From twinkling lights to cozy markets, Christmas in Canada can certainly feel like a scene straight out of a holiday movie.
Planning to celebrate Christmas in Canada? You don’t have to go far to find festive cheer. Reader’s Digest Canada has compiled 20 of the best destinations to experience the magic of the season. From lively cities to postcard-perfect towns, the Great White North certainly provides a wide variety of holiday and winter experiences.
Whether you enjoy exploring historic streets or packing your schedule with holiday events, these destinations prove that Christmas in Canada truly hits different — and you don’t even need your passport.
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1. Quebec City, Que.
Quebec City is consistently the top choice for the most festive destinations in Canada. It was once again Travel + Leisure’s pick, and it’s easy to see why: the combination of charming downtown and holiday markets would put anyone in the mood.
2. Dawson City, Yukon
A former gold rush town and home of the midnight sun, Dawson City is known for many things, but it’s also a magical Christmas destination. This year’s winter events include the Christmas Tree Ski and the Dawson City Ice Bowl winter disc golf challenge.
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village is a quintessential Canadian Christmas destination. Photo by Fareen Karim
3. Toronto, Ont.
Visitors hoping to hit up all the holiday spots in Toronto will have a packed itinerary. There’s the world-famous Distillery Winter Village, skating at Nathan Phillips Square, and Winterfest at Harbourfront Centre.
4. Almonte, Ont.
This town is so charming that it has provided the backdrop for numerous Christmas movies, such as Christmas by Design, A Novel Noel, A Chance for Christmas, and many more. Visitors can stroll historic streets where old mills have been transformed into boutiques, and enjoy Almonte’s wide range of dining options.
5. Ottawa, Ont.
The capital of Canada provides the perfect backdrop for the holidays. Depending on the weather, visitors can skate on the historic Rideau Canal, which is no doubt an unforgettable experience. Sip on cocktails and browse for gifts at the Ottawa Christmas Market.
Niagara Falls lights up every winter. Photo by Billy McDonald/Shutterstock.com.
6. Niagara Falls, Ont.
Niagara Falls is just as breathtaking during the holidays as it is during peak tourist season in the warmer months. Until Jan. 4, experience the Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s “largest free outdoor light festival.” Local restaurants and bars also host events that will get you into the Christmas spirit.
7. Saskatoon, Sask.
It may not be the first city that comes to mind when it comes to Christmas, but it has plenty to offer during the Christmas season. Check out the light displays at the BHP Enchanted Forest and take the entire family to experience The Jolly Jumble, an indoor market and light festival.
8. St. John’s, Nfld.
Its colourful historic buildings and dramatic landscape make St. John’s a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas. And leading up to the holidays, locals celebrate Mummers, a quirky Christmas festival where locals disguise themselves in costumes.
9. Vancouver, B.C.
You won’t run out of things to do during the holidays as Vancouver hosts several Christmas events, such as Lights at Lafarge, which is a free outdoor winter lights display and the Shipyards Christmas Market. Enjoy gingerbread cookies and sip on hot chocolate as you browse stalls at the Vancouver Christmas Market.
10. Calgary, Alta.
You won’t run out of things to do if you’re spending the holidays in Calgary. Head to the Wilder Calgary Zoo to check out Zoolights, which is on until Jan. 4. Take in the Christmas lights, visit Santa’s Polar Palace, and walk through the Holiday Gardens.
11. Bay Roberts, Nfld.
The 28th annual Bay Roberts Festival of Lights illuminates this town located on the north shore of Conception Bay. This family-friendly event features events for visitors aged two and up. The festival is home to over 40,000 lights, and Santa’s Pedestrian Park is open every night until Jan. 4.
12. Edmonton, Alta.
It’s worth braving the cold if you’re in Edmonton for the holidays because the city hosts numerous events during the season. Keep little ones entertained at family-friendly workshops during the Edmonton Christmas Market, or hop in the car and check out all the places to see Christmas lights.
Midland, Ontario is full of small-town charm year-round. Photo by @townofmidland/Instagram.
13. Midland, Ont.
Located on Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, Ont., Midland is known for its rich Indigenous history. Dine inside a crystal cabin or explore downtown along Midland’s newly renovated King Street.
14. Airdrie, Alta.
Every year, the city of Airdrie hosts a massive holiday celebration, the Airdrie Festival of Lights, located in Nose Creek Park. The event boasts about a million dollars’ worth of displays and features, as well as mini train rides and bonfires where you can gather to sip a cup of hot chocolate.
15. Victoria, B.C.
Take a break from it all and head to Victoria, known for its historic architecture, bustling harbour, and beautiful gardens. Take in the decor as you stroll through downtown, then stop at a local inn for Christmas afternoon tea. Make sure to check out Festival of Trees Victoria and Merridale’s Annual Christmas Light-Up & Shopping Night.
16. Mont-Tremblant, Que.
Every winter, the city is transformed into an enchanting Christmas village, where visitors can enjoy music, storytelling, and entertainment. Enjoy a variety of winter activities, then check out any of the nearby cozy restaurants for French, Italian, or Asian cuisine.
Simcoe is home to Ontario’s oldest light festival. Photo by Simcoe Christmas Panorama/Facebook.
17. Simcoe, Ont.
Located 90 minutes outside Toronto, Simcoe is home to the Simcoe Christmas Panorama, an annual event that transforms the community’s downtown area into a winter wonderland. Visitors can take in featured themed displays and thousands of lights.
18. Barkerville, B.C.
Nothing will get you into the Christmas spirit quite like a trip to Barkerville. Located in B.C.’s Cariboo Mountains, Barkerville is a historic town packed with Christmas charm. The town has 125 heritage buildings, as well as period displays and satellite museums, so there’s plenty to see and do.
19. Saint-Thérèse, Que.
Saint-Thérèse is an unforgettable winter getaway. Check out Gai-Luron’s ski, fatbike, and snowshoeing trails, but don’t forget to check the weather conditions before you head out. In December, the town also hosts Little Christmas Saturdays, where children can decorate cookies and watch Christmas plays.
20. Fernie, B.C.
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to hit the slopes in Fernie, where the surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. The town hosts multiple holiday events, one of which includes a chance to ski and take photos with Santa himself.
