‘Tis the season to be jolly, and how lucky are we that Canada is full of so many holiday activities to not only help you get into the holiday spirit, but to score some brownie points with your date as well.
From festive trains rides to exploring traditional Christmas markets, there’s no shortage of opportunities to feel festive…
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Vancouver: Festival of Lights
If you’re in Vancouver over the holidays, make sure to check out the Festival of Lights, which features over one million twinkling lights covering all of VanDusen Gardens. One of the main attractions is the impressive light show that takes place across Livingston Lake.
Photo: Honda Celebration of Lights
Vancouver: Bright Nights Christmas Train
With over three million dazzling lights covering the lush forests of Stanley Park, guests can enjoy a festive train ride throughout the park grounds, with plenty of stops to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
Photo: UBC Dance Club
Edmonton: Candy Cane Lane
Grab a thermos of hot chocolate (and Bailey’s) as you explore Candy Cane Lane. Walk through residential blocks and check out the festive Christmas lights and holiday decorations. You can even book a holiday sleigh ride online for a one-of-a-kind experience. This is an Edmonton tradition that has been taking place for over 40 years.
Calgary: Zoolights
Zoolights is one of Calgary’s brightest holiday traditions. Wander the zoo grounds as you take in the breathtaking displays of lights that wrap around the trees, tracing out animal and dinosaur shapes. Visit the cozy fire pits and sip on hot chocolate, giving you the perfect opportunity to cuddle up next to your date.
Toronto: Toronto Christmas Market
Wander down cobblestone streets through Toronto’s historic distillery district as you sip on spiced mulled wine under a sky of twinkling lights. Visit the outdoor vendors for one-of-a-kind artisan goods and sample a variety of beers from the beer garden. Finish your night off with a ride on the ferris wheel, where you can take in the serene city skyline.
Ottawa: Tree of Hope
Roam the halls of the historic landmark Fairmont Château Laurier and check out the 33 decorated Christmas trees in support of the children at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Each year there is a different theme, so each tree is carefully decorated. Start your visit with afternoon tea followed by a tour of the beautifully decorated trees.
Montreal: Winter Wonderland
For those with no Christmas Eve plans this year, attend Montreal’s Winter Wonderland at Time Supper Club. Dance the night away to live music and enjoy festive treats, with proceeds going to support the Sephardic Community of Quebec.
Montreal: The Nutcracker Market
Created by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, the Nutcracker Market will transform the first floor of Palais des congrès, turning it into a holiday market with partial proceeds going to charity. A portion of all sales and everything Les Grands Ballets earns will go directly to the Nutcracker Fund for Children, which will allow underprivileged children attend educational workshops and a performance of the ballet.
Photo: Grands Ballets
Montreal: Luminothérapie
If you’re in Montreal, a must-see is the incredible Luminotherapie art installation in Quartier des Spectacles. The city’s most visually vibrant square will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, bringing some light and holiday cheer to the colder months.
Photo: Tourism Montreal
Québec: Authentic German Christmas Market
Thanks to the city’s old-world charm, the streets have been transformed into a quintessential Christmas market. With wooden kiosks serving up traditional German food, you can enjoy bratwurst and mulled wine as you browse the artisan crafts and gifts.
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