Top 6 festive places to spend Christmas in Canada

In this article, we reveal the top six places to spend Christmas in Canada: Toronto, Québec City, Montréal, Niagara Falls, Banff, and Vancouver. We've also added Ottawa as a bonus stop. You'll find the best events in each destination, a quick guide to how Canada celebrates Christmas, and answers to questions about planning your trip.

If you're dreaming of a winter getaway, nowhere is better to spend Christmas than Canada. From twinkling Christmas markets and snowy mountain towns to French-Canadian traditions, Christmas in Canada brings seasonal cheer in abundance.

Over the festive period, many of Canada's cities transform from bustling metropolises into winter wonderlands, packed with events and celebrations. If you've always dreamt of booking a Christmas holiday in Canada, read on to discover where to go.

Contents

The top six places to spend Christmas in Canada

1. Toronto

2. Québec City

3. Montréal

4. Niagara Falls

5. Banff

6. Vancouver

Bonus destination to spend Xmas in Canada: Ottawa

How does Canada celebrate Christmas?

Plan your Christmas in Canada with the experts

Frequently asked questions about Christmas in Canada

1. Toronto

There are plenty of cheap flights to Toronto that you can book around the holiday season, but you won’t be the only ones heading to Canada’s largest city. Millions of visitors are drawn to the sparkling lights, outdoor skating rinks, seasonal events, and magnificent window displays.

Best Christmas events in Toronto

The Distillery Winter Village

(Mid-November to beginning of January)

The winter village in Toronto’s historic Distillery District will have outdoor vendor cabins offering specially curated seasonal items and gifts, plus delicious, can't-miss food cabins. If you visit the Distillery Winter Village, you can explore more than 60 shops, restaurants, and cafés in the district, listen to carollers, and enjoy a new immersive digital Nutcracker experience, so you can easily spend an entire day here!

Christmas at Casa Loma

(Select dates December - January)

Casa Loma will host a wide range of activities and exciting performances over the festive period, and during your visit you will be in awe of the stunning Christmas decorations, including a 40ft-tall tree in the Great Hall and 10 other signature trees by talented Canadian designers. You can enjoy live shows and performances and a dazzling lighting display in the gardens. Admission to Casa Loma at Christmas costs $45 CAD per person or $40 CAD for over-65s.

Cavalcade of Lights

(Late November – Mid-January)

The iconic Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square is illuminated during the Cavalcade of Lights festival. Not only can you bask in the glow of thousands of energy-efficient bulbs as they adorn the heart of downtown Toronto, but you can go ice skating on the huge ice rink.

2. Québec City

Québec City is a must-visit destination, regarded by many as the most festive location in Canada. The city itself is bursting with culture and is the perfect place to go for a city break in Canada over the festive period. During this time of the year, the cobbled streets, Parisian-style cafés, and designer boutiques of Québec are dressed in lights and decorations, turning the city into a real Christmas village.

The best Christmas events in Québec City

German Christmas Market

(Mid-November – December)

In the heart of Old Québec, the German Christmas Market recreates the atmosphere of European markets, with its beautiful decorations, traditional wooden kiosks, a selection of delicious German treats (bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread, and much more), Christmas gifts, choral singing and indoor and outdoor performances.

The organisers for the German Christmas Market told us a bit more about the event:

“Christmas time, the most wonderful time of the year, is even more magical in Old Québec, this historical UNESCO city. It is the perfect place to enjoy the vibrant colours, smells and sounds that not only will instantly put a huge smile on your face, but you can also take pleasure in watching the snowflakes slowly falling and adding to the holiday magic!

“Whatever hour of the day, take a Glühwein or cider (without alcohol) and just look around you to absorb the unique European atmosphere - not only at the market but also via the beautiful buildings around you.

“Québec is one of the most welcoming cities in Canada, and we will be thrilled and happy to welcome you in our beautiful city, which is transformed into a real Christmas tale, with a Canadian but also European touch. Every day, from Thursday to Sunday, there are so many different activities for every generation.”

Kaléidoscopes

(End of December)

In the heart of Old Québec, more than 30 free musical and artistic performances will take place as part of Kaléidoscopes. Every night, leading artists and favourite bands transform this part of the city into an open-air stage.

In front of City Hall, there will be theatrical performances that take place as artists transform the public space into a vibrant and interactive stage, and Place d'Youville is transformed into an art gallery with graffiti artists creating unique works live, day and night.

3. Montréal

Montréal, also in the French-speaking province of Québec, is another great city to enjoy over the Christmas season. You can indulge in delicious festive food and check out one of the colourful seasonal events.

The duo behind Practical Wanderlust highly recommends heading to the city over the festive period:

“We visited Montréal between Christmas and New Year’s, when the city was still decked out in stunning Christmas displays and windows were bedecked in wreaths and pine boughs. The crunching snow – er, slush – beneath our winter boots only enhanced our Christmas cheer. Plus, Montréal’s Christmas Markets rival Europe’s. Need we say more?!”

Best Christmas events in Montréal

The Great Christmas Market

(Mid-November – beginning of January)

The Great Montréal Christmas Market transforms the city into a dazzling holiday wonderland as around 60 talented artisans set up shop in picturesque chalets, offering unique creations, local treasures, and heartwarming gourmet treats.

The Christmas market is a feast for the senses, delighting visitors of all ages. From live shows to enchanting music, every moment sparkles with holiday cheer. Best of all, admission is free, so step into the magic of the Great Montréal Christmas Market and celebrate the season in unforgettable style.

Village de Noël de Montréal

(End of November – end of December)

The Montréal Christmas Village, which is held at the Atwater Place du marché, is another popular Christmas market that you can visit. There are dozens of small cabins that house local artisans and makers selling unique holiday gifts, crafts, and regional products.

On top of this, there is a festive food court, gourmet events, live music and plenty of other entertainment for people of all ages.

4. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular places to visit any time of the year, and this iconic waterfall is also a great destination to visit over the festive period.

There are regular firework displays over Christmas, which spectacularly illuminate the falls, but it’s the snow-covered Niagara that really is a sight to see, as it puts you in the festive spirit.

Best Christmas events in Niagara Falls

Winter Festival of Lights

(November – January)

The Winter Festival of Lights was founded over 40 years ago and now it is Canada’s largest free, outdoor festival, attracting over a million people every year.

The incredible light displays capture the magic of the holiday season, and the signature 8km-long route travels through the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and the surrounding tourist districts to transform the city into a winter wonderland.

There will be fireworks every Friday and Saturday during the Winter Festival of Lights, and the best views to see the displays are:

• Queen Victoria Park
• Niagara Parks Power Station
• Niagara City Cruises
• Niagara Skywheel
• Skylon Tower Observation Deck

Christmas at Skylon Tower

(25 December)

If you are spending Christmas at Niagara Falls, then you can enjoy Christmas dinner at the Skylon Tower. The popular attraction is a great place to visit, as you can enjoy a specially crafted Christmas Day menu and some of the best views of Niagara Falls.

In celebration of Christmas Day, the tower will glow red. Anita Pang Hrepic, Director of Sales at the Skylon Tower, tells us about the different celebrations:

“Skylon Tower transforms into a magical place at Christmas. We are decorated in the Holiday spirit with a Christmas tree in our lobby and Summit Suite Buffet restaurant and festive trimmings throughout the building.”

Niagara Falls Christmas Market

(Mid-November – Mid-December)

The Niagara Falls Christmas Market will feature shopping from artisanal vendors and local businesses, light displays, live entertainment, photo-ops, glow swings, glow seesaws, and more!

It is also completely free to attend the event in Downtown Niagara Falls, and during your visit, you should try the Christmas-themed street food and festive Canadian treats and drinks. If you are feeling cold, you can even keep warm by the fire pits.

Visit the Nightmares Fear Factory

(Anytime in December)

If you love Christmas books like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, then there will be plenty of ghosts and other scary things related to Christmas that you can see at the Nightmares Fear Factory over the festive season. The Nightmares Fear Factory is a psychological haunted house and is the oldest attraction of its kind in North America.

5. Banff

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, spending Christmas in Banff, Canada, is hard to beat. Set in the heart of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, this charming mountain town celebrates the festive season from mid-November to the beginning of January, with snow-covered peaks, twinkling lights, festive shopfronts, and cosy fires creating a true winter wonderland.

A Banff Christmas is as much about the great outdoors as it is about festive events. You can spend your days on the slopes of nearby ski resorts, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride or go dog sledding, then warm up by a roaring fire in the evening. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Calgary, which is under a two-hour drive away, or explore the region on our Winter in the Canadian Rockies holiday.

Best Christmas events in Banff

Banff Christmas Market

(Mid-November – Mid-December)

A short walk from downtown, the Banff Christmas Market brings a European-style market to the Rocky Mountains. More than 200 Canadian artisans sell handmade gifts across four festive weekends, and there’s live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House, and plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm. It’s a popular event that closes in mid-December, so plan an early festive trip.

In Search of Christmas Spirit

(Mid-November – Early January)

This free outdoor light trail winds through the Cascade of Time Garden at the end of Banff Avenue. In Search of Christmas Spirit tells a Christmas story through illuminated sculptures of Banff National Park’s wildlife, created by Indigenous artist Jason Carter, alongside a custom soundscape. It runs on select dates from mid-November into early January, making it a lovely way to spend Christmas evening in Banff. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.

Festive winter activities

Beyond the organised events, Christmas in Banff is all about embracing the snow. Popular festive activities include:

• Sleigh rides: horse-drawn rides in Banff and Lake Louise.
• Dog sledding: mush through snowy forests around Lake Louise.
• Snowshoeing: guided tours through the winter landscape.
• Skiing and tubing: hit the slopes at nearby resorts or go tubing at Mt. Norquay.

6. Vancouver

One unique place to celebrate Christmas in Canada is Vancouver. If you’re lucky enough to be spending time in the city over the festive season, then you’ll be delighted to see the city’s bounty of Christmas lights, markets, and events against the backdrop of the snowy Coast Mountain Range.

Gemma and Craig from Two Scots Abroad have visited Vancouver at Christmas and loved it:

“There are a number of shows and shopping opportunities throughout Vancouver. On weekends you can escape to ski at Whistler or snowshoe at Joffre Lakes. The sunsets on the Sunshine Coast are worth the ferry ride.”

A lot happens in the city during this time of year!

Best Christmas events in Vancouver

Vancouver Christmas Market

(Mid-November – 24 December)

The Vancouver Christmas Market returns to Jack Poole Plaza (downtown Vancouver at the Olympic Cauldron), and it will be lighting up the city once again.

The German-inspired market is one of the largest traditional Christmas markets in Vancouver, and here you can try German and European tasty eats and treats, shop for handcrafted gifts in the Kaufmannsgasse (Merchant Alley), or grab a drink at the Christmas Pyramid. You can also visit the interactive woodland where you can leave a Christmas wish amongst the trees, experience around 36,000 twinkling lights, and you can listen to live music, and watch entertainers perform at the market.

Malte Kluetz, CEO and Founder of the market, adds:

“We’re delivering a festive feeling in a big way, with more lights, new vendors offering savoury and sweet treats, and lots of holiday activities for all ages.”

The Canyon Lights

(Mid-November – Mid-January)

The Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park event is back! Whilst this iconic bridge is a must-see when visiting Vancouver, once it's dressed in Christmas lights, it becomes even more Insta-worthy.

The bridge is lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and the Capilano River is illuminated below. The rainforest around the bridge is also twinkling from treetop to forest floor. There is also a mesmerising 3D wildlife projection where you can see West Coast forest creatures such as the black bear, coyote, and great horned owl come to life.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

(End of November – Start of January)

The VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s most popular Christmas attractions as it transforms the city’s main botanical garden into a winter wonderland.

There are over one million lights decorating the 15 acres of gardens, and it boasts different themes as you walk through. You can enjoy tasty treats and festive music during your visit too!

PNE Winter Fair

(Various dates in December)

The PNE Winter Fair is full of Christmas events that range from a festive market and indoor ice-skating rink to holiday theatre shows and a walk-through light display.

If you arrive early at the winter fair, which is located on East Hastings Street, Vancouver, you will be able to watch the nightly switch-on of the 50-ft-high Christmas tree. There are live concerts every night of the fair, so, no matter when you decide to visit, there will be plenty of activities you can enjoy.

Bonus destination to spend Xmas in Canada: Ottawa

Ottawa is the perfect city to walk around and celebrate the festive season, as you can put on some skates and explore the city.

There is so much to see and do in Ottawa during the festive season, and here are some of the most popular events happening in the city.

Best Christmas events in Ottawa

Ottawa Christmas Market

(Late November – End of December)

The Ottawa Christmas Market, located at Lansdowne Park, is one of the top festive attractions to visit in the city, as you can enjoy live music, taste local and international food and drink, and attend events such as silent discos and special gigs celebrating traditional music.

Visit ByWard Market

(Open daily throughout the year)

Although ByWard Market is an attraction that should be on your bucket list in Ottawa year-round, it is a great place to visit in the build-up to Christmas.

During Christmas, ByWard Market is illuminated by thousands of lights, and you can browse the many market stalls selling Christmas trees, wreaths, maple syrup, and handmade gift ideas.

Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village

(End of November – Start of January)

Although Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village is around an hour from Ottawa, it is well worth visiting over the festive period. You will be able to enjoy an evening stroll and marvel at this picture-postcard setting. The heritage buildings, trees, and gardens of the Upper Canada Village will be lit up by over one million lights and it is the perfect backdrop for its annual Alight at Night festival.

You can also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village, watch carollers in the old chapel, go on a train ride, and try delicious holiday treats.

Winter Lights Across Canada

(Start of December – Start of January)

The Winter Lights Across Canada festival illuminates Parliament Hill and Confederation Boulevard in downtown Ottawa every year, and it is a sight not to be missed.

Nearly 300,000 lights installed in Canada's Capital Region, highlighting various sites and monuments. The event was introduced in 1985, and Parliament Hill is a popular place for locals to go to celebrate winter in Canada.

How does Canada celebrate Christmas?

Many Canadian Christmas traditions will feel familiar, from the food on Christmas Day to Boxing Day activities on 26 December. But Canada's mix of British, French, Indigenous, and multicultural influences means traditions vary across the country, and some are found only in Canada.

Traditional Canadian Christmas food and drink

• Tourtière: a spiced French-Canadian meat pie, often served on Christmas Eve in Québec.
• Butter tarts: flaky pastry with a gooey butter-sugar filling. Whether to include raisins or pecans is a hotly debated topic.
• Nanaimo bars: a no-bake, three-layer treat from British Columbia.
• Bûche de Noël: a chocolate yule log that's especially popular in Québec.
• Eggnog and hot apple cider: festive favourites in homes and at Christmas markets.

Unique Canadian Christmas traditions

• Réveillon: a late-night family feast on Christmas Eve in Québec.
• Mummering: in Newfoundland and Labrador, people visit neighbours in disguise while their hosts try to guess who they are.
• Letters to Santa: Santa Claus has his own postcode, H0H 0H0, and Canada Post replies to letters from around the world.
• Outdoor winter fun: skating on outdoor rinks, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.

Plan your Christmas in Canada with the experts