Tis the season for dazzle! Something about twinkling, coloured lights just gets you into the holiday (and romantic) spirit and with a hot drink in hand, this is the perfect date night for winter.
We’ve rounded up some awesome trails, festivals, and events that are open all throughout December and January that you can enjoy with the whole family, with a group of your best friends, or the person you love the most.
You have until the end of January to finish this holiday lights bucket list!
Magical Christmas Forest
at Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge until December 23
Experience a winter wonderland filled with lights, crafts, activities, wagon rides, and treats for the whole family — and enjoy a visit with Santa in his cabin!
There will also be a menu of festive food and beverages to choose from to complete the experience.
The North Pole Light UP Express
on the York-Durham Heritage Railway until December 23
Join The York-Durham Heritage Railway for their beloved Christmas Story on Rails! You and your date, or the whole family will be served chocolate milk and cookies during this magical train ride that takes you to the North Pole.
During the journey to the North Pole, Mrs. Claus will greet you, and Santa’s friends will share stories, dances, and songs!
Canadian Tire Christmas Trail
at Black Creek Pioneer Village until December 23
In celebration of Canadian Tire’s 100th birthday, The Canadian Tire Christmas Trail is back to make this the Christmas of the century.
The drive-along experience takes guests on an enchanted 1.5-kilometre journey through thousands of twinkling lights, interactive displays, and live entertainment featuring new and familiar faces.
You and your date will be immersed in the magic of Christmas and you can even capture your annual photo with Santa in a memorable way, all from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Twinkle After Dark
at Country Heritage Park in Milton until December 28
Celebrate the holiday season at Twinkle After Dark, a fully illuminated Country Walk-Through experience set in the beautiful country setting of Country Heritage Park!
This event features historic buildings, holiday projections, costumed actors, festive music and a main street that is truly awe-inspiring! Along the path, grab a hot beverage and warm beavertail and say hello to Santa.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
until December 31
The holiday season is here and Bloor-Yorkville kicked it off by illuminating the neighborhood with a one-of-a-kind display of festive lighting. Continuing with annual traditions, visitors and residents of Bloor-Yorkville can look forward to shopping, dining and taking in the neighborhood’s art and cultural attractions surrounded by the holiday lighting along tree-lined streets.
The Junction Annual Window Wonderland
around Junction Neighbourhood until January 1, 2023
Toronto’s magical Window Wonderland, a free immersive urban art walk, is returning to the Junction for its third consecutive year.
The award-winning Window Wonderland exhibition will transform the Junction into an interactive, outdoor gallery featuring unique augmented reality (AR) installations by local and international artists.
Journey into Enchantment Drive Thru
at Meadowvale GO or Richmond Hill GO Station until January 1, 2023
Christmas Light Show Journey into Enchantment will be featuring over 2 million lights on a 2KM route of your favorite Holiday and Christmas characters, Sparkling drive thru tunnel, from 2D to 3D displays, music lights and much more this Christmas and Holiday Season!
Holiday Nights of Lights
at Assembly Park in Vaughan until January 7, 2023
Holiday Nights of Lights is an immersive walk-through experience like none other, featuring more than 1.5 million LED lights animated and synchronized to everyone’s favourite Holiday tunes! Back for the third year, the event will be bigger and brighter with new displays and interactive activities!
You and your date can walk through giant ornaments, animated tunnels, and much more. Upon exiting the light show, enter Mistletoe Lane – the newest pop up experience and a nighttime hotspot all rolled into one distinct holiday tradition.
Cavalcade of Lights
at Nathan Phillips Square until January 8, 2023
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. Inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals, this year’s festivities will transform City Hall and its surrounds into a dazzling wonderland each night until 10 p.m.
Enjoy the glittering tree, participate in public skating and bask in the glow of thousands of energy-efficient bulbs as they adorn the heart of downtown Toronto.
Lakeside Festival of Lights
at Spencer Smith Park until Jan 8, 2023
The Festival of Lights illuminates Burlington’s waterfront through and thousands of local residents and visitors from across the region and beyond, make it a seasonal tradition to wander through the park with family and friends to view the themed displays.
Winter Wonders
at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington until January 8, 2023
This unique outdoor experience guides you along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, new interactive light to sound installations, and magical displays that celebrate the magic of the winter season. Stroll through the breathtaking gardens to the rhythm of festive music while indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season.
After your walk cozy up indoors with the Botanical Train display, explore Mediterranean plants in the warmly lit greenhouse, and pick up unique gifts from Shop at the Gardens.
Fairway of Lights
at Angus Glen Golf Club until January 28, 2023
The illuminated 1km walking path takes you on a magical adventure on our North Course, beginning on Coyote Trail and circling back down the 18th path to the clubhouse. Spectacular decorations and interactive displays at this family-friendly trail are expected to dazzle and enchant you and showcase the wonder of the festive season.
Ready for a unique date idea to pump up the adrenaline after a relaxing walk? Check out this holidate available in Toronto and Mississauga! Not done shopping? Check out our gift guide here.
