Deck the Halls: Top Places to Admire Christmas Lights in Ontario
From enormous, decorated trees and jolly melodies to homemade hot cocoa and freshly-baked cookies, it’s without a doubt the holiday season is the most magical time of the year. However, there’s one all-time holiday favourite everyone looks forward to: the electric beauty of Christmas lights. From November to January, Ontario transforms its cities and towns into winter wonderlands, illuminated by hundreds (even thousands) of bright holiday lights. And chances are, you won’t need to travel far to find a winter light festival near you.
Grab your mittens and scarves, and treat yourself to a dose of holiday cheer. Whether its from the comfort of your vehicle or (socially-distanced) on foot, here are some of the best places to admire twinkling Christmas lights in Ontario.
Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Falls, ON
More than 3 million bright lights illuminate Niagara Falls during the city’s annual Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival. The over three-decades-old tradition transforms the Dufferin Islands, Niagara Parkway and countless streets across the city into a twinkling winter wonderland.
Admire dazzling displays of traditional holiday images, woodland wildlife and true Canadian symbols. The 2021 edition of the Winter Festival of Lights will illuminate the city for even longer than usual, extending the celebration to a full 101 nights, from November 13, 2021 to February 21, 2022. Revelers can expect larger-than-life holiday displays, including everyone’s favourite seasonal friend, Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer.
Magic of Lights
Nepean, ON
A suburb of the nation’s capital, Nepean annually hosts the Magic of Lights, a 2‑kilometre drive-through that gives car-bound visitors the opportunity to see more than 300 spectacular animated displays. Situated on Wesley Clover Parks Campground, the festival’s light lineup features everything from an enchanting tunnel of lights and a snowflake forest to a candy cane lane and a backflipping Santa.
Giving back is always one of the biggest inspirations behind Magic of Lights, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local organization to benefit the community. Be prepared to be completely immersed in the holiday season every night from November 19, 2021 through January 8, 2022.
Festival of Northern Lights
Owen Sound, ON
As many as 300 animated displays and 25 kilometres of lights await you at the Festival of Northern Lights in Owen Sound. Each year, the Southern Georgian Bay city celebrates the holiday season by illuminating Harrison Park and its downtown streets along the Sydenham River, with opening celebrations kicking off the festival outside the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.
If you need help getting into the holiday spirit, the Festival of Northern Lights is the place to go. The over three-decades-old festival features a collection of larger-than-life displays, including an Infinity Tunnel and the Winter Wonderland Walking Path. Bundle up and head out to see the magic nightly starting Saturday, November 20, 2021.
Simcoe Christmas Panorama
Simcoe, ON
Downtown Simcoe gets turned into a winter wonderland with its signature River of Lights and beautiful displays during the Simcoe Christmas Panorama. Drive through the oldest light festival in Ontario and admire the trees wrapped in twinkling lights as well as the handful of displays dedicated to Christmas and the holiday season. As an integral part of the holiday celebration, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the magnificent displays nightly from December 4, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
Many homes in Norfolk County make it their mission to make the region extra merry and bright during the holiday season. Extend your drive from the Simcoe Panorama and head on the ‘Light Up the County’ tour to experience some impressive home light displays.
Burlington Festival of Lights
Burlington, ON
With Lake Ontario as the backdrop, Burlington welcomes the holiday season each year with its magical display of lights in Spencer Smith Park. The Lakeside Festival of Lights evokes the magic and imagination of the season by bathing the trees in dazzling lights and through holiday themed displays, including life-sized polar bears, colourful reindeer, and Santa Clause himself.
Take a casual stroll to view the Burlington Christmas lights up close or simply drive-by and admire from the comfort of your vehicle. Either way, expect to see as much as 60 bright displays illuminate Spencer Smith Park any time from 4pm to midnight from November 26, 2021 to January 2, 2022. Stay warm during your visit with a hot beverage from one of downtown Burlington’s many local coffee shops, just steps away from the festival.
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain
Collingwood, ON
Few places in Ontario embody the magic of the North Pole better than Blue Mountain Village. Quaint shops with holiday window displays offer seasonal delights, yuletide garlands wrap lampposts and adorn the area and festive lights illuminate the village. The Coca-Cola Holiday Truck will be rolling into the Village on Friday, November 19 to officially kick off the festivities, and special visitors (yes, including Santa himself!) will be greeting holiday visitors.
Until January 2, 2022, visitors can enjoy the Village with the Holiday Light Trail and holiday magic nightly, with opportunities to warm up by a crackling fire or enjoy enchanted evenings with dinner, dessert and drinks from one of the Village restaurants. Every Saturday leading up to Christmas, the sky will come alive with a fireworks display over the Mill Pond, culminating in an epic holiday firework show on Christmas Eve.
Wherever you find yourself leading up to Christmas, add some sparkle to your holiday season in Ontario by taking in the magnificent, festive twinkling displays around the province.
Always follow Canada and local health authority COVID-19 guidelines for travelling or visiting attractions. Learn more about current restrictions and travelling within Canada.