Love is Definitely in the Air: Celebrate With These Winter Activities in Ontario

February in Ontario presents two holidays that are meant to celebrate love. Valentine’s Day and Family Day mean you get to celebrate love in Ontario and what better way to do with any one of these fun winter activities. 

Did you know that around 80 percent of Canadians celebrate Valentine’s Day every year?

From buying flowers to popping a bottle of champagne over a candlelit romantic dinner, there are a lot of ways that people celebrate love! Not just romantic love, either, with Family Day coming up soon after Valentine’s it’s a time to show everyone who means something in your life how much you value them.

If you’ll be in Ontario for Valentine’s Day or Family Day, you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of winter activities. It’s the perfect place to show someone just how much you appreciate them – or to have some alone time and self-love!

Take a peek at some of our top picks and find something that will make those important in your life happy, even if that means you!

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping With Cross Country Skiing

Activity Good For: Couples, Families

Cross country skiing is a super fun, wintery way to spend Valentine’s Day, Family Day, or just enjoy something by yourself. If your loved ones love to get outdoors and spend time in nature, it’s a really thoughtful gift that they’re guaranteed to appreciate!

If you’re looking for things to do in February in Ontario, we recommend taking your skis to Sudbury’s Windy Lake Provincial Park, where you’ll uncover two km of trails and 15 km more just across the road at Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club. Make sure to tell your loved ones that some Olympians began their careers right under your feet, so you may be buying them a ticket to a gold medal!

Other places ToDo cross country skiing:

See What You Can Catch At Ice Fishing

Activity Good For: Couples, Families

Get your friends, family, or even yourself hooked on ice fishing (sorry, we couldn’t help the pun!) in Haliburton Highlands. Not far from downtown Toronto, this frozen haven is not just an incredible sight to behold but also offers the chance for some adrenaline-fuelled guided fishing.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional angler to join in with the fun! People who have never even held a fishing rod before can come along for a go. 

Guided Ice Fishing in the Haliburton Highlands:

Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing that next big trophy or a beginner hoping to wet a line through the ice for the first time, the Haliburton Highlands is a beautiful and productive ice-fishing destination. From hard fighting Lakers, Rainbows, Brook Trout & Splake to Walleye and bruiser rod-bending Northern Pike, this area has open winter seasons for them all.

One of our knowledgeable guides will increase your chances of catching fish.  Trips can be provided from any lake in the Haliburton Highlands provided there’s suitable legal access and ice is deemed safe.

Choose from half and full-day adventure tours. Click here for more information and too book your tour.

Please stay off the ice if you are not with a guide or outfitter. 

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Activity good for: Couples

It’s that time of year to reel in the one you love and take a trip beneath the waves to share an intimate dinner along some most spectacular exhibits. Make them turn to jelly with dinner options at a tropical Rainbow Reef exhibit, dine with friendly rays at Ray Bay, or be dangerously in love seated below an epic shark tunnel! 

Sea the Sky Combo Ticket

Activity Good For: Couples, Families

The Sea the Sky package includes general admission to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 

ABOUT THE PACKAGE

• Visit two great Attractions, the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, for one low price!
• CN Tower tickets can be used anytime within 30 days of purchase and guests can join the next available time slot on the day of their choice.
• Ripley’s Aquarium ticket can be used anytime within 30 days of purchase.
• You are not required to visit both attractions on the same day — explore Toronto at your leisure!

Go (Frozen) Waterfall Chasing

Activity Good For: Couples, Families

Whether you’re on the hunt for a self-love activity you can do on your own this Valentine’s Day, a romantic adventure for you and your partner, or a family day of fun, frozen waterfall chasing has got you covered! 

In our opinion, there’s no better time to hunt waterfalls than in the icy winter. You don’t have to worry about waterfalls that have dried up in the sun, and seeing the flows frozen in time will blow you away. These ice formations are the perfect spot for a family picture or two, as well, or the ideal spot to get down on one knee and pop that special question…

SHERWOOD INN VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGE

Activity Good For: Couples

Muskoka Valentine’s Day Special

Travel to Sherwood Inn this Valentine’s Day and celebrate with an evening that includes a special Valentine’s Day inspired menu. When you spend the night under this special you will also save 20% on accommodation. It’s all about culinary excellence and romantic escapes at Sherwood Inn.

Visit Muskoka Hydrospa at JW Marriot Rosseau Muskoka

Activity Good For: Couples

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Ontario for Valentine’s Day and Family Day that are a little more relaxing, what about a day at the spa? This is perfect for those who don’t love the cold, too! Or, perhaps you’ve spent the day doing something outside in the winter chill, and the evening is the perfect time to wrap up warm at Muskoka Hydrospa. The JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka also has amazing family and children’s programs to keep the children busy while a parent sneaks off to the Hydrospa. 

Boost your body and mind with this hot-cold routine. When you leave, you’re guaranteed to feel refreshed! It’ll be a real treat for your loved ones, too.

Head To Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery to Snowshoe or Ski & Après

Activity Good For: Couples

This is another Ontario vacation activity for those who love to get outdoors, even in the cold and frosty winter! Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is one of the most spectacular snowshoe trails in Ontario and comes highly recommended. It’s a beautiful place throughout the year, but during winter there’s something especially magical about the landscape.

Take your snowshoes and trail through a cranberry bog for a unique experience that won’t soon be forgotten. When it comes to how to do love, this is the peak (literally).

Start Your Maple Season Early

2024 Weekend Maple Syrup Experience & Maple Syrup Museum

The Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience includes entry to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, all you can eat pancakes and a side of bacon and breakfast sausage with their award-winning Ontario pure maple syrup, and a walk on the sugar shack trail to their maple sugar shack to see maple syrup being made firsthand while tasting maple taffy over snow, maple sugar, sap and syrup. Starts Family Day weekend 2024. 

The event runs from Family Day weekend to Ontario Maple weekend (first weekend of April). Click here to LEARN MORE

Get Romantic Under The Stars

Activity Good For: Couples, Families

The Ontario winter is famous for its incredible night skies, and we can’t think of much that’s quite as romantic. Hop in the car with your loved one and drive away from all the lights to a more remote, peaceful spot. Or, head to one of the 19 dark sky preserves around Ontario for a spectacular viewing point.

You can stay in the warmth of your car, bringing a hot chocolate and some tasty treats to make the night extra special, or get out and have a wander under the vast starry sky, spotting the constellations above. Whatever you choose, be sure to spend plenty of time looking up and taking in the breathtaking beauty of our very special universe. 

This isn’t just a romantic activity, either, but one for everyone! Little children will love being told about the stories of the stars, friends will enjoy a night out together, and if you just need some time to appreciate your own company, what better way than with an evening of stargazing?

Ice skating outdoors at night under sparkling lights would be something to do for both couples and families. Read our best places to skate outdoors and all you have to do is grab your skates and go. 

Spend the day and stay overnight at an Ontario Park open in the winter. Cabin and yurt camping are available a lot more comfortable than you might think. The wildlife you’ll see ranges from birds to furry friends of many kinds. This is a great trip to help you enjoy winter and have fun.

Uncover More Winter Activities For You and Your Loved Ones

Whilst winter might not seem like the best time to get outside and look for activities, it actually is! There’s so much going on, and with both Valentine’s Day and Family Day coming up, you can find plenty of activities to show your loved ones how much you care.

Check out this great Ottawa getaway package to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Embrace the Season Getaway Package

Explore Downtown Ottawa for a family escape where there is something each family member loves to do. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel is located close to museums, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Byward Market. 

Package: Ottawa Family Escape

Book two guest rooms at Ottawa’s castle and receive 50% off your second room.

Check these out:

>>Click here<< for more Valentine’s Day weekend things to do. 

We have tons of great things to do in Ontario throughout the year, for all occasions. Take a look at more of our couple’s activities or family fun activities to fill your 2023 calendar with lots of adventures, fun, and romance.

Winter is here and ToDoOntario is here to help you find the best things to do. 

So far it’s been an unusual winter weather wise, with less snow than other years. This might be challenging when you’re planning things to do. Many of the usual winter activities are affected by the lack of snow, some are not. Let us help you to know what is happening so that you can plan fun winter days and nights no matter the weather.

Here is an Ontario ToDo List to keep you busy this winter. 

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Sea the Sky Pass

The Sea the Sky package includes general admission to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 

ABOUT THE PACKAGE

• Visit two great Attractions, the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, for one low price!
• CN Tower tickets can be used anytime within 30 days of purchase and guests can join the next available time slot on the day of their choice.
• Ripley’s Aquarium ticket can be used anytime within 30 days of purchase.
• You are not required to visit both attractions on the same day — explore Toronto at your leisure!

Learn more:

Cranberry Farm Visit

Yes, you can visit a cranberry farm in the winter. At Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery in Bala visitors can snowshoe, ice skate and Après the day away on the patio with cranberry wine and delicious fondue (note that the ice skating and snowshoeing are weather dependent). Some of these activities are even available at night and lit up with lights. You can also rent fire pits and your own personal ice rinks. Be sure to sign up for tutored wine tasting and Bog to Bottle tours to learn everything about the cranberry farm. 

Learn more:

Body Movin’ Winter Activities

You would be surprised what you can do with little snow. Know that ski operators have been producing as much as they can when possible and that there are ski runs for downhill skiing – they do have snow. Other winter activities we recommend are snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and Après. 

Depending on when you intend to do these activities, we definitely recommend double checking before you head out. 

Learn more:

Birds of Prey Experience

Adults and children alike are amazed at the up and close birds of prey show at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland. Visit the Animal Ambassador Birds of Prey in the Birds of Prey Field including owls, hawks, and a Bald Eagle.

Learn more:

Après-Anything or Après-Nothing-At-All

Apres-ing makes any outdoor winter activity complete. If the key to life is about balance, then all outdoor winter activities should be followed by toasty indoor nomming. With inside cozy zones and even outdoor patio zones, Ontario has some pretty cool and tasty places to spend your time remembering all the fun you just had outside on the hills or trails. And if you didn’t do any outdoor activity, it’s ok wtih us if you just want to Apres. We won’t judge. 

Learn more:

Do Something Crafty or Cultural

Ontario is rich with culture. Art, artisans, music and culture have become part of the tourism experience for people and visitors in Ontario. Here is one of our favourite workshop/experiences that we think should be on your Ontario ToDo List.

Claim to Flame – An Adventure in Glass

About the workshop: Join flame work artist Mitch Preston ( IG @nez_glass)  as he guides you through the ins & outs of glass and flames. This experience will start at the beginning, with a simple piece of glass, that can be shaped and molded into jewellery, decorations, pipes, and so much more. Just add heat.

No experience is required for this adventure, and you will finish the day having made your very own glass piece(s) to take home. 

Please let us know which piece(s) you would be most interested in making so the guide can prepare the necessary tools:

• A glass pipe
• Drinkware (straws, shot glasses)  
• Jewellery
• Christmas ornaments (candy canes, icicles and more)  
• All of the above! 

Learn more:

Hang (or dance) with Wolves

The Wolf Centre at Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve is a special place like no other. The Wolf Centre is a 5,000 square foot, all indoor facility that houses self-guided, museum-style exhibits, a cinema and classroom, a souvenir shop, a large indoor observatory, and it is wheelchair accessible! Our staff are onsite to answer any questions you may have, so don’t be shy! The wolves are viewed through one-way glass from inside the building. Visit the observatory and maybe catch a glimpse of Haliburton Forest’s wolf pack: permanent residents of Haliburton Forest since 1993.

Learn more:

Suspension Bridge Hike

Have you ever climbed the Niagara Escarpment for an amazing view of Georgian Bay? You can do that Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, even in the winter time. You can hike, snowshoe or ski to a 420 ft suspension bridge that offers one of the best views of Collingwood and Georgian Bay. 

Learn more:

We hope that this list has helped inspire you ‘to do’ something this winter in Ontario. The options are endless no matter the weather. Weather plays a big part in many of these activities, we suggest you always triple check the weather and travel and dress accordingly. 

If you are looking to get away overnight this winter, we highly recommend you find the >perfect winter getaway package< to help easily plan your adventure and trip. It is likely you will find a package that includes the activities above. Have fun and be safe! Thanks for visiting ToDoOntario.com. 

Getaway Packages Perfect For Your Next Girls Weekend

When is the best time to travel with friends in Ontario? The best time of year for a girls getaway weekend in Ontario is hard to answer. The province of Ontario has things to do in all seasons making any time of year, the best time. 

However, winter can be very special. With the right activities at the right place, it just might be best time to gather your besties and hit the road. Winter driving isn’t as scary you might think, check out our winter driving tips. 

We can help you and your friends find the absolute perfect place to go in Ontario for a girls weekend. We can promise the weekend will be filled with giggles, stories, relaxing and reconnection. 

Winter is no exception, in fact, it’s one of the best seasons for a recharge with your friends. If your group likes activities, there are lots to keep busy like ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing to name a few. 

But hey, if your group is the relax and chill type, there are plenty of weekend packages available to resorts and hotels that offer all the amenities that you want and need to have a chill weekend ‘in’. From warm toasty fireplaces and board games to delicious dishes and drinks, staying in with friends can be pretty awesome. 

Winter-filled Girls’ Getaway Packages

Ontario accommodations offer Ontario getaway packages that are easy to book. You and your friends can go pretty much anywhere in the province and do something really unique and super fun. There are group activities to match all interests for your ladies weekend in Ontario. 

If you’re not from Ontario, don’t worry, you can’t go wrong no matter what region you visit. One of the most popular regions in Ontario is iconic Muskoka. Girlfriends getaways in Muskoka will give you stunning winter scenery and activities ‘to do’ in nature. 

Here are getaway vacation packages that will help you book a perfect girls weekend to Muskoka.

Muskoka Hydro Spa Package at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka

Guests who book a stay of two nights or longer at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa between June 24, 2022 and June 24, 2025 will receive accommodation in a guestroom and $100CAD credit per night for use at the spa. Additional spa treatments can be booked advanced.

What makes this a perfect winter getaway are the snowy Muskoka views, snowshoeing through the woods and their very own ODR (outdoor skating rink!). 

The resort has fabulous on-site dining, warm bonfires and s’mores. Need we say s’more? 

BOOK the Muskoka Hydro Spa Package

Sherwood Inn + Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery

Winter months in the woods at Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph are like stepping into a fairy tale. The resort property is perfect for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and outdoor bonfires. 

The package you need to check out for your next girls weekend is the 30% Off Friday Nights package. Receive a 30% discount on Friday night’s rate if you book Saturday night at the regular price. Enjoy a full weekend of relaxation, dining, spa pampering and quiet recreation activity.

Sherwood Inn is conveniently located a short drive away from Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery. This is a cranberry farm that welcomes visitors to use their winter trails for hiking and snowshoeing. 

The farm even has a skating trail that allows you to skate around a large cranberry bog. Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery offers both day and night skating that includes bonfires and a lit trail. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy the Apres Activities at the on-site bistro and patio. 

BOOK the Sherwood Inn 30% Off Friday Nights package

Learn more about activities at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery

East Coast Kitchen Party Package at Deerhurst Resort

Calling all foodies for this East Coast Kitchen Party with Chef Michael Smith and the Inn at Bay Fortune culinary brigade! Come for a weekend of great food, live music, fun-loving East Coast vibes and the once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from, cook and dine with the legendary Chef Michael Smith.

Date: February 23 – 25, 2024

Learn more here.

Toronto Weekend Getaway Packages

Snowy sidewalks, shopping, cool bars, theatre shows and trendy restaurants also make for fun winter weekends for groups of friends. If you’re looking to have a Carrie Bradshaw and friends weekend with your friends in Toronto, we recommend the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. 

Your girls’ getaway to Toronto is perfectly located across from Union Station. The hotel is walking and short subway distances from events and popular attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada or the St. Lawrence Market. 

If you’re the kind who don’t like to leave the hotel, that’s fine too. The hotel has a swimming pool, gym, the iconic Library Bar and Clockwork Champagne and Cocktails and REIGN Restaurant, Bar & Bakery all on-site. 

Check out the following Fairmont Royal York Hotel package to book your Toronto weekend with ease. 

CLICK TO BOOK NOW

Ottawa Getaway Packages

Why not have your next girls getaway in Ottawa’s Castle? Grab your skates and head to Ottawa to ice skate on the famous Rideau Canal. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel is also located close to museums, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Byward Market. 

The hotel is full of history and offers your group the option to book high tea at Zoe’s, or the burger. It’s the best burger the author of this article has ever had.

Check out the following Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel package to book your Toronto weekend with ease. 

CLICK TO BOOK NOW

Girls Weekend at Ontario’s Best Ski Resort

There’s always something to do at Blue! You and your friends can downhill ski, go snowtubing, cross country ski, ice skate, shop and event get relaxing spa services – all in one convenient picturesque location. 

Blue Mountain Village has events, live music and superb dining specials all winter long. If anyone in the province of Ontario knows how to host the Après-Ski, it’s Blue! 

The Stay & Ski package is the best way to enjoy the best of both these worlds. 

BOOK the Stay & Ski Package

Blue Mountain Village Perfect Girls Getaway Itinerary

Blue Mountain Village has made planning a girls weekend super easy.

Whether you are part of a pre-wedding celebration, a mother-daughter bonding escape or simply some time away with friends, Blue Mountain Village offers up a diverse selection of activities, shopping, dining and nightlife to make your getaway one to remember.

READ the Winter Girls Getaway Itinerary

Ontario resorts and hotels across the province offer easy-to-book weekend packages that can take the stress out of planning your next getaway with your very best friends. Taking advantage of these vacation packages means you can spend more time focusing on re-connecting with the people you’ve travelled to see. 

You can find more fun weekend getaway packages for Girls Getaways here. 

How To Celebrate A True Canadian Winter

If you live in Ontario or you’re visiting Ontario, winter carnivals and festivals should be a part of your Canadian tradition. 

Winter festivals are a family-friendly way to enjoy and celebrate the things we love about winter. Fresh, crisp clean air and fun activities can make being outdoors fun. It’s the only way to beat the cold. 

Are you Googling “Winter Festivals near me”? ToDoOntario has done some research and is listing the best winter festivals in many regions of Ontario. 

When you hear the words winter and carnival, you likely think of the most popular event of them all, the Québec City Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec). If you can’t get to the Quebec winter carnival this year, don’t worry. Ontario winter festivals in cities, towns, and communities near you have their own amazing festivals close to you.

Winter Carnivals in Ontario offer activities like axe throwing, curling, outdoor games, and yummy food and drinks to warm you up. 

Winter menus will warm your tummy showcasing the local cultures and flavours of regions of Ontario. Every year you can look forward to eating your old favourites like chili and pea soup and trying something new.

Winter Festivals in Ottawa

Winterlude in Ottawa

Date: February 2 – 19, 2024

Things to do during Winterlude in Ottawa: you can marvel at beautiful ice sculptures, skate on the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and play till you drop in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom. This year marks the 46th edition of the popular capital city event.

Winterlude festivities are not too far from the famous Byward Market. Be sure to take a walk through the market to shop, eat, drink and take your photo by the Ottawa sign on York Street.

Learn more: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/winterlude

To help you experience Ottawa and Winterlude check out the following getaway packages: 

Embrace the Season Package at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Details: Save up to 20% on your stay on multi-night bookings LEARN MORE | BOOK NOW

Winter Festivals in Toronto and area

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
TBA 2024
Learn more: https://bloor-yorkville.com/icefest/

To help you experience Toronto check out the following getaway packages: 

Save on City Package at The Westin Habour Castle
Details: Save up to 10% on your stay on multi-night bookings LEARN MORE | BOOK NOW

Winter Festivals in Muskoka

Fire & Ice Bracebridge
January 27, 2024
Learn more: https://fireandicebracebridge.com/

Port Carling Winterfest 
February 2 – 4, 2024
Learn more: https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/event/port-carling-winterfest/

To help you experience Muskoka check out the following accommodation: 

Luxury Winter Staycation at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka

LEARN MORE | BOOK NOW

Other Notable Fun Winter Festivals to Check Out

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights 
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Learn more: https://wfol.com/

Hello Winter, Barrie
February 3 – 4, 2024
Learn more: https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/community-events/barrie-winterfest

Wiarton Willie Festival
February 2, 2024
Learn more: https://www.southbrucepeninsula.com/en/explore-and-play/wiarton-willie.aspx 

Bon Soo Winter Carnival, Sault Ste. Marie
February 2 – 10, 2024
Learn more: https://bonsoo.on.ca/ 

Penetanguishene Winterama – Oldest Winter Carnival in Ontario
February 16 – 18, 2024
Learn more: https://www.winterama.ca

No matter where you choose to go celebrate winter this year, we know it will be fun. Remember to dress according to the weather so that you can stay a long time. There will be a lot for you to do and you’ll want to try all the activities. 

ToDoOntario.com is the place to find all the wonderful getaway packages, events and activities to help you easily plan your Ontario adventures. Be sure to cruise the website and what else there is ‘to do’ in Ontario this winter and beyond. 

Be Merry and Bright With These Christmas Markets in Ontario

Bright festival lights, Christmas music, and hot poutine. We’re ringing in the holidays with the annual holiday tradition: Christmas markets.

If you’re looking for the best holiday markets to visit this holiday season, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of over ten of the best holiday markets in Ontario. At these markets you’ll find hand-made clothing, decorations, delicious foods and so much more. Many of these markets are extra-cute and you’ll want to bring your shopping bags AND your cameras. 

These markets combine food, crafts, lights, music, and most importantly, a strong festive holiday spirit. In case you no one has told you, these are the gifts they truly want for Christmas!

1. Sugar Plum Fair

Discover a spectacular line-up of crafters who feature a unique line-up of handmade items. The show features over 100 vendors from across Ontario selling a variety of items including chocolate, jam, fudge, sauces, quilts, candles, ceramics, stained glass, wreaths, folk art, woodwork, children’s toys, body care products, pewter, Christmas decorations and more! All the items are handcrafted by the crafters themselves. 

Date: November 11 – 12, 2023

2. Ottawa Christmas Market

 

 

 

 

 

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Located right outside Lansdowne Park in the Casino Lac-Leamy Plaza, this Christmas market features over 35 local vendors of finger-licking seasonal foods and unique holiday gifts, but that’s not all. They’ve also scheduled a complete program of holiday and seasonal entertainment events including skate nights, family decoration, live music, and more.

Date: November 24 – December 23, 2023

3. The Distillery Winter Village

 

 

 

 

 

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This holiday market at the Distillery Historic District is a must-see if you’re in the Toronto area. Restaurants, cafes, and holiday gift vendors line this outdoor shopping area, surrounded by Christmas lights and Christmas tunes.

This holiday market in Ontario is open from November 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024, seven days a week beginning at 10 am, including New Year’s Eve. 

The tree lighting ceremony will take place Thursday, November 16.

Date: November 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024

The Distillery Winter Village Package @ Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Make it a memorable Christmas Toronto getaway!

Fairmont Royal York partners with The Distillery Winter Village to create an exclusive stay package guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Celebrate the magic of the season with two of the most iconic festive experiences in the city.

Discover over 65 local shops, restaurants and cafes, as you stroll along the cobblestone streets, under the festive lights of The Distillery Historic District. Return to your Fairmont Royal York sanctuary for an overnight stay and wake-up to a REIGN breakfast or breakfast in bed.

The Distillery Winter Village is open from November 16 until January 7. Book before January 6 for stays between November 15 and January 7.

4. Canadian Museum of History Christmas Market – Ottawa

More than 80 exhibitors await you in the majestic Grand Hall to showcase their delicious treats and unique handmade creations. Christmas decorations, woodcraft, glass items, gourmet foods, artisanal spirits, handcrafted jewelry, amazing fashion accessories, and more! The Museum’s Christmas Market is a great place to do your holiday shopping in a festive and relaxed atmosphere.

Date: November 23 – 26, 2023

5. Uxbridge Farmer’s Christmas Market

If you’re reading this article before the end of November, you can still catch Uxbridge Farmer’s Christmas Market before they close shop. This award-winning market channels the festive holiday spirit each Sunday in November, hosting:

• craft fairs
• artisan shows
• holiday live entertainment

Date: TBA

6. Friday Harbour Christmas Market – Innisfil

The tradition continues! The Promenade will transform to the Christmas Market, styled after the traditional European markets. The event will include a 40′ Christmas tree, chalet cabins with holiday items and gifts sold from local and community retailers. 

Date: November 24 – December 30, 2023

7. Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest – Toronto

Canada’s favourite rollercoaster and theme park transforms into an immersive winter wonderland with live shows and entertainment, ice-skating, magical lights display and stunning Christmas trees. In addition, there will be a bustling Christmas market where you’ll find unique hand-crafted products as well as festival treats, like baked goods and hot chocolate.

Date: Select Nights November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024

8. Holiday Fair Mel Lastman Square – Toronto

 

 

 

 

 

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Stroll through the stalls of the artisan marketplace, warm up in the Fireside Lounge while sipping a hot chocolate or mulled wine and toasting your very own s’more, or enjoy a visit with Santa himself! Holiday Fair in the Square is a holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.

Date: December 1 – 23, 2023

9. Kingston Holiday Market

 

 

 

 

 

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Located in the Malting Tower, Rehearsal Hall, & The Gallery.

Date: December 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 2023

10. HandMade Market – Niagara Falls

 

 

 

 

 

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Shop HandMade for the holidays with 1000’s of one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts all at one location.There will be a cafe, food trucks, wine bar and more.

Date: November 17 – 19, 2023

Yule Love These Christmas Markets Too

Moonlight Madness
December 8, 2023
Join the Owen Sound River District businesses for a night of holiday shopping. Shop the night away and take advantage of specials and sales throughout & fill in your Holiday Shopping Passport. Stop by the new Holiday Artisan Market at the Farmers’ Market, entertainment by Gracie Jet, patio heaters, seating and wine tasting. Enjoy live entertainment by the fire tables with Kailey Jane Hawkins. Warm apple cider in front of City Hall by the United Way Bruce Grey. DJ Strobe live & spinning holiday beats at Sundays Ice Cream Parlour & Edible Christmas Market. Walk the Festival of Northern Lights. Grab dinner & a show while you’re here!

Quayle’s Brewery Holiday Market
November 19 – 20, 2023
Holiday Night Market will be the ultimate gift shopping experience. The market features local artisans and handmade gifts, delicious treats, festive drinks on Holiday Spirits patio, carolers, and more.

Abbey Gardens Holiday Night Market
TBA 2023
Holiday Night Market will be the ultimate gift shopping experience. The market features local artisans and handmade gifts, delicious treats, festive drinks on Holiday Spirits patio, carolers, and more. 

Holiday Shopping & Holiday Magic at Blue
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
The Village is wrapped up in garlands and bows and illuminated with the sights and sounds of the holidays. Stroll the 1km Light Trail and enjoy enchanting moments around every corner while you shop, dine and celebrate the magic of the season.

Holiday Markets in Oro-Medonte
Various dates
Support INCREDIBLE local businesses, make some memories and get your holiday shopping done right in Oro-Medonte. 

Ottawa Christmas Market
November 24 – December 23, 2023
Located in the Aberdeen Square while surrounded by snow-capped heritage buildings and wooden chalets is the Ottawa Christmas Market presented by TD. 

Niemi Family Farm Christmas Market 2023
November 17 – December 23, 2023
Welcome to a most beautiful Christmas market in Southern Ontario. Indoor/Outdoor market area with 50 local vendors from toys to hot sauce to cookies etc. Food vendors , Candyland, specialty foods and drinks. Market area is FREE for everyone to enjoy.

One of a Kind Winter Show, Toronto
December 1 – 2, 2023
Extensive selection of gifts are beautifully made by 600+ artisans from across Canada. Takes places at Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto.

Rama’s Annual Christmas Market
November 23 – December 3, 2023
A variety of great vendors and products to choose from. Two locations, side by side for your shopping enjoyment. Rama Circle of Faith will be serving lunch and coffee.

Ring the Season in At Festival Markets 

Do you feel the Christmas spirit in the air yet? Well, you’ll most certainly feel it walking through these Ontario holiday markets! Bring your loved ones or come alone and meet some new friends! It’s a merry season here in Ontario.

For more fun ideas of things to do in Ontario this holiday season, check out more from our blog! We’ve got you covered with the latest news and events happening in Ontario. 

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a busy travel time for people everywhere. Families, groups of friends and romantic couples like to celebrate the holidays with memorable getaways in Ontario. 

December is winter time in the province in Ontario and this means there are lots of fun activities to do like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, tubing, downhill skiing and more. It’s also a time for our favourite activity, Après! You can nosh after any winter activity, or even just enjoy the Après part – we won’t judge! 

ToDoOntario.com is the place to find events and getaway packages to help you easily plan your next Ontario adventure. You can find inclusive packages that bring you to Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Muskoka and all points in between. Whether you’re looking for a big city getaway or a quaint small town winter wonderland, check out the getaway packages listed below and see what we mean. The following offers will help you save money and/or include other activities to do while on your holiday.

Toronto Getaway Offers

THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE PACKAGE
Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Fairmont Royal York partners with The Distillery Winter Village to create an exclusive stay package guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Celebrate the magic of the season with two of the most iconic festive experiences in the city.

Discover over 65 local shops, restaurants and cafes, as you stroll along the cobblestone streets, under the festive lights of The Distillery Historic District. Return to your Fairmont Royal York sanctuary for an overnight stay and wake-up to a REIGN breakfast or breakfast in bed.

The Distillery Winter Village is open from November 16 until January 7. Book before January 6 for stays between November 15 and January 7.

Celebrate all the festive season has to offer in Downtown Toronto. Enjoy the Cavalcade of Lights holiday tree lighting festival (Nov 25) or light installations (Nov 26-Jan 7) from your Nathan Phillips Square view room while indulging in a plentiful snack pack provided at arrival. Late check out provides plenty of time for sightseeing, holiday shopping or a swim in our heated indoor-outdoor pool. Refuel with a $25 food and beverage credit, also included.

The Sheraton Centre Toronto is steps away from the many festive activities in Nathan Phillips Square including a display of twinkling light installations, festive décor public skating and a holiday market.

Ottawa Getaway Offers

OTTAWA FAMILY ESCAPE
Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Book two guest rooms at Ottawa’s castle and receive 50% off your second room.