Experience the best of the holidays in Belleville with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, this guide will show you all the holiday wonders Belleville has to offer.
Start your festive season with the cherished Belleville Santa Claus Parade, a magical procession adored by all ages. Witness the dazzling lights and enchanting displays at the Frankford Christmas Fantasy of Lights, an event known for its breathtaking illumination. And Alight at Night is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring beautifully lit historic buildings and a festive ambiance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Belleville
- Belleville Santa Claus Parade
- Christmas at the Christ Church
- Festival of Lights
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Christmas Craft Show
- Christmas Carriage Rides
- Holiday Light Tour
- Victorian Christmas
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Belleville Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated displays along the Bayshore Trail
Description:
Belleville's Bayshore Trail sparkles during the Festival of Lights, transforming the waterfront into a luminous spectacle. Visitors can stroll along the illuminated path, taking in the creative light displays reflected in the Bay of Quinte. The event showcases Belleville's natural beauty and community spirit. This relatively new tradition has quickly become a beloved part of the city's holiday celebrations, drawing inspiration from Belleville's connection to the water.
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Holiday Light Tour
What to Expect:
Guided bus tour of the best-decorated homes in the area
Description:
Belleville's Holiday Light Tour takes visitors on a journey through the city's most impressively decorated neighborhoods. This guided bus tour showcases the creativity and holiday spirit of local residents. Participants can vote for their favorite displays, adding a fun competitive element to the experience. The tour highlights the sense of community and friendly rivalry that has characterized Belleville's holiday celebrations for generations.
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Belleville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Show
What to Expect:
Showcases handmade crafts and goods from local artisans
Description:
Belleville's Christmas Craft Show brings together talented local artisans and crafters. Visitors can browse a wide array of handmade goods, from intricate ornaments to cozy knitwear. The event provides an opportunity to purchase unique, locally-made gifts while supporting the community's creative economy. This show reflects Belleville's long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, which dates back to the city's early industrial days in the 19th century.
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Belleville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at the Christ Church
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic Anglican church
Description:
Christ Church in Belleville opens its doors for a special Christmas celebration. The Gothic Revival architecture of this 1863 Anglican church provides a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities. Visitors can join in singing traditional carols accompanied by the church's magnificent pipe organ. This event connects Belleville's rich religious heritage with contemporary holiday observances, creating a bridge between past and present.
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Christmas at the Christ Church
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local production of the classic ballet with community performers
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet comes to life on Belleville's stage, featuring talented local dancers and performers. This community production brings Tchaikovsky's beloved score to the city, accompanied by live orchestra. Audience members can marvel at the intricate costumes and set designs created by local artisans. The performance celebrates Belleville's thriving arts scene, which has been growing since the establishment of the city's first theater in the early 20th century.
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Belleville Other Holiday Activities
Belleville Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local businesses and organizations
Description:
Belleville's streets come alive with the annual Santa Claus Parade, a cherished tradition since 1950. This community-driven spectacle showcases elaborately decorated floats from local businesses and organizations. The air fills with the sound of marching bands playing holiday tunes. You can join the crowd in collecting non-perishable food items for local charities during the parade. This event reflects Belleville's strong sense of community spirit and giving.
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Christmas Carriage Rides
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Belleville
Description:
Clip-clop through downtown Belleville on a nostalgic Christmas carriage ride. These horse-drawn tours offer a unique perspective of the city's holiday decorations and historic architecture. Passengers can snuggle under warm blankets while taking in the sights and sounds of the season. The carriage rides pay homage to Belleville's transportation history, echoing a time when horses were the primary mode of travel in the city.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community gathering to light the city's official Christmas tree
Description:
Belleville's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony brings the community together in a shared moment of holiday cheer. The event centers around the illumination of a towering evergreen in the heart of the city. Visitors can join in singing carols led by local choirs as the tree bursts into light. This tradition, dating back several decades, symbolizes the official start of Belleville's holiday season.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive experience of Christmas traditions from the Victorian era
Description:
Step back in time with Belleville's Victorian Christmas celebration. This immersive event recreates the holiday customs and atmosphere of the 19th century. Visitors can participate in period-appropriate games, crafts, and traditions. The celebration takes place in one of Belleville's historic homes, providing an authentic backdrop for this journey into Christmas past. This event offers a glimpse into how the holidays were celebrated during Belleville's formative years as a growing industrial town.
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Nearby Events
Frankford Christmas Fantasy of Lights (Quinte West)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a small town setting
Description:
Frankford transforms into a twinkling wonderland with its Christmas Fantasy of Lights. This drive-through experience winds through the charming streets of this small Quinte West town. Visitors can admire intricate light displays from the comfort of their vehicles. The event highlights the town's close-knit community, with many residents contributing to the displays. Frankford, originally settled in the 1820s, embraces its historical charm while creating new holiday traditions.
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Frankford Christmas Fantasy of Lights
Alight at Night (Morrisburg)
What to Expect:
Historical village illuminated with nearly one million lights
Description:
Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg glows with nearly one million lights during Alight at Night. This 19th-century village becomes a canvas for an impressive light show. Visitors can take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the illuminated streets, experiencing history in a new light. The event showcases the village's preserved heritage buildings, offering a glimpse into 1860s Ontario life while celebrating modern holiday traditions.
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Prince Edward County Festival of Trees (Picton)
What to Expect:
Showcases creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Picton's Crystal Palace hosts the Prince Edward County Festival of Trees, a dazzling display of creativity. Local organizations and businesses showcase their uniquely decorated trees, each telling a story of community spirit. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, supporting local charities in the process. This event highlights the artistic talent and generosity of Prince Edward County, a region known for its thriving arts community since the mid-20th century.
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Prince Edward County Festival of Trees
Santa Claus Express (Kingston)
What to Expect:
Festive train ride with Santa along the Cataraqui Trail
Description:
The Santa Claus Express chugs along the scenic Cataraqui Trail in Kingston, offering a unique holiday adventure. Passengers embark on a journey through snow-covered landscapes, accompanied by Santa himself. Children can share their Christmas wishes during this memorable ride. The train travels on a former Canadian National Railway line, connecting riders to the region's rich railway history while creating new holiday memories.
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Christmas in the Village (Stirling)
What to Expect:
Recreates a Victorian-era Christmas in a historic village
Description:
Stirling steps back in time with Christmas in the Village, recreating the charm of a Victorian-era holiday celebration. The historic downtown transforms with period decorations and costumed characters. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts or sample heritage recipes. This event pays homage to Stirling's founding in 1858, bringing the village's past to life during the holiday season.
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PEC Christmas House Tour (Picton)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Picton opens the doors of its historic homes for the PEC Christmas House Tour. This self-guided experience allows visitors to explore beautifully decorated residences, each showcasing unique holiday styles. You can admire the architectural details of these heritage buildings while gathering decorating inspiration. The tour highlights Prince Edward County's rich architectural history, with some homes dating back to the early 19th century.
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Christmas At The Old Church Theatre (Trenton)
What to Expect:
Holiday performances in a converted 19th-century church
Description:
The Old Church Theatre in Trenton hosts a series of Christmas performances in a unique setting. This converted 19th-century church provides an intimate venue for holiday concerts and plays. Visitors can enjoy the excellent acoustics while appreciating the building's preserved architectural features. The theatre, established in 2010, breathes new life into this historic structure, blending Trenton's past with contemporary arts and culture.
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Christmas At The Old Church Theatre
The Christmas Market (Tweed)
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market in a small town setting
Description:
Tweed embraces the spirit of European holiday traditions with its Christmas Market. The town square transforms into an outdoor marketplace, complete with wooden stalls and twinkling lights. Visitors can sip on warm mulled wine while browsing locally-made gifts and treats. This event brings a touch of Old World charm to the small Ontario town, creating a unique cultural fusion in the heart of Tweed.
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Quinte West Farmers' Holiday Market (Quinte West)
What to Expect:
Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce and holiday items
Description:
Quinte West's Farmers' Holiday Market combines fresh local produce with seasonal specialties. Visitors can stock up on winter vegetables while also finding unique holiday gifts and decorations. The market showcases the region's agricultural heritage, with many vendors coming from families that have farmed the area for generations. This event highlights the importance of supporting local producers during the holiday season and throughout the year.
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Quinte West Farmers' Holiday Market