Must-See Holiday and Christmas Season Events in Ontario Cottage Country

The holiday season is here and we know you are busy. There are trees to cut, gifts to buy, holiday parties to attend and lists to check ... twice.  That is why we've rounded up our very own favorite and MUST-SEE Holiday & Christmas Season events taking place in Ontario's cottage country and central and northern Ontario .

In between the hustle and bustle of holiday cheer experience a new, or continue a long standing holiday tradition with loved ones. Discover the glow of the holiday season north of Toronto.

1. First Light at Sainte Marie among the Hurons

Evenings November 24-26, December 1-3 & 8-10, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Now in its 17th year, Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” is a must-see event with a great line-up of family activities and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of over 5,000 candles.

The magic begins when visitors approach the candlelit historic site, as a beautiful amber glow illuminates the famous 17th-century mission. A colourful historic encampment will greet visitors, set up by the popular “Survival In The Bush” group. Visitors can then stroll the candlelit paths which lead to a variety of fun family activities.

Find more info: First Light

Find more info: Midland Tourism

2. Sugar Plum Fairy Craft Show at Nottawasaga Inn Resort

Alliston

The highly anticipated 33rd Annual Sugar Plum Fair is taking place on Saturday, November 12, 2016 (9am-5pm) and Sunday, November 13, 2016 (10am-4pm)

Whether you’re a return or first time visitor you will experience a treat at this year’s show. We’re excited to welcome back some incredible vendors and introduce a line-up of new and talented crafters and artisans who will be displaying their creations during the two day show. The show features over 120 vendors from across Ontario selling a variety of items including chocolate, jam, fudge, sauces, quilts, candles, ceramics, stained glass, wreaths, folk art, woodwork, sewing, knitting, body care products and more! Santa will also be stopping by for a visit.

Once again this year we will be raffling off gingerbread houses, which have been decorated by the resort staff, in support of a local charity.

Find more info: Sugar Plum Fair Craft Show

3. Santa Claus Parades and other Santa/Christmas Events

Santa! I know him! We all love him. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, Santa Claus parades are the perfect family outing in November and early December. Excitement, joy and holiday spirit will have your family creating memories and having a wonderful time this season.

Find more info: Santa Claus Parades

4. Midtown Med Holiday Show (18+ venue) at Casino Rama Resort

Casino Rama Resort, December 1 & 2, 2016

The 4 stars from the original cast of the Broadway smash Jersey Boys, have blended iconic rock ‘n roll hits of the 1960’s with the all-time greatest Holiday classics adding their trademark sound to the mix. Favorites such as “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts),”“Baby, Please Come Home,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “California Dreamin” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” will be performed with the group’s dynamic choreography, electrifying rock ‘n roll arrangements, and of course, signature four-part harmony.

The Midtown Men is not a performance of and not affiliated with the show Jersey Boys.

Find more info: The Midtown Men Holiday Show

Find more info: Ontario's Lake Country

5. Holiday Shopping - Artisan Craft Shows & Christmas Markets

A farmers' market or a small town holiday fair bazaar are truly the best spots to find that perfect unique hand made gift. Whether you like food, art, decor or clothing you'll find thoughtful gifts that no big box store can match.

Find more info: Holiday Markets and Bazaars

6. Santafest at Santa's Village

Santa's Village, Bracebridge

SantaFest Winter Edition 2016  - December 10, 11, 17, 18 and 23

Our annual Thank You Santa days will be held on December 28 and 29.

Join us for a fun filled Winter Edition of SantaFest - with some of Santa's favourite winter activities like Gingerbread cookie decorating, a petting farm, colouring and crafts, marshmallow roasting and who could forget - a visit with Santa!! 

New in 2016 - a spectacular light display highlighting the natural beauty of our park! 

Find more info: SantaFest
Find more info: Muskoka Tourism

7. Jingles & Joy at Blue Mountain Village

December 2, 2016 - Januray 8, 2017 at Blue Mountain Village
Creating lasting memories at Blue Mountain this holiday season as the Village comes alive with Jingles & Joy. Thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and family-friendly entertainment make the perfect backdrop to shop, dine, and play.

Find more info: Jingles & Joy
Find more info: Blue Mountain Village
Find more holiday fun on our website, particularly:

More Events
Christmas & New Years Eve Getaway Packages
Winter Activity Getaways

Weekend Getaways Ontario: Santa Claus Parades November 25-27, 2011

Santa Claus Parades

Haliburton Santa Claus Parade
Haliburton, ON
November 25, 2011   6:30pm
The Haliburton Village Santa Claus Parade. Friday Nov. 26, 2010 6:30 pm. Another night-time spectacle of lights and music. Sparkling lights, floats, marchers, horses and bands all bringing in the Festive Season. Main Street, The Village of Haliburton.
Haliburton Highlands Web Site Click Here
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels Haliburton, Ontario    Haliburton Hotels on-line

Huntsville Santa Claus Parade
Huntsville, ON
November 25, 2011   7pm
The Huntsville Santa Claus Parade starts in downtown Huntsville at 7:00 pm and travels to Huntsville Place Mall
Huntsville Mall website 
Stay at resorts, inn, hotels, Huntsville, ON     Huntsville Hotels on-line

Wasaga Beach Santa Claus Parade
Wasaga Beach, ON
November 26, 2011   2pm
Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce web Site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels  Wasaga Beach, ON

Minden Santa Claus Parade
Minden, ON
November 26, 2011 11:30am 
Sponsored by the Township of Minden Hills in partnership with its volunteers, local businesses and organizations. Come and meet santa after the parade, hot chocolate, free photographs with santa, treats...lots of fun for the kids and kids at heart! Hope to see you there! Parade route from the public parking lot, Newcastle Street to Bobcaygeon Road, north on Bobcaygeon to Parkside and right to the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena.
Minden Hills Website
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Minden, ON

Parry Sound Santa Claus Parade
Parry Sound, Ontario
November 26, 2011  4:00pm
Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce web site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Parry Sound, ON

Alliston Santa Claus Parade
Alliston, ON
November 26, 2011  6pm
Rotary Club of Allistion web Site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels   Alliston, ON

Barry’s Bay Santa Claus Parade
Barry’s Bay, ON
November 26, 2011
Madwaska Valley website
stay at inns, resorts, hotels in Barry’s Bay, ON

Collingwood Santa Claus Parade
Collingwood, Ontario
November 26, 2011 5pm
Collingwood Downtown web Site 
stay at inns, resorts hotels Collingwood, ON

Mactier Santa Claus Parade
November 27, 2011 1pm
From the Fire Hall, along High St towards the Community Centre then along Muskoka Rd back to the Fire Hall.  After the parade there will be free public skating, free hot dogs and hot chocolate & pictures with Santa at the Community Centre.
Mactier santa claus parade info
stay at inns, resorts, hotels Mactier, ON

Santa Claus Parades in Timmins Ontario This Weekend

Santa Claus Parades 2011 Ontario Santa Claus Parade North of Toronto Santa Parades: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Santa Clause Parades Start this weekend in Timmins Ontario. Enjoy the Music and Magic of Christmas.
The magic of Santa continues to amaze children of all ages and brings families together for outdoor early Christmas season fun.

See November Santa Claus Parades or December Santa Claus Parades. coordinate your Santa Parade with a festivals of light events and festive season activities.