Holiday light festivals in Ontario 2026
Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls
From dazzling Diwali celebrations to the illumination of Niagara Falls, sparkling Christmas light displays and downtown tree-lighting ceremonies, all corners of Ontario shine bright at these annual light festivals.
Celebrate the holiday cheer on a winter road trip, weekend getaway or evening visit to one of these magical destinations.
Book well in advance for ticketed events, as many sell out quickly.
Greater Toronto Area
Annual Diwali Festival of Lights
Diwali is a global celebration of goodness, hope, renewal, and light over darkness, brought to life with unparalleled grandeur in the heart of Toronto, featuring performing artists, dance, music, installations, a marketplace and sensational fireworks.
Now in its fourth year at Nathan Phillips Square, this landmark cultural event has become one of the largest Diwali festivals in North America.
Learn more about the event on the Diwali Festival of Lights Instagram page.
When: October 24–25, 2026
Where: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Each holiday season, Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular light installations, a DJ-music ice skating party, ice sculptures, live entertainment and a decorated Christmas tree.
When: late November 2026–early January 2027
Where: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Village of Yorkville Holiday Magic
Each year, the little park in the heart of Toronto’s downtown Yorkville neighbourhood is transformed with a spectacular, one-of-a-kind holiday light display.
When: November–December 2026
Where: Cumberland and Bellair Street, Toronto
Journey into Enchantment
Drive along an enchanting two-kilometre route featuring over two million custom, interactive 2D and 3D Christmas and holiday-themed light displays of your favourite characters, a sparkling, drive-through tunnel, accompanying seasonal music and Santa Claus himself.
When: select days, November 20–December 26, 2026
Where: 462 Kingston Road East, Ajax
Ottawa Region
Magic of Lights in Ottawa
Follow the drive-through route in Wesley Clover Parks just southeast of downtown Ottawa to a festive wonderland featuring thousands of mesmerizing lights, holiday scenes and characters. Tickets are priced per vehicle.
When: select dates, November–December 2026
Where: 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
Winter Lights Across Canada
Just when you thought Ottawa couldn’t get any prettier, thousands of lights sparkle, shine and reflect off the winter landscape of our nation’s capital, illuminating historic sites, parks and streets. Take in the enchanting display, which includes a free multimedia show on Parliament Hill.
Find the perfect place to stay and add this free event to a festive getaway in Canada’s capital.
When: select dates, November–December 2026
Where: Downtown Ottawa
Southeastern Ontario
Brockville River of Lights
Enjoy a free drive-through tour of Blockhouse Island Parkway, lit with twinkling and floodlights during the holiday season. Tune your car radio to 88.1 FM for contemporary and classic festive music accompanying the dazzling seasonal light display.
When: November–December 2026
Where: Blockhouse Island Parkway at the base of Market Street West at Water Street, Brockville
Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village
Over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences at this scenic living-history site, eastern Ontario’s largest light show. Wander the recreated 1866 pioneer village, enjoy festive Christmas music and treat yourself to a delicious BeaverTail pastry.
Tickets are available exclusively online.
When: select dates from November 27, 2026–January 2, 2027
Where: 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg
Christmas Light Trolley Tour
Join Kingston Trolley Tours for a unique and festive experience viewing the lights.
Board one of the classic red trolleys and carol along to holiday favourites while viewing the best-decorated homes in Kingston. Full of twinkling lights, festive sights and holiday spirit, this 75-minute tour is perfect for the whole family.
Reserve tickets online.
When: December 2–31, 2026
Where: Tours depart from 248 Ontario Street, Kingston
Niagara Region
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Falls’ beloved winter tradition of spectacular light displays returns for another season.
With over three million twinkling lights along the Niagara Parkway alone, an enchanting winter fireworks series, a full calendar of entertainment and the opportunity to get a photo with Santa, it’s no wonder that the Christmas lights in Niagara Falls are Canada’s largest free light festival.
Warm up with a hot chocolate and enjoy a self-guided holiday light tour. Book an overnight stay in one of Niagara’s accommodations overlooking the falls for a getaway to remember.
When: November 14, 2026–January 10, 2027
Where: Clifton Hill and the Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Safari Lights
Experience a thrilling three-kilometre drive-through adventure with twinkling light tunnels, motion lights, whimsical animal displays and more at Safari Niagara.
Purchase tickets online.
When: select dates, November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
York, Durham and Headwaters
Caledon Diwali Drone Show and Festival
The annual Diwali light show celebration returns to Caledon with music, food and over 200 drone displays at the Brampton Fairgrounds. Note: This event is weather-dependent; the backup date is November 8.
When: November 7, 2026
Where: 12942 Heartlake Road, Caledon
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The magic of the holiday returns to Canada’s largest theme park.
Canada’s Wonderland continues to thrill and delight through the season as it transforms into WinterFest, an enchanting experience with spectacular holiday lights, Christmas trees, themed entertainment, ice skating opportunities and holiday-inspired food and beverages.
Purchase tickets at the gate or online.
When: select dates, November 21–December 27, 2026
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Christmas in the Park
For over 30 years, Kay Cee Gardens has been transformed into a magical outdoor wonderland with lights, displays, entertainment and treats during Christmas in the Park.
The Optimist Club of Orangeville organizes this free event.
When: weather permitting, December 1–31, 2026
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens
Revel in the magic of nature and light as you stroll along the 1.5-kilometre pathway in the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park and experience a tapestry of brilliant festive lights and holiday art installations under the stars.
This is a time-ticketed event.
When: select dates, November 26, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Burlington Festival of Lights
Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park, situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, sparkles and shines each holiday season with magical-themed displays.
Wander through the park with friends and family, including your four-legged family member, as this free event is dog-friendly.
When: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027
Southwestern Ontario
LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights
Each year, the town of LaSalle hosts the much-anticipated Holiday Lights Heritage Nights event.
This holiday-themed outdoor walk-through festival features amazing light and ornamental displays, a massive Christmas tree, a holiday market, food, drinks and entertainment.
This free event occurs at the LaSalle Civic Centre just south of Windsor.
When: November 2026–January 2027
Where: 5950 Malden Road, LaSalle
Bright Lights Windsor
Immerse yourself in seasonally themed zones or sit back and relax in cozy chairs by the fire in Jackson Park.
When: check back for exact 2026 dates
Where: 125 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor
Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights
One of the oldest light festivals in Ontario returns to transform Simcoe’s downtown area and Wellington Park into a winter wonderland, featuring themed displays, thousands of lights and hundreds of beautifully decorated trees.
Enjoy the view from a horse-drawn trolley on select weekends, visit the Christmas market and warm up with a hot chocolate.
Bonnie Drive will be closed to vehicles during this free event. Visit Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights on Facebook for more details.
When: November 28, 2026–January 1, 2027
Where: 50 Bonnie Drive, Simcoe
Blenheim Festival of Lights Celebration
Festivities kick off on the weekend of December 5 in Talbot Trail Place with a Santa Claus Parade, a Christmas Festival Market, a community carol sing-along and nightly light shows that continue throughout December.
When: December 5–31, 2026
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Bingemans Gift of Lights
One of the region’s longest drive-through holiday light attractions features two tunnels and over 300 animated and static sparkling light installations.
Buy tickets online in advance.
When: November 20, 2065–early January 2027
Where: 25 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
Cambridge Music and Lights in the Village
Gather in Hespeler Village to celebrate the festive season with holiday lights and a tree lighting.
When: December 4, 2026
Where: Hespeler Village, Cambridge
Lights on Stratford Winter Festival of Lights
Downtown Stratford transforms with enchanting interactive light displays and art installations designed to rekindle the season’s joy. This year’s theme is “northern lights.”
Come for the lights and stay for the bites. One of Ontario’s most prominent theatre and arts destinations is also home to inviting accommodations, unique shopping, gorgeous galleries and notably diverse food and drink experiences.
When: select dates, December 18, 2026–January 10, 2027
Where: downtown Stratford
Goderich Festival of Lights
Perched on the shores of Lake Huron, the town of Goderich is pretty in every season, but the lights of the Holiday season add an extra sparkle and glow.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: Courthouse Square, Goderich
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village
Each festive season, Blue Mountain Village is wrapped in lights, garlands and bows, with seasonal experiences and activities around every corner.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights
Owen Sound’s harbour, riverbanks, downtown and Harrison Park are decorated with hundreds of displays and over 25 kilometres of lights, serving as a colourful backdrop for seasonal concerts, craft shows and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Follow the Festival of Northern Lights on Facebook for up-to-date information.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: Downtown Owen Sound
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Enjoy a full lineup of activities, entertainment, and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of thousands of candles illuminating pathways around the historic 17th-century mission site. Browse the holiday craft market and enjoy special treats from the cookhouse.
Purchase tickets online in advance.
When: select dates, November 26–December 13, 2026
Where: 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland
Magic of Lights Barrie
Magic of Lights is a two-kilometre-long drive-through holiday light display featuring over two million LED lights.
This event takes place at Springwater Provincial Park, just outside of Barrie. Purchase tickets online or at the gate for each vehicle.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: 1331 Route 26, Barrie
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Bracebridge Festival of Lights
Downtown Bracebridge sparkles with holiday cheer during the annual Festival of Lights.
The free event features family-friendly activities, including shopping, entertainment, a Santa Claus parade and lots of twinkling lights.
When: November 20, 2026
Where: Downtown Bracebridge
Winter Forest of Lights
Explore light installations artistically displayed along illuminated pathways through a forest and garden setting at this enchanting evening light show at Sandhill Nursery.
Be mindful of parking and traffic in this residential neighbourhood.
When: November 13, 2026–March 2027
Where: 1686 Aspdin Road, Huntsville
Northeastern Ontario
Sudbury Festivals of Lights
A visit to Science North this holiday season will be even more exciting with hundreds of festive lights decorating the outdoor grounds and parking lot.
When: December 1–31, 2026
Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, light festivals and illumination shows deliver the enchantment and magic of the holiday season across the province.
Last updated: September 22, 2026