If the thought of a long winter makes you want to hibernate in bed for months, you’re not alone. Canadian winters are long, but thankfully there are plenty of exciting things to see and do across Southwestern Ontario that’ll help shake off the winter blues. From light festivals to outdoor concerts and even wine tasting experiences, this region has something for everyone to enjoy. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, pull up your long-johns and read on to discover eight things you don’t want to miss out on this holiday season.
If You Love Festivals: Explore the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
With displays that include three-dimensional Canadian wildlife, lights at the top of Niagara’s Skylon Tower, the iconic Zimmerman Fountain and over 50 trees wrapped with lights, the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights is sure to make you light up this holiday season. The 8 kilometre trail winds through some of Niagara’s best-loved parks and attractions, including the Dufferin Islands.
If You Can’t Get Enough of Christmas Markets: Go to the Caledonia Christmas Market
November 25, 2023
If the thought of a Christmas market has you as excited as Buddy the Elf was after learning that Santa was coming to town, then you don’t want to miss the Caledonia Christmas Jingle. Located at the Caledonia Fairgrounds, the Christmas Jingle features horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas carol karaoke, craft activities for kids, a vendors market and plenty of other holiday-themed fun for the whole family.
If You Love a Spectacle: Go See the Binbrook Parade
December 9, 2023
For the first time in Binbrook’s history, Santa Claus will be coming to town on Sunday, December 1st. The town’s first annual Santa Claus Parade is set to kick off at 3pm on Binbrook Road, and will stop at the Binbrook Fairgrounds for a tree-lighting ceremony. Click here for the parade route.
If You Love Music: Rock out a Niagara’s NYE Bash
December 31, 2023
Ring in the new year in true Canadian fashion by heading over to Queen Victoria Park to see this year’s New Year’s Eve concert. This widely-popular free outdoor event is Canada’s most exciting New Year’s Eve destination for incredible events and programming.
If You’re a Wine Lover: Get Your Tickets for the Niagara Ice Wine Festival
January 12 –14, 2024 | 19 – 21, 2024 | 26 – 28, 2024
If you needed another reason to visit Ontario’s wine region, here it is: the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival lets you raise a glass to carefully-curated wine pairings – that include cool-climate grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc – with seasonal cuisine from some of Niagara’s most talented chefs. This event is ripe for the picking, so be sure to get your Discovery Pass ahead of time.
While the holidays are a celebratory time for many, it’s important to remember to give back to those who are not so fortunate. Here are a few local charities we love and think you should check out.
Images courtesy of; Skylon (Niagara Winter Festival); CBC News (Dundurn Castle); WagJag (Chicopee Tube Park).