12 Christmassy places across Canada that should be on your bucket list

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway for two or setting off on a solo adventure, you don’t have to travel far to find the best Christmassy places to visit. In fact, some of the best Christmas markets, festive villages and yuletide experiences are right here in Canada.

No matter your background, this time of year is a time for wonder and renewal. Embrace the spirit of the season at a castle in the mountains or find joy and whimsy at a variety of charming Christmas villages. You can connect with the traditions of the past or create a whole new one with the family.

There is something on this list to suit everyone, from unbelievable alpine adventures and magical light tours to a festive afternoon tea. And you don’t even have to go to the North Pole.

Here are 12 Christmassy destinations that will make your season merry and bright.

Let an Old Quebec City Christmas enchant you with its European allure as you navigate pretty cobblestoned streets covered with layers of snow. Stroll through Petit-Champlain, a small neighbourhood steeped in history, charming restaurants and original boutiques.

And remember the rush you got as a kid, sliding down a hill of snow, with laughter and glee bubbling in your veins? Just a few minutes north of the city lies Valcartier Vacation Village — the largest outdoor winter recreational centre on the continent with snow tubing slides for all age groups. Enjoy a lighted skating trail, snow rafting and more. Christmas in Quebec is unlike any other.

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Think snow-capped mountains and a chalet village cute enough to make Santa jealous. Whistler, the iconic winter haven north of Vancouver, makes the perfect Christmas destination.

Skiing and snowboarding opportunities abound with the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb. From Christmas to New Year’s, there are so many things for the whole family to do — from festive light displays, ice skating in the village, visits from Santa and much more. Plus, the Wintersphere Experience takes place from Dec. 21 to Jan. 4, featuring entertainers, a holiday café, kids’ crafts and a signature holiday maze.

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Visiting the Distillery Winter Village is one of the most cherished Toronto traditions. The Distillery Christmas officially starts when Santa flips the switch on the 55-foot silver fir Christmas tree in November. Visitors can expect a dazzling display as the tree will be designed by Christian Dior Parfums. While there, check out the Toronto Christmas Market with a unique selection of artisan gifts.

Another not-to-be-missed tradition is the CF Toronto Eaton Centre’s tree lighting and snowfall ceremony. Indoor snowflakes dance above your head as the 114-foot tree is lit up and Santa makes an appearance.

Looking for some outdoor fun for the family? Toronto’s Bentway Skate Trail is located on the lands of Fort York National Historic Site. This outdoor skating trail winds its way under the Gardiner Expressway with art installations creating a unique urban setting for exploration.

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North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge gets all decked out at Christmas. The iconic bridge shimmers with an enchanting multicoloured light display, and you can take selfies with the magical aura of the canyon lights below. The festive atmosphere continues with live seasonal music and fairy-lit Douglas firs tower over you. Don’t forget to visit the Trading Post store — a boutique with Canadian-made Christmas gift ideas.

The Vancouver Christmas Market hosts a variety of events throughout the season. There are artisan shops, holiday treats, live performances and, to the delight of all ages, the Aeroplan Holiday Carousel, which continues to spin with holiday spirit. New this year, experience the wonder as you step into the walk-through Christmas tree.

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Maybe Christmas means a little bit more! Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, has prepared a truly delightful addition to the 2024 Charlottetown Christmas Festival — Christmas Town: A Whoville-inspired village. The festival runs from Nov. 22 to Jan. 2 and includes a Victorian Christmas market, Christmas parade, a tree lighting ceremony, various live music performances and so much more. For a touch of whimsy this year, discover the 50 unique handmade Whoville-inspired characters from the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

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Located in the Laurentian Mountains northwest of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is a very popular winter destination for Canadians seeking good skiing.

But skiing isn’t the only activity to enjoy in the area during the holidays. How about Christmas carols by a cosy fire with hot chocolate and marshmallows? Or skating on Lake Mercier? Or a horse-drawn sleigh ride in a bright red carriage?

On Christmas Eve, there’s a parade where kids can get their pictures with Santa. You may even spot other holiday characters such as Rudolf, elves or even the Grinch.

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What could be more magical than watching the aurora borealis dance across the sky like the tip of a painter’s brush? While December is the darkest month in Yellowknife, with just under five hours of daylight a day, it makes for perfect viewing conditions for the northern lights. Aim for visiting later in the month as there are fewer clouds to obscure the view. Make sure to pack a camera, tripod, wide-angle lens, snow pants and your favourite people.

When you’re not staring at the wonders of the night sky, explore the culinary world of Yellowknife; there’s a diverse selection of cuisines to sample.

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Winter transforms Ottawa into a wonderland of lights and European-style Christmas markets. The Ottawa Christmas Market takes place outside at the Aberdeen Plaza, starting on Nov. 22. With snow-capped heritage buildings, food, entertainment and holiday shopping, it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

Starting in December, nearly 300,000 lights are installed across the country’s capital, creating a pathway of lights for families and friends to explore throughout the holidays.

Skating on the historic Rideau Canal, the largest natural frozen skating rink in the world with the iconic downtown Ottawa as a backdrop, is a quintessential Canadian experience. Skating season typically begins in January, weather permitting. The Rideau Canal Skateway is free and accessible seven days a week with 7.8 kilometres to explore. Whether you’re skating or walking along the paths, BeaverTail stands offer tasty treats and hot chocolate to sip.

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You’ll probably recognize it, even if you’ve never heard of it. Almonte, Ont. is the backdrop to 17 Christmas movies (and counting!), including Hallmark favourites like Christmas By Design and The Christmas Setup.

This romantic town is full of charming historic buildings and quaint vintage eateries. You’ll understand why it’s such a popular destination year-round. Check out local specialties like delicious chocolate made from scratch at Hummingbird Chocolate or milk vodka at the Dairy Distillery.

Taking place the first Friday in December, the Light Up the Night open-air concert features guest performances and a dazzling display of fireworks. 

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Imagine a mountaintop view of snowy pines, while you relax beside a crackling fire. There are so many things to do for Christmas in Banff, even if you don’t ski. The Banff Gondola has a vintage-inspired holiday celebration atop Sulphur Mountain with Santa photos, crafts, a classic holiday movie and more.

Fairmont Banff Springs is offering immersive tours to Banff visitors, including those who aren’t staying overnight at the hotel. With Santa Claus as your guide, you can embark on the Journey to the North Pole tour and discover hidden corners and guest-only areas of the elaborately decorated “Castle in the Rockies.” Cap it off with house-made treats and an opportunity to take your own photo with Santa and the hotel’s massive Christmas tree. 

In neighbouring Canmore, experience the rush of the two-hour Powder Hound Express. You’ll learn how to mush a sled dog team before adventuring into Kananaskis Country. After that an enchanting nighttime walk through the Banff Christmas market is sure to renew your Christmas spirit.

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You don’t have to go all the way to the North Pole to see Santa. Ontario’s Santa Village is a 60-acre family entertainment park located in Bracebridge, Ont., established in 1955 by a group of local citizens who thought Santa would like a summer home in cottage country. A Muskoka Christmas at Santa’s Village is filled with wonder as the park sparkles in seasonal lights all year long. This year’s festivities include a spectacular drone light show.

The Muskoka region offers dozens of Christmas events in the area, such as Bracebridge’s Festival of Lights on Nov. 22, featuring a Christmas carol sing-along, visits with Santa and a trackless train for the kids.

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Transport yourself back in time and pack your yuletide finery for a jolly jaunt to Vancouver Island to visit Victoria, B.C. Catch a glimpse of what it was like to celebrate Christmas in the 1890s at Craigdarroch Castle. Built by a coal baron during the reign of Queen Victoria, Craigdarroch is now a National Historic Site. Starting on Dec. 11, Charles Dickens’ famed tale, A Christmas Carol, will come alive within the castle’s historic walls. 

Next sip festive afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, available seven days a week starting Nov. 24. In keeping with the vintage theme, the Royal B.C. Museum’s Old Town is great for a holiday stroll.

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