your Christmas shopping done and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
You can head to the Elora Mill for cocktails by the fire or visit the Wild Tart for holiday-themed treats.
Unionville
Address: Unionville, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can spend the day like you're celebrating Christmas in Stars Hollow at this little village near Toronto.
Unoinville was featured in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls and is known for its charm and picturesque Main Street. During the holidays, you can enjoy carollers, warm and cozy drinks, stores brimming with Christmas goodies and more.
Collingwood
Address: Collingwood, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located just outside of Blue Mountain Village, Collingwood is a hidden gem when it comes to places with Christmas cheer.
The beautiful town has endless shops to explore as well as cafes where you can fill up on sweet Christmas-themed treats.
The Main Street glimmers with holiday decor and you'll feel like you've stepped into the North Pole.
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.
Downtown Elora with Christmas lights.