10 small towns to visit during the winter holidays in Ontario
Small towns in Ontario are extra festive during the holidays, from decorated historic streets to twinkling local Christmas markets.
These festive small towns in the province are just a road trip away, but will transport you to Christmas wonderlands that feel like they're straight out of a movie.
Here's some small towns to check out during the winter holidays in Ontario.
Niagara-On-The-Lake
You can stroll through Historic Old Town of this wine country town with a hot cocoa and window shop, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or head to a nearby winery for a seasonal ice wine tasting. The town also has a ton of festive events running through the end of January.
Elora
Deemed Ontario's "Most Beautiful Village", this town has so much to offer both indoors and outdoors this holiday season. Perched on a breathtaking gorge, the scenic views and frozen scapes from town make it especially enchanting while you experience their many holiday events.
St. Jacobs Village
This town is just over an hour drive from Toronto, located outside Kitchener-Waterloo. You'll see horse-drawn buggies, historical buildings, charming shops and restaurants adorn with festive decorations, and The St. Jacobs Market is great for last minute Christmas shopping.
Almonte
This scenic mill town feels exactly like the setting of a Hallmark Christmas movie - and that's because it is. Dubbed "Mini Hollywood North," you might recognize it as a backdrop from some of your favourite holiday movies.
Unionville
This village in Markham is just a 30 minute drive from downtown, but captures the small town Christmas spirit just the same. Another popular filming location for Christmas movies, the neighbourhood's quaint shops and restaurants are all decorated for the season.
Blue Mountain Village
The village at one of Ontario's most popular ski hills is a great place to visit during the holidays. There's nearby trails to explore, holiday activities and events, decorated sidewalks and stores, a Holiday Light Trail, and of course, the ski hill which is now open for the season.
Dresden
Given the tagline "Southwestern Ontario's Christmas Town," this town located southwest of London lives up to its name with a calender full of holiday events all month long as well as decorated shops and small businesses.
Stratford
It may be best known for its theatre festival in the summer or as Justin Bieber's hometown, but this town at Christmas time is also an amazing holiday destination to add to your list. The Festival of Lights also runs nightly from Dec. 15 through Jan. 13.
Brockville
This town is a beautiful place to visit in all seasons, but extra magical during the holidays. Brockville's heritage homes and old churches are strikingly beautiful with the St. Lawrence River in the backdrop, and you can walk along the River of Lights until January.
Perth
The holidays are magical in this town, which is located in between Kingston and Ottawa. The century-old stone buildings downtown and decorated storefronts are charming in any season, but with a frosting of snow, garlands, and twinkling lights, it's extra special this time of year.
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