Between witnessing the first snow fall of the year and putting up our Christmas trees, I’d say that many of us are ready for our winter festivities to begin. To guarantee that your holiday is filled with glee, we’ve put together a list of the best things to see this year. So, round up your friends and family, pack on the layers to stay warm and get ready for a holiday that’ll be hard to forget.
1. Canada’s Wonderland Winterfest
Where: Canada’s Wonderland | November 17 – January 6, 2023
Winterfest is a seasonal event that transforms the popular amusement park into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. Featuring a festive atmosphere with an abundance of twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and immersive winter-themed experiences, visitors can expect to encounter elaborately-decorated pathways, themed entertainment, and live shows that capture the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy seasonal treats, hot beverages, and meet holiday characters.
2. The Winter Village
Where: The Distillery District | November 16, 2023 – Christmas Day
If you’ve never visited the Distillery District’s Winter Village, this should be on the top of your list. It’s the perfect place to walk around and take in beautiful decorations near the holidays. With a variety of local shops, craftspeople, restaurants and cafes, there’s an abundance to do. Marvel at their 55-foot tree decked out in over 600 giant ornaments, while you listen to busker’s carol.
3. Winter Wonders
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens | November 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024
The name says it all — Winter Wonders is a winter wonderland of nature and light. This one-of-a-kind outdoor experience gives visitors access to seven magical displays along Hendrie Park’s winding pathways. Festive music will be played, and holiday treats will be available on site. At every corner, there will be something new to admire with trees and structures lit from bottom to top.
4. Hamilton Winterfest
Where: Online | February 2 – 19, 2024
If going out to a festival doesn’t appeal to you because you’d rather stay home and cozy up next to your living room fireplace, we’ve got you covered. The Hamilton Winterfest is an eighteen-day virtual experience featuring over 50 events. From concert streamings to author readings and pop-up art virtual tours, there’s an abundance of content for you and your family to explore.
5. Winter Festival of Lights
Where: Niagara Falls | November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Since 1982, Niagara Falls has hosted a Winter Festival of Lights — Canada’s largest illumination festival, attracting over one million visitors each year. For the first time ever, the festival is spanning 101 nights, 58 more than last year. There’s three walking routes to suit your needs, whether you’re out with the family, on a date or want to be immersed in nature.
Who says your holiday festivities have to stop here? Discover some other ways to have fun inside and outdoors this winter season.
Images courtesy of: The GATE (Canada’s Wonderland Winterfest); Toronto Storeys (Distillery District); Curiocity (Winter Wonders); OPG (Winter Festival of Lights).