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: Featured Santa Claus Parades December 2-4, 2011

 Santa Claus Parades

Peterborough Santa Claus Parade
Peterborough, ON
December 3, 2011  4:45pm
Kinsmen Peterborough web Site 
Stay at resorts, inns, hotels  Peterborough, ON, Peterborough hotels on-line

Meaford Santa Claus Parade
December 3, 2011  6:30 pm
The Annual Meaford Santa Claus Parade delights young and old alike, thanks to the hard work of the Kinsmen Club.
Now, the parade has a special "twinkle" about it... it's held at night. The celebration will take place Saturday December 4, at 6:30 pm. It starts at Olivet Baptist Church and proceeds down Sykes Street past the Town Hall. Local businesses, service groups, churches and organizations prepare an array of creative floats, and of course, the highlight of the parade is Santa Claus, who greets excited children with merriment and candy bags. It's always a night to remember
Meaford Santa Claus Parade web Site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Meaford, ON

Bancroft Santa Claus Parade
Bancroft, ON
December 3, 2011
Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce Web Site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Bancroft, ON

Santa Claus Express South Simcoe Railway (Tottenham)
Share the Magic of Christmas... ride the SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS!
Saturday December 3rd and Sunday December 4th
Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th
Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th
Advance reservations available
Departures at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Special event fares apply. Tickets on sale November 1st either on-line or by telephone.
South Simcoe Railway website 
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Alliston, ON

Elmvale Santa Claus Parade 12:30pm - 2pm
Begins at Huronia Centennial Elementary School|
Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 12:30PM
Elmvale Santa Claus Parade info
More on Elmvale: Stay in Midland or Barrie

Eganville Santa Claus Parade
Eganville, ON
December 4, 2011 
Algonquin East website
stay at inns, resorts, hotels in Barry’s Bay, ON

Bracebridge Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
December 4, 2011   1pm
Theme:  "A  Disco Christmas".
Bracebridge Santa Claus Parade website 
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Bracebridge, ON   Bracebridge hotels on-line

Midland Santa Claus Parade
Midland, Ontario
December 3rd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Midland Web Site Click Here
stay at inns, resorts, hotels Midland, ON

Coldwater Santa Claus Parade
December 3, 2011 1pm
Through downtown Coldwater on Main Street.  Free skate at the arena 4-5pm Meet Santa at the Coldwater Mill 6pm
Coldwater Santa Claus Parade info
stay at  inns, resorts, hotels Orillia, ON

Marmora Santa Claus Parade
Marmora
December 3, 2011
On Dasher and Dancer, Comet and Vixen! See them all, as well as the guest of honour, Santa himself at this year's Santa Claus Parade
Marmora web Site 
stay at  inns, resorts, hotels Ottawa, ON, Ottawa hotels on-line

Coboconk Santa Claus Parade
December 4, 2011  1pm
Starting at the Mill Works, traveling up Hwy 35 to the lights, then right on Hwy 48 ending at the Legion.
Coboconk Santa Claus Parade info
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Coboconk, ON