From downtown tree lighting events to the illumination of Niagara Falls, all corners of Ontario shine bright at these annual light festivals. Prepare to be amazed.
Image credit: Bingemans
Bingemans Gift of Lights
November 16 – January 4, Kitchener
This attraction is a family-friendly drive-through holiday light display. Cruise through sparkling tunnels of both animated and static light installations while listening to Gift of Lights Radio at 100.1FM.
Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights
November 16 – January 5, Owen Sound
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.
Fantasy of Lights
November 16 – January 7, Kingsville
Downtown Kingsville hosts several events and activities under the glow of festival bulbs. A different take on a holiday event: combine sipping wine with artisan shopping during Sip and Shop Holiday Nights, on the weekend of Nov 30/Dec 1.
Photo credit: © WFOL.com
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
November 16 – January 12, Niagara Falls
This festival in Niagara Falls has become a beloved winter tradition, attracting millions of visitors annually with spectacular light displays (over 3 million twinkles along the Niagara Parkway alone), a winter fireworks series and a full calendar of entertainment.
Image credit: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
First Light
November 21-23, November 28-30 and December 5-7, Midland
Head out to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland for a lineup of activities and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of 5,000 candles lighting up the famous 17th century mission.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Select dates November 22 – December 31, Vaughan
Canada’s largest theme park continues to thrill and delight through the season as it transforms into an enchanting experience with spectacular holiday lights, decorations, entertainment and more.
Aurora Winter Festival
November 22 – January 5, Toronto
Toronto’s Ontario Place, West Island will come alive with a magical light display, skating rink, amusement rides and engaging characters.
Bloor Yorkville Holiday Magic
November 23 – December 31, Toronto
The city’s posh Yorkville neighbourhood shines even brighter each holiday season with 138 trees lit up, giant hanging ornaments and traditional carollers.
Christmas Glow: Santa’s Lost Presents
November 28 – January 4, Etobicoke
Celebrate the magic of the season by helping Santa’s elves find his ‘lost presents’. Explore lighted trails and uncover the missing presents – find them all to earn a surprise. The display of hanging picture frames make for Instagram gold.
Alight at Night
Select dates between November 29 – January 4, Morrisburg
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. Note: December 4 is Accessibility Night and requires reservations to attend.
Lakeside Festival of Lights
November 29 – January 8, Burlington
Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park, hugging the shores of Lake Ontario, will sparkle and shine this holiday season with 60 magical displays. The lights shine daily, 4PM to midnight, with extended hours (all day and night) on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Panorama of Lights
November 30 – January 5, Simcoe
Themed displays and thousands of lights transform Simcoe’s downtown parks into a winter wonderland. Enjoy the view from a horse-drawn trolley on select weekends.
Image credit: Blue Mountain Village, @CapturedByKirstens
Blumination Dream Trail
November 30 – March 28, Blue Mountain
Stroll the one kilometre through spectacular sights and sensational sounds of this dancing light trail. Fireworks light up the skies on Saturday nights and on New Year’s Eve. Even more reasons Blue Mountain is the ultimate winter getaway destination.
Glow Around the World
December 5 – January 4, Ottawa
Follow Santa on his magical journey around the world. Explore lighted trails, stroll festive city streets and pass illuminated landmarks in China, India, Holland, Mexico, France and England, without ever leaving the warm confines of the EY Centre. Stamp your passport in all six places for a prize!
Parliament Hill, Ottawa Photo credit: Neil Robertson
Christmas Lights Across Canada
December 5 – January 7, Ottawa
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.
Toronto Light Festival
January 18 – March 3, Toronto
Explore the art of light during this illuminating visual adventure in Toronto’s trendy and historic Distillery District. Encounter magical light sculptures, interactive installations and maybe even some glowing drinks.
Terra Lumina Night Walk
December 13 – April 13, Toronto
The Toronto Zoo invites you to experience the immersive 1.5-kilometre trail. Vibrant lighting, projections and special multimedia effects promise to transport you into a future world, full of hope and harmony.
Get a full list of holiday light festivals and check out the Ontario events calendar for even more festive celebrations throughout the province. Happy Holidays!