Holiday events at Ontario’s heritage buildings
Cottonwood Mansion Museum | Selkirk
Visit museums and historical spaces during the holiday season and enjoy activities and events that feature decorations, merry carolers and the inviting scent of evergreens and freshly baked treats.
Get into the festive spirit with fun holiday activities and holiday house tours this season in Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area
Festive Nights at The Village at Black Creek
Experience a welcome change from modern screens and devices at The Village at Black Creek.
Enjoy live entertainment while sampling traditional holiday treats, such as roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies. Listen to a winter’s tale and learn a whimsical country dance.
Tickets go fast, so don’t miss this experience.
When: December 6, 13 and 20, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Niagara Region
Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour
Experience the Yuletide charm of the holidays with two captivating Christmas house tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The general tour offers a self-guided exploration of seven beautifully decorated historical and modern homes. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings from three selected wineries, in addition to discounts on special luncheons.
For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the McArthur Estate tour, featuring a magnificent Georgian home built in 1829.
This tour showcases a beautifully decorated home with a stunning a 4 metre Christmas tree and features live music, delightful wines.
Purchase tickets online only. A combined ticket option for both tours is also available. Please note that tickets are limited, so be sure to secure yours soon.
When: December 5, 6, or 7, 2025
Where:
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Holiday House Tour: various homes in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- McArthur Estate: 210 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Merry Makers: Children’s Workshop at The Brown Homestead
Fun activities are in store for families with young kids at The Brown Homestead.
Head to the Dining Room for lessons about stencil art, walnut shell ornaments and other historical holiday crafts from the 1800s.
While this event is free, donations are welcome. Registration is required as space is limited.
When: Stay tuned for 2025 details
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Christmas at the Castle
Beautifully decorated during the festive holidays, Castle Kilbride is a heritage home that showcases the traditional decor of Yuletide celebrations during the Victorian era.
Experience the spirit of the season on tours such as the Christmas Castle by Candlelight evening self-guided tour. Enjoy a cookie and hot apple cider and listen to live entertainment in the parlour by costumed staff. Castle.
When: November 19, 2025–January 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 60 Snyder's Road West, Baden
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Westfield Heritage Village’s Christmas in the Woods
Take a stroll around the Westfield Heritage Village and admire the festive old-fashioned decorations in the village and surrounding woods. This event includes both indoor and outdoor activities such as wagon rides, a scavenger hunt and Christmas treats.
When: December 7 and December 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Victorian Christmas at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Spruce Lane Farmhouse in Bronte Creek Provincial Park will be decorated for the holiday season. Take a guided tour of the farmhouse and learn how families celebrated Christmas over a century ago. Activities include stories and songs of the era and making crafts with historical tools. Enjoy a drink of apple cider with a treat. Visit the farm animals and take a self-guided winter story walk along the Trillium Trail. Tours and activities are included with park daily vehicle permit admission.
When: December 27, 2025–January 4, 2026
Where: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville (Parking lot F)
Southwestern Ontario
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Cottonwood Mansion
Enjoy French macarons, custard tarts and mini eclairs paired with the tea of your choice, followed by a tour of Cottonwood Mansion.
When: November 29, December 13 and 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk
Christmas Tour & Cream Tea at Ruthven Park
Join a Christmas Tour at Ruthven Park and immerse yourself in the traditions of Christmases past. After your tour, stay back in the Coach House for scones and tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Limited tickets are available.
When: Every Friday between November 28 and December 19, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: 243 Haldimand County Highway 54, Cayuga
Christmas Tour of Homes at Aylmer-Malahide Museum
This annual holiday tradition selects four unique or historical homes in the Aylmer area to be decorated for Christmas and opened up for participants to tour. Created to raise awareness of local businesses, this holiday house tour now attracts visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Tickets can be purchased online or at participating retailers.
When: November 14–16, 2025
Where: 14 East Street, Aylmer
Christmas at the Village at Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Learn about 19th-century holiday traditions as you stroll through the Heritage Village, adorned with festive decorations. Enjoy outdoor winter games, make holiday crafts and keep an eye out for jolly old St. Nick. Dress warmly to this outdoor holiday event.
When: December 6 and 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1424 Clarke Road, London
York, Durham and Headwaters
A Storybook Christmas at Pickering Museum Village
Pickering Museum Village’s popular annual holiday experience is back with a new story starring the beloved Teddy.
A Storybook Christmas invites guests to take a self-guided walking tour around the Village. This interactive holiday adventure features treats, trivia and fun entertainment.
And to top it off, Santa Claus will appear to spread joy and good cheer.
When: December 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2025
Southeastern Ontario
Spirit of the Season at Glanmore National Historic Site
Embark on a self-guided tour of Glanmore’s stunning Christmas exhibits, then craft a traditional ornament to take home for your own tree. Free admission with a food item donation for Gleaners Food Bank.
When: November 16, 2025
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village
Enjoy wagon rides, carol singing and the exciting sights, sounds and aromas of the festive season at Lang Pioneer Village Museum
When: December 6 and 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 104 Lang Road, Keene
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Holiday House Teas
Join a pleasant Christmas Tea celebration at Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. Call (705) 759-5443 for ticket information.
When: Holiday House Teas: December 5–13, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.
Last updated: December 5, 2025