Book a family getaway in Ontario this holiday season

Greater Toronto Area

Toronto offers a variety of family vacation ideas during the holiday season.

The Distillery Winter Village is an annual holiday tradition featuring a tree lighting ceremony, curated vendors showcasing locally made crafts and plenty of delicious seasonal food.

The city is also home to dazzling holiday light festivals. Cavalcade of Lights, held at Nathan Phillips Square, has been delivering holiday cheer since 1967. The opening celebration features live performances and the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree. Throughout the holiday season, enjoy nightly ice skating and festive light installations.

It’s also the season for themed theatre shows. The National Ballet of Canada’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a time-honoured Toronto tradition. Additionally, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra offers a variety of seasonal programming, including Elf in Concert, with the movie screened and accompanied by a full orchestra, as well as the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s grand rendition of Messiah. The whole family will enjoy Soulpepper’s The Thrill of Hope: A Holiday Concert.For something different, get tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s Christmas show, ‘Twas the Night Before.

For out-of-town visitors, these hotels are perfect for family-friendly Toronto Christmas vacations. Find more family-friendly hotels in Toronto.

Chelsea Toronto

Located in the heart of downtown, this welcoming hotel is close to seasonal attractions, including Toronto City Hall’s skating rink and great shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre.

Festive activities offered during the holiday season, kids’ menus at on-site dining and The Hive, a dedicated section designed for families, make Chelsea Toronto the perfect home base for your holiday getaway.

Location: 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

Enjoy the convenient location and budget-friendly options at Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre. Just a half block from the subway, it’s easy to access many of Toronto’s attractions, restaurants, museums and shopping.

The hotel features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant. Best of all, kids eat free.

Location: 111 Lombard Street, Toronto

Niagara Region

Founded in 1982, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest illumination festival, attracting over one million visitors annually.

In addition to illuminating Niagara Falls and fireworks shows, the festival features numerous twinkling light displays and interactive experiences in and around the city.

Follow the Hot Chocolate Trail, a self-guided tour featuring over 30 delicious chocolate-forward stops guaranteed to keep you warm.

Here’s a selection of hotels that welcome families during the Christmas holidays. Find even more family-friendly Niagara Falls hotels.

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Admire wintry views of the Falls from the comfort of your hotel room and dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants, from top-rated Italian fare by celebrity chef Massimo Capra to the inventive creations at Sweet Jesus Ice Cream.

Located in the heart of the city’s tourist district, this central hotel is within walking distance of top attractions like Clifton Hill and Niagara Parks.

Combine your stay with a trip to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark with the Hotel Waterpark Getaway, which includes four passes to the water park.

Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Country Inn & Suites

For a budget-friendly option, book this charming hotel close to the Clifton Hill tourist district, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and attractions like the Bird Kingdom and the Butterfly Conservatory Niagara.

Access to the indoor pool and complimentary breakfast make this the perfect place for families to unwind during the holiday season. If you are travelling with extended family, inquire about adjoining rooms. Bonus: children under 16 stay free in the same room as an adult.

Location: 5525 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Great Wolf Lodge

This popular lodge features a large indoor water park with a fort and treehouse, a wave pool, hot tubs and thrilling water slides. Themed suites and vacation packages include attractions, dining and more.

Book during the annual Snowland celebration to visit Santa, join a dance party and take part in a scavenger hunt and holiday crafts. Add on the Snowland Package, complete with a chocolate-covered marshmallow stick for your little ones.

Location: 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to cozy resorts and special holiday experiences, this region invites you to enjoy the perfect family-friendly holiday season getaway.

Family-friendly resort options in the area include:

Fern Resort

Located about an hour and a half drive north of Toronto, this all-season, all-inclusive resort offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Experience the thrill of winter sports and warm up by the fire in cozy cottages.

Various Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s packages include meal plans and fun activities, such as skating, snowshoeing, curling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and outdoor hockey.

Location: 4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara

Horseshoe Valley Resort

Just over an hour north of Toronto and 20 minutes from Barrie, Horseshoe Valley Resort offers exciting ski slopes throughout the snowy season. This resort also features 30 kilometres of groomed trails for snowshoeing, a terrain park, snow tubing, fat biking and more fun winter activities.

To round out your family getaway, dine at the on-site pizzeria or sports pub and relax in comfortable accommodations. Choose from a wide selection of rooms and condo-style suites. Packages and offers include a Holiday weekend and stay-and-ski specials.

Location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Bayview Wildwood Resort

Just northwest of Washago on Sparrow Lake, Bayview Wildwood Resort operates year-round with seasonal family packages perfect for a holiday season getaway.

Location: 1500 Port Stanton Parkway, Severn Bridge

Blue Mountain Resort

Every year, Holiday Magic transforms Blue Mountain Village, Ontario's most popular ski and snow destination, into a festive wonderland. For an adrenaline rush, ride the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.

Choose from a variety of accommodations at Blue Mountain.

Blue Mountain Inn

Enjoy upgraded rooms and modern amenities, including indoor and outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool and in-building access to The Pottery Restaurant.

Location: 110 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains

The Westin Trillium House

Families will love the year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, rooms and suites featuring fireplaces and kitchenettes. The on-site restaurant, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, offers a kids’ menu.

Location: 220 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains

Ottawa Region

During the holiday season, Ottawa’s downtown is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, perfect for family trips.

The twinkling lights and holiday ambiance at the ByWard Market make it a must-visit winter hotspot. Explore outdoor vendors offering one-of-a-kind local crafts and seasonal treats.

Located in Lansdowne Park, the Ottawa Christmas Market features festive vendors offering unique gifts, holiday-themed items, delicious food and drink and seasonal activities. Marvel at the Vintage Village of Lights display at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.

Take in a holiday show at the National Art Centre. Catch Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in concert.

Find accommodations in Ottawa to suit your family’s needs.

ARC The Hotel

Located in the heart of Ottawa and within walking distance of Parliament Hill, local museums and historic sites, ARC The Hotel is a modern hotel that provides all the comfort and relaxation your family needs.

Select a cozy double family room or a spacious suite. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Canadian-focused restaurant, ARC Restaurant & Lounge.

Location: 140 Slater Street, Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Spacious rooms designed with a family-friendly layout and a heated, indoor pool make this downtown hotel a popular home base for visitors to Ottawa.

Location: 130 Besserer Street, Ottawa

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Families are drawn to this picturesque region year-round and the holiday season is no exception. You don’t have to look far to find one-of-a-kind winter experiences nearby.

Book a dog sledding tour with beautiful Siberian Huskies with Winterdance. Half-day, full-day and even moonlit tours are available.

Located on the edge of Algonquin Park, South Algonquin Trails offers horseback riding adventures through some of Ontario’s most stunning landscapes. Led by experienced guides, this family-focused stable accommodates riders of all skill levels.

Calabogie Peaks Resort

Located just an hour’s drive from Ottawa, Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort is a four-season property located at the base of the tallest ski resort in the Ottawa Valley with a broad network of trails and several skiing and snowboarding runs. The resort offers rooms that can sleep a variety of group sizes.

Celebrate the season together with on-site family activities such as pond skating, snowshoeing, nightly campfires and skiing lessons for all ages.

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Famous for iconic landscapes and serene lakes, the Muskoka region is the perfect place for families to enjoy both the outdoors and the indoors over the holiday season.

Arrowhead Provincial Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visit the visitor centre to rent ice skates, snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore this beautiful park.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind visit with Santa, complete with elves and ponies at Back of Beyond Equine Centre. You can also tour the barn and experience a pony ride in the indoor arena. Meet the remarkable pack of Alaskan Huskies on a dog sledding adventure at North Ridge Ranch. Embark on a thrilling half-day tour along private trails. For families with young children, the one-hour tour is the perfect introduction to dog sledding.

Do some holiday shopping at The Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace in Gravenhurst or at Christmas Tyme, a long-standing tourist destination packed with thousands of tree ornaments and holiday-themed home decor in downtown Huntsville.

Get tickets in advance to board the Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride departing from Muskoka Heritage Place and travel along the banks of the Muskoka River. The historic train is festively decorated for the season. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are included.

For more seasonal fun, twinkling lights and plenty of elves, head to Santa’s Village for the Muskoka Christmas experience (select dates). This unique theme park has warmed families’ hearts since 1955.

Spend the holidays at one of these family-focused Muskoka resorts.

Deerhurst Resort

On the shores of Peninsula Lake, this four-season retreat in Ontario’s famous “cottage country” is ideal for winter family-friendly vacations. Enjoy outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowshoeing, plus holiday scavenger hunts, cookie decorating, family movies and more.

Choose from a variety of suites and multi-room kid-friendly accommodations to suit your family’s needs.

Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville

Hidden Valley Resort

Hidden Valley Resort is conveniently located next to the slopes at Hidden Valley Muskoka Ski Club, so it’s ideal for families who enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The lakeside and hillside retreat offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, an ice rink, tobogganing and more outdoor activities.

Location: 1755 Valley Road, Huntsville

Cedar Grove Lodge

Situated between Huntsville and Algonquin Park, Cedar Grove Lodge offers a variety of cozy lakeside log cabins, each equipped with a wood-burning stone fireplace.

Enjoy on-site tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing trails.

Location: 167 Grassmere Resort Road, Huntsville

Kawarthas and Northumberland

One of Ontario’s favourite destinations for summer fun also invites families to celebrate winter’s arrival and the festive holiday season.

Catch the annual Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade in early December. Experience traditional activities such as wagon rides, carol singing and meeting Father Christmas during Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village.

Meet a herd of alpacas or goats on a winter farm visit to Old Mill Alpacas or Haute Goat.

Excellent accommodations locally include:

Elmhirst’s Resort

Various cozy cottages accommodate families of all sizes at this welcoming lakeside resort.

Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene

Wingfield Inn and Gardens

A great option for large family gatherings and reunions, Windfield offers three full-sized family homes for rent.

Location: 948b Wingfield Road, Campbellford

Northeastern Ontario

Discover holiday cheer and outdoor adventure in and around Greater Sudbury, Northern Ontario’s largest community.

Sudbury’s popular kid-welcoming interactive museums, Science North and Dynamic Earth, are open year-round with immersive and engaging exhibits. Each year, the grounds of Science North transform into a brilliant seasonal attraction during the Festival of Lights event.

Catch the timeless and heartwarming Disney’s Frozen onstage at Yes Theatre, and in late November, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will delight families with a tour through downtown Sudbury during the annual Santa Claus Parade.

Find great Sudbury accommodations, plus more options within the surrounding region.

Hilton Garden Inn

With an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, complimentary breakfast and connecting rooms, this is a great downtown Sudbury hotel option for families.

Location: 475 Barry Downe Road, Greater Sudbury

Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort

About an hour’s drive north of Sudbury, this all-season resort offers cozy guest rooms in the main lodge and several rustic cabins that comfortably accommodate families and family reunions.

Located on the shore of Kukagami Lake, winter activities include wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. The dining hall serves hearty homemade meals.

Location: 240 Kukagami Lake Road, Wahnapitae

Book an Ontario family getaway and make this holiday season unforgettable.