From downtown tree lighting ceremonies to the illumination of Niagara Falls, all corners of Ontario shine bright.
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights, November 18 – January 7
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.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, November 18 – January 31
Canada’s Illumination Festival in Niagara Falls has become a beloved winter tradition with spectacular light displays throughout the city, a winter fireworks series and multi-coloured lights illuminating the waterfalls.
Fantasy of Lights, November 18 – January 7
Downtown Kingsville hosts a number of events and activities under the glow of festival bulbs. Our favourite: combine sipping wine with artisan shopping during Sip and Shop holiday nights.
Toronto Light Festival, January 19 – March 4
Explore the art of light during this illuminating visual adventure in the Distillery Historic District, one of Toronto trendiest neighbourhoods.
Toronto Cavalcade of Lights, November 25
Toronto kicks off the festive season with the lighting of the legendary Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square. More than 300,000 lights will sparkle from dusk to 11 pm every night during the holiday season, making Saturday night skating parties even more epic.
Christmas Lights Across Canada, December 7 – January 7
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. Awesome.
First Light, November 23 – December 9
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons ‘First Light’ is a hugely anticipated event with a line-up of activities and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of 5000 candles lighting up the famous 17th century mission.
Lumina Borealis, December 1 – February 19
Kingston’s historic Fort Henry goes all-out with this interactive winter nighttime sound and light extravaganza.
Alight at Night, December 1 – January 6
Close to one million lights adorn the heritage buildings and trees at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, making this eastern Ontario’s largest light show.
Christmas Panorama of Lights, November 25 – December 31
Thousands of lights and themed displays transform Simcoe’s downtown parks into a winter wonderland. Enjoy the view from a horse-drawn trolley on select weekends.
The Northern Lights
Leaving the best for last, Mother Nature puts on the greatest light show. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are most visible in the colder months and, as the name suggests, in Northern Ontario. Check the aurora forecast before heading to a designated dark sky viewing reserve such as Gordon’s Park Eco Reserve on Manitoulin Island or Torrance Barrens near Gravenhurst. Of course there’s no guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights, but winter stargazing in Northern Ontario won’t disappoint.