This Christmas Town Near Toronto Is Like A Holiday Trip To Twinkling Connecticut

This quaint village just outside of Toronto is transforming into a Christmas wonderland and you'll feel like you're walking down the sparkling streets of Connecticut.

Main Street Unionville is getting all sorts of festive light displays and events throughout the holiday season and you can enjoy a festive atmosphere and tons of small town charm.

The historic town once portrayed the fictional Connecticut village of Stars Hollow in the Gilmore Girls pilot episode, so you can spend the season like Lorelai and Rory as you explore the area.

Gilmore Girls fans will be able to spot some of the locations featured in the show and you can even go on a self-guided tour which takes you to different iconic spots.

Sites include the Stars Hollow sign, which now reads "Unionville Planning Mill," the gazebo which inspired the centre gazebo in the show, Taylor's Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe which was influenced by the Old Firehall Confectionery and more.

It's an especially magical tour to take during the holiday season when you can bask in the twinkling lights and snowy streets like a true Gilmore girl.

On December 9, you can experience Old Tyme Christmas. The event includes a parade and holiday activities such as dining, shopping, Santa photos, carollers and more.

Sharpen those skates because there will be free ice skating taking place at Crosby Arena.

On December 16, the area is hosting Holiday Wagon Rides for a charming Christmas experience. The horse-drawn wagons will travel along Main Street and it's a magical way to take in the sights and sounds of the season.

You can enjoy breakfast with Santa on December 16 and 17. The man in red will be making a stop at Jakes on Main and The Unionville Arms and digging into a festive morning feast.

From December 2 to December 24, you can hear the Candy Cane Carollers singing Christmas classics along the Main Street.

The town is complete with holiday decor and photo ops where you can snap a dreamy Christmas pic. There are also several local shops where you can check off your gift list.

If you're looking for a little Christmas treat, you can head to the Old Firehall Confectionery, where you'll find goodies like gingerbread men, peppermint Oreos and peppermint cupcakes.

You can find more details about the holiday experiences on Main Street Unionville's website.

There are several other Christmassy small towns to explore around Toronto this holiday season, including St. Jacobs, Elora and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

With Stars Hollow vibes and tons of festive cheer, Unionville makes for a magical day trip from the city this holiday season.

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.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on November 2, 2021.