Holiday light festivals in Ontario
Journey into Enchantment | Mississauga
From the illumination of Niagara Falls to stunning Christmas light displays and downtown tree lighting ceremonies, all corners of Ontario shine bright at these annual light festivals.
Plan a winter road trip, weekend getaway or evening visit with your friends or family to one of these magical destinations to celebrate the holiday cheer. But hurry! Avoid disappointment and book well in advance for the ticketed events as they sell out quickly.
Ottawa
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 that celebrate the joy of the holidays.
Details: save time and money and purchase tickets online in advance
When: November 18, 2022–January 7, 2023, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Just when we 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, including the free multimedia show on Parliament Hill. Find the perfect place to stay and make it a festive getaway in Canada’s capital.
Details: this is a free event
When: December 2022–January 2023
Where: throughout downtown Ottawa
Southeastern Ontario
Enchanted Festival of Lights in Belleville
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Belleville with light installations, local shopping and seasonal window displays, dining and selfies in the giant Santa Chair. The light displays, along with sounds of the holiday will follow a route through downtown, along the waterfront to Keegan Parkway at Herchimer Avenue.
Details: free event, ample parking available in the downtown core
When: November 19, 2022–January 2, 2023
Where: downtown Belleville
Brockville River of Lights
Tune your car radio to 88.1 FM to hear the festive mix of contemporary and classic holiday music that will accompany the dazzling holiday light display featured in a nightly drive-thru tour of Blockhouse Island Parkway.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 26, 2022–January 2, 2023; light and sound show nightly from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.; static light show 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 to 11:00 p.m., weather permitting
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.
Details: tickets available online, $15 + HST per person (ages 13+), $14 for youth ages 5 to 12; an accessible night is planned
When: December 1, 2022–January 7, 2023, select dates 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Niagara Region
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Falls’ beloved winter tradition of spectacular light displays returns for its 40th anniversary. The Winter Festival of Lights attracts millions of visitors annually 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 known around the world. Make it a getaway to remember and book an overnight stay in one of Niagara’s accommodations overlooking the falls.
Details: Canada’s largest free light festival
When: November 12, 2022–February 20, 2023
Where: Downtown Niagara Falls
Safari Lights
Safari Niagara’s dazzling drive-thru lighting display is now in its third year, with even more lights and displays for the 2022–2023 season. Enjoy immersive light tunnels, motion lights and animal displays along three kilometres.
When: November 19, 2022–January 8, 2023
Where: 2821 Stevensville Road, Stevensville
Details: purchase tickets online in advance; prices start at $24.95 + HST per vehicle
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square transforms into an annual winter wonderland complete with spectacular light installations, DJ music ice skating party, ice sculptures, live entertainment and an enormous, decorated Christmas tree. Book a centrally-located Toronto hotel to serve as your home base as you explore all the city has to offer this season.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 2022–January 2023
Where: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Mississauga Illumi
Experience the largest light, sound and multimedia show in the world in 12 unique themed universes of beautiful installations created from over 20 million brilliant lights. Allow between 60 and 90 minutes to fully appreciate the event.
Details: reserve tickets in advance online; general admission (ages 13+) varies between $9.98 and $19.95 plus tax and service based on date and time; child and senior discounts are offered; free parking available
When: runs until January 8, 2023; hours vary based on date
Where: 7174 Derry Crest Drive, Mississauga
Village of Yorkville Holiday Magic
The beautiful holiday lights of Yorkville Park, in the heart of Toronto, return for another spectacular, one-of-a-kind display.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 26–December 30, 2022; kick-off lighting event on November 26
Where: Cumberland Street 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.
Details: tickets start at $24.95 per vehicle, based on up to eight passengers; book tickets in advance online
When: November 25, 2022–January 1, 2023, on select weekdays, Monday–Thursday and Sundays from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Meadowvale GO station, 6845 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga and Richmond Hill GO station in Richmond Hill
Christmas Glow Toronto
Embrace the warmth of the season at Toronto’s indoor Christmas festivals. This year the theme is "Glow Around the World" with magical light displays representing different countries. Enjoy food, drink, holiday shopping and the glow of a million twinkling lights.
Details: weekday general admission tickets are $30 per person, weekends are $32
When: November 30–December 31, 2022
Where: Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road
Northern Lights TO
Experience Toronto’s most immersive holiday adventures with outdoor activities in four distinct areas including Spirit of the Holidays, Holiday Town Square, The Journey North and The North Pole. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive scenery, entertainment, games, treats and a holiday market.
Details: limited tickets are available for specific days and time slots; prices start at $22.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids aged 12 and under, and children two and under are free
When: December 1, 2022–January 8, 2023, 5:00–10:00 p.m.; Thursday to Sunday until December 18; every night onward from December 22
Where: Grand Bizarre, Exhibition Place, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto
York, Durham and Headwaters
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 (including two massive, decorated trees on International Street), themed entertainment, ice skating opportunities, food and more.
Details: book tickets in advance online, with options of daily tickets from $29.99 plus tax, a season pass or group tickets; ample paid parking available
When: November 18–December 31, 2022, select nights
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Christmas in the Park
Celebrating its 30th year, Kay Cee Gardens is transformed into a magical outdoor wonderland with lights, displays, entertainment and treats during Christmas in the Park.
Details: presented by the Optimist Club of Orangeville, this free event is pet-friendly and family-friendly
When: every evening from December 3 – 31, 2022, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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 Garden's Hendrie Park and experience a tapestry of brilliant festive lights and holiday art installments under the stars. During the day, the entire family can explore Hendrie Park on a holiday train ride aboard the RBG Express.
Details: pre-registration is required for this ticketed event
When: November 23, 2022 – January 8, 2023, Wednesdays to Sundays, closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1
Where: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Twinkle After Dark in Milton
Head to the beautiful country setting at Country Heritage Park for this seasonal illuminated walk-through experience. Highlights along the one-kilometre "main street" path include holiday themed projections, amazing light displays, immersive tunnels, costumed characters, a festival music playlist, sweet treats and the opportunity to meet Santa himself.
Details: book tickets online well in advance as they will sell out quickly
When: November 24–December 31, 2022
Where: 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton
Burlington Festival of Lights
Celebrating its 27th anniversary, Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park, hugging the shores of Lake Ontario, will sparkle and shine this holiday season with 60 magical themed displays. Wander through the park with friends and family, including your four-legged family member as the event is dog-friendly.
Details: this event is free
When: November 25, 2022–January 8, 2023, daily from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, with extended hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas and New Years Eve
Southwestern Ontario
Magic of Lights in London
Follow the drive-through route in Longwoods Road Conservation Area just east of the city of London to a winter wonderland featuring thousands of mesmerizing lights that showcase familiar holiday characters and stories.
Details: save time and money and purchase tickets online in advance
When: November 18, 2022–January 8, 2023, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: 8348 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges
Holiday Lights Heritage Nights in LaSalle
Each year the town of LaSalle, just south of Windsor, hosts the much-anticipated Holiday Lights Heritage Nights event at the Civic Centre. This holiday-themed outdoor walk-through festival features amazing light and ornamental displays, a massive Christmas tree, a holiday market, food, drinks and entertainment.
Details: free event; paid parking, including accessible parking, is available; portable restrooms are provided on-site; visit Santa on Fridays
When: November 25, 2022–January 8, 2023; lights turn on daily at 6:00 p.m.
Where: LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road, LaSalle
Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights
Once again, one of the oldest light festivals in Ontario returns to transform Simcoe’s downtown in and around Wellington Park into a winter wonderland with over 60 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.
Details: free event; Bonnie Drive will be closed to vehicles, but parking is available on streets surrounding the park; portable facilities are offered
When: December 3, 2022–January 1, 2023, daily from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Where: 50 Bonnie Drive, Simcoe
Bright Lights Windsor
One of the season’s favourite family-friendly festivities returns to Jackson Park in Windsor. Follow the pathway to thousands of sparkling lights and stunning themed displays accompanied by festive music. Check out the W.E. Made It Holiday Market on select weekends.
Details: free event; very limited number of accessible parking spots in the south end parking lot; sound and strobe elements paused on "Silent Nights" Tuesdays to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities
When: December 2, 2022–January 8, 2023, nightly from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.
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. Tune into Gift of Lights Radio at 100.1 FM as you cruise past the delightful displays and enjoy the show from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle.
Details: book tickets well in advance; early bird ticket sale available for $20 plus tax and service charge until October 11
When: November 12–December 31, 2022; hours vary between 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; select nights reserved for walk only
Where: 25 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
Cambridge Winterfest
Special events throughout the season include a musical tour of local art installations, the CP Holiday Train, the Winter Ice and Lights event in Central Park in Preston and a New Year’s Eve party.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 25–December 31, 2022
Where: Downtown Cambridge
3rd Annual Lights on Stratford
Once again, downtown Stratford transforms with enchanting interactive light displays and art installations designed to rekindle the joy of spending time with friends and family. Explore a light extravaganza to walkable locations including the swirling circles of THE POOL in Market Square, the multisensory AFFINITY light sculpture on Tom Patterson Island and the new Stratford-made displays along the Light Trail.
Come for the lights and stay for the bites. One of Ontario’s most prominent theatre, cultural and arts destinations is also home to inviting accommodations, unique shopping, gorgeous galleries and notably diverse food and drink experiences.
Details: free event
When: December 16, 2022–January 27, 2023, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. nightly, including Christmas and New Year's Day
Where: various locations in downtown Stratford
Goderich Shines: Festival of Lights Celebration
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.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 18, 2022–January 16, 2023
Where: various locations throughout downtown Goderich
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village
Blue Mountain Village is once again wrapped in one million lights, garlands and bows and there is magic around every corner. Follow the Interactive Light Trail through the village and around the Mill Pond, with fireworks over the pond on Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and weekend holiday music, entertainment and even visits from Santa on a horse-drawn sleigh.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 19, 2022–January 2, 2023; Light Trail is lit every evening from dusk to 10:00 p.m.
Where: 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights
Owen Sound’s harbour, riverbanks, downtown and Harrison Park will be decorated with close to 400 displays and over 25 kilometres of lights, serving as a colourful backdrop for seasonal concerts, craft shows and horse-drawn carriage rides. Celebrating its 35th year, this is one of the best holiday light displays in Ontario.
Details: free event with special entertainment and fireworks on the opening night at 6:00 p.m.
When: November 19, 2022–January 5, 2023, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: throughout downtown Owen Sound
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Celebrate the 22nd anniversary of First Light with an “Unplugged” experience. Head to Midland for a lineup of activities, entertainment and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of 5,000 candles lighting up pathways around the historic 17th-century mission site during this magical seasonal event. Browse the holiday craft market and enjoy special treats from the cookhouse.
Details: reserve tickets in advance; $10 per person; kids aged 5 and under are free; service animals permitted
When: November 24–26 and December 1–3, 2022, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park
Eclipse Walk with Light
Huntsville will come alive in an animated and interactive outdoor sound and vision tour. Take a nocturnal stroll along a nature trail featuring a brilliant light exhibition surrounded by the vibrant soundscape of music and spoken word that pay tribute to the seasons and lunar activities at Muskoka Heritage Place’ Rotary Village Station. This is an outdoor event so dress warmly and wear boots. Guests are welcome to bring flashlights.
Details: tickets are $5 plus tax per person (ages 13+); operation is subject to weather conditions
When: November 11, 2022–Spring, 2023
Where: 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
Bracebridge Festival of Lights
Downtown Bracebridge sparkles with holiday cheer during the annual Festival of Lights. The event features an array of family-friendly activities, including moonlight shopping, entertainment, a Santa Claus parade and lots of twinkling lights.
Details: this is a free event
When: November 18, November 25–27, and December 2, 2022
Where: throughout Downtown Bracebridge
As you plan your festival winter activities, visit Festivals and Events Ontario to discover even more seasonal fun in Ontario.
Last updated: September 19, 2023