2026 holiday events at Ontario’s heritage buildings
Cottonwood Mansion Museum | Selkirk
Soak up the holiday magic at Ontario’s historic homes and museums. Take guided tours to admire festive decorations and discover the stories behind cherished holiday traditions. Savour the scents of evergreens and freshly baked treats and discover the perfect photo spot to capture memories for years to come.
Greater Toronto Area
Festive Nights at The Village at Black Creek
Unplug from screens and devices and visit 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 12–19, 2026
Niagara Region
Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour
Experience Yuletide charm with two captivating Christmas house tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The general tour offers a self-guided exploration of six beautifully decorated homes, both historic and modern. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings from three selected wineries and 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 four-metre Christmas tree and live music and delightful wines.
Purchase tickets online only. A combined ticket option for both tours is also available. Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure yours soon.
When: December 4 and 5, 2026
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
Holidays@ the Homestead
Celebrate the holiday season as Loyalist John Brown did with his family in the 1700s. Experience the homestead traditions through immersive activities that bring history to life, such as family-friendly heritage crafts and candlelit tours.
When: December 2026
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.
Embrace the season with a special tour, such as the Christmas Castle by Candlelight evening self-guided tour. Enjoy cookies and hot apple cider, and take in live entertainment in the parlour performed by costumed staff.
When: November 18, 2026–January 3, 2027
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 6 and December 13, 2026
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 27–30, 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 28, 2026
Where: 740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk
Christmas Tour & Cream Tea at Ruthven Park
Take a holiday tour of Ruthven Park and enjoy traditions inspired by Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Choose the Christmas Tour & Cream Tea, the Victorian Christmas Tour & High Tea, or the Scottish celebration honouring New Year’s at Hogmanay High Tea. After your tour, relax in the Coach House with scones and tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Tickets are limited.
When: Selected days in December
Where: 243 Haldimand County Highway 54, Cayuga (please ensure your navigation system matches this address, as some visitors have been guided to Dunnville instead)
Christmas Tour of Homes at Aylmer-Malahide Museum
This annual holiday tradition selects four unique or historic homes in the Aylmer area to decorate for Christmas and open to visitors for a tour. Created to raise awareness of local businesses, this holiday house tour now draws visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Tickets can be purchased online or at participating retailers.
When: November 13–15, 2026
Where: 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 5, 2026
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: November 28–29, 2026 and December 5–6, 2026
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. Admission is free with a food item donation to Gleaners Foodbank.
When: November 15, 2026
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, 2026
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: December 4–18, 2026
Enjoy the sights, flavours and sounds of family holiday events at historic homes and museums across Ontario.
Last updated: October 21, 2026