Historic Ontario town transforms into a Hallmark movie scene every year

Ontario holiday destinations rivalling Hallmark movie sets can be found throughout the province, but few scenic locales rival the picturesque charm of the historic Unionville area of Markham, Ont.

Unionville's historic small-town architecture creates the perfect backdrop for your own little Hallmark movie winter wonderland, while its artisan shops, diners, and boutiques — all decked out for the season in twinkling lights and tinsel — add to the town's holiday charm.

If you're planning a trip to Unionville, which proudly calls itself "the holiday town,"  Main Street is absolutely worth a stroll, with impressive holiday decorations lighting the way.

 

 

 

 

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Celebrations kick off with the Old Tyme Christmas event, featuring a lighting ceremony, a candlelight parade, and even free skating. And once the lights are officially switched on, the fun truly begins.

For those seeking an Instagram-worthy photo op, the Unionville Holiday Chair lets you pose in front of a giant illuminated Christmas ornament. Luckily, with the clocks falling back in early November, you won't have to wait all evening to see the installation shine its brightest.

Unionville Holiday Chair. Photo by JohnInNorthYork/Shutterstock. 

And there's more than just a giant glowing chair to snap photos with. The Unionville Picture Frame and the decked-out gazebo are two other must-see photo spots to fill your social media feeds.

Unionville Picture Frame. Photo by JohnInNorthYork/Shutterstock. 

The town also hosts a Santa Claus Parade and a Breakfast with Santa event hosted at select Main Street restaurants.

Unionville's cozy cafes, restaurants, and stores line the streets, offering both festive shopping opportunities for everyone on your list and seasonal treats for you to relish as you explore. Hotspots include Alchemy Coffee and Il Postino Restaurant.

And to top off the experience, a Christmas market, horse-drawn carriages, and roaming carolers bring the town to life, making Unionville feel like a place straight out of a Christmas movie.