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

SUMMER HOLIDAYS: VACATION GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

SUMMER HOLIDAYS: VACATION GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

The summer vacation featured resorts and resort destination accommodation changes each week. We offer our visitors a range of experiences and package getaways for all budgets and tastes in hotels, luxury resorts, country inns, cottages & cabins and B&B's when vacationing in Ontario north of the Toronto GTA. If visitors have any questions regarding a vacation north of Toronto, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours. See Contact Us

---

Romantic Ontario Getaway Pick

The Couples Resort - Algonquin Park-Whitney, ON

The Couples Resort - Runaway to Romance and Adventure! August 2012 – ALL-Inclusive* – Lakefront Jr Suites from $160 per person per night. Jr Suite has extra large Jacuzzi in-front of the Wood Fireplace.  Cabin is with King Bed. Private Lakefront Balcony has 2 padded Chaise Lounge Chairs. See website for details. Hot tub Accommodation from $124/p/n. 1st Class Gourmet Dining. 5 Course Dinners Awarded a Top 10 Dining Experience by North American Inns.  Dinner and Breakfast Included in Prices.

Couples Romantic Getaways north of Toronto 

---

Spa in Ontario Pick

Ste. Anne's Spa - Grafton, Ontario

Ste. Anne's Spa - Renewal Day Spa From $159 per person, for the whole day. Enjoy a relaxing day in the country at Canada's Favourite Spa - not only will you receive $100 towards the spa treatment(s) of your choosing, the rest of your day will be preoccupied with calming your mind and body. Linger over a delicious 3-course lunch and choose from a variety of group wellness classes including yoga, meditation, hiking, walking and stretch class. Your day doesn't have to end after lunch either; take advantage of our steam rooms, walking trails and more, which are all available to you. Don't forget to save room for afternoon tea! Reserve your Renewal Day Spa soon, as there are only 10 available each day on a first-come first-served basis.

Spa Getaways north of Toronto

---

Family Vacation Getaway Pick

West Nipissing Resort - Lavigne, Ontario

West Nipissing Resort - We have what you want for a vacation in Northern Ontario. Private, clean cottages and premium, stand alone lakeside chalets. Both in the perfect lakefront setting. A beautiful, new, inground pool with a lakeside view. Beach area. Children's playground. Free use of: paddleboats, kayaks and canoes. Fantastic: fishing, boat rentals. Docking with electricity. Shopping is less than 30 minutes away. We're located less than 4 hours North of Toronto. "The North Starts Here" Click here for our Specials and Cottage Rates 

Family Getaways in resort destinations

---

Ontario Resorts Pick

Deerhurst Resort - Huntsville, Ontario

Deerhurst Resort - For many, Deerhurst Resort is the epitome of a classic lakeside Muskoka resort. Proud host of the 2010 G8 Summit, Deerhurst Resort boasts a wide variety of accommodations suitable for all budgets, families, and group events. Known for its scenic sights and views, the resort  has more leisure activities than any resort in Eastern Canada including: activities such as swimming, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, tennis, hiking and horseback riding, in addition to an inflatable water park on the lake, paintball, off-road Hummer and Rock Buggy tours, golf on two courses plus new Treetop Trekking. An indoor sports complex with a rock climbing wall and amusement games room, Shizen Spa, three exceptional restaurants and an acclaimed live stage show round out your vacation. But the fun doesn’t stop in the summer at Ontario’s favourite year round resort. When the snow flies, Deerhurst turns into a winter wonderland. Walk through the beautifully lit resort on a calm winter’s night, or get out and enjoy the winter activities like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling,  dogsled rides, and snow tubing. Visit Deerhurst Resort year round and experience Muskoka at its finest.

August Getaways north in Ontario

---

Ontario Golf Getaway Weekend Pick

Cranberry Resort - Collingwood, Ontario

Cranberry Resort - Package until October 1, 2012: Package includes: One night Hotel accommodation for two people. 2 x 18 holes of Golf with a power cart at Cranberry Golf Course. Hot Buffet Breakfast per person in Courtyard Bistro for two people. Package starting at $272. Price per room; subject to availability; rates based on double occupancy; applicable taxes and gratuities not included; subject to change without notice.

Golf Getaways north of Toronto

---

Summer Family Vacation in Ontario Pick

Nottawasaga Inn Resort - Alliston, Ontario

Nottawasaga Inn Resort - Many of us look forward to a family getaway because it provides us with the perfect excuse to let loose and have fun! This year have the most fun at the Nottawasaga Resort with our an awesome indoor pool, 100ft waterslide, arcade and jungle themed mini-golf and more with the It's on Us Getaway, starting from $125*.

Summer Getaways north ofToronto

---

Attractions Ontario Pick

King’s Wharf Theatre  - Penetanguishene, Ontario

King’s Wharf Theatre - The Province of Ontario is at your fingertips with customized Drayton Entertainment getaway packages. Whatever your budget, we can help you create a truly unforgettable theatre experience. Your Theatre Package begins with: 1 theatre ticket at your choice of venue. 1 night accommodation at your choice of hotel, inn or B&B. Dinner at one of our restaurant partners. From $125.00 per person (based on double occupancy)

Ontario Attractions north of Toronto

---

Ontario Tourism Destination of the Week

Ontario's Highlands(http://ontarioshighlands.ca/)
Come to know Ontario’s Highlands! You don't need to travel far from home to experience some of eastern Ontario's most thrilling outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes and quaint country hamlets. Ontario's Highlands is a region abundant with all these attractions, and is a mere half-hour drive from downtown Ottawa—or 2.5 hours worth of singing to your favourite driving songs along our scenic highways on your way from Toronto. Ask yourself what you're looking for: High-energy adventure? Solace from the city? Time with family & friends? An unforgettable experience you'll never forget? Whatever it is, you'll find it here.

Ontario Resort Destinations north of Toronto

---

Ontario Cottage Resort Pick

Halimar Resort - Haliburton, Ontario

Halimar Resort - Nestled on the shores of the pristine Lake Kashagawigamog in the Haliburton Highlands. This intimate year-round cottage resort offers spacious grounds and a long sandy beach. Accommodations vary from 1 to 4 bedrooms; lake-view; air-conditioned; most with a Jacuzzi and all boast a real wood fireplace. Couples, families & groups enjoy the extensive seasonal facilities & activities at leisure. This full service cottage resort provides flexible packages to meet your every need. You're welcomed with warm hospitality, spoiled with superb cuisine, in a relaxed carefree atmosphere.

Ontario Cottage Resorts north of Toronto

Featured Ontario Doors Open Road Trip To Guelph

Doors Open Ontario is offering free attraction admissions starting in April through October. Travel to Guelph on Friday night (Guelph Hotels) or first thing Saturday April 30 for the FREE Doors Open Attractions and free guided river hike.  After finishing your tour of Guelph attractions head east to Caledon and the Village of Alton for a great romantic dinner and romantic overnight accommodation at the Millcroft Inn and Spa.   Families may consider travel north travel to Alliston Ontario and the Red Pine Inn or  Nottawassaga Inn Resort. See April getaways for accommodation and getaway packages  http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-april.html
in reference to: Ontario Travel Doors Open Ontario Doors Open Attractions 2011 Free Ontario cultural Historic Attractions Ontario (view on Google Sidewiki)