Join your neighbors in festive fun in Brantford! Our guide highlights all the community events and activities. From Brantford aficionados to first-time visitors, our guide showcases the best of the season.
The annual Brantford Christmas Parade brings joy with its enchanting floats and lively performances. You can stroll through the beautifully illuminated grounds during Christmas at Glenhyrst, which features captivating holiday displays. And the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its mesmerizing light installations transforming the park into a winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Brantford
- Brantford Christmas Parade
- Christmas at Glenhyrst
- Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst
- Bell Homestead National Historic Site Christmas
- Scrooge! The Musical
- Holiday Magic
- Holiday Horse Drawn Trolley Rides
- Children’s Christmas Party
- Brantford Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
Brantford Holiday Light Displays
Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays in a picturesque garden setting
Description:
Glenhyrst's gardens transform into a luminous spectacle during Brantford Lights. The event features innovative light installations that respond to movement and sound, creating an immersive experience. Stroll through the illuminated pathways and discover artistic light sculptures nestled among century-old trees. This modern twist on holiday lighting pays homage to Brantford's reputation as the "Telephone City," incorporating technology into the displays. Visitors can interact with certain exhibits, influencing the patterns and colors of lights.
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Brantford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Scrooge! The Musical
What to Expect:
Local theater production of the classic Dickens tale with original music
Description:
Brantford's theater scene shines with "Scrooge! The Musical," a lively adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale. This production features original musical compositions that blend traditional and contemporary styles. Local actors bring Dickens' characters to life with vibrant performances and elaborate period costumes. The show incorporates elements of Brantford's history, drawing parallels between the city's past and the story's Victorian London setting. Audience members can enjoy a pre-show talk about the enduring influence of Dickens' work.
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Brantford Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Symphony performance featuring local composers and musicians
Description:
The Brantford Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Concert celebrates the city's musical heritage with a unique program. Local composers' holiday pieces take center stage alongside classical favorites. The concert showcases Brantford-born musicians, highlighting the city's role in nurturing musical talent. Listeners can enjoy the rich acoustics of the historic Sanderson Centre, a restored vaudeville theater. This event pays homage to Brantford's long-standing support of the arts, dating back to the early 20th century when the city became a cultural hub.
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Brantford Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
Brantford Other Holiday Activities
Brantford Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations and businesses
Description:
Brantford's streets come alive with the annual Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition since 1974. Local organizations and businesses showcase their creativity through elaborately decorated floats. The air fills with the sound of marching bands playing holiday tunes. You'll spot unique Brantford-themed floats alongside classic holiday characters. This parade reflects the city's strong community spirit, with many participants returning year after year to delight spectators.
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Christmas at Glenhyrst
What to Expect:
Art-focused Christmas celebration in a historic estate
Description:
Glenhyrst Art Gallery transforms its historic grounds into a celebration of art and holiday cheer. The 1920s estate, once home to a prominent local businessman, now hosts a unique fusion of visual arts and seasonal festivities. Visitors can explore themed art exhibitions featuring local and international artists. The gallery's Tudor-style architecture provides a distinctive backdrop for holiday-inspired installations. Glenhyrst's event offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional Christmas celebrations.
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Bell Homestead National Historic Site Christmas
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration at Alexander Graham Bell's former home
Description:
Step back in time at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site's Christmas celebration. The childhood home of Alexander Graham Bell embraces Victorian-era holiday traditions. Authentic period decorations adorn the rooms, while costumed interpreters share stories of 19th-century Christmas customs. You can participate in traditional Victorian parlor games, a popular pastime of the era. The event highlights the cultural significance of the Bell family in Brantford and their contributions to Canadian history.
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Bell Homestead National Historic Site Christmas
Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Multi-venue celebration showcasing Brantford's diverse cultural heritage
Description:
Holiday Magic unites Brantford's diverse communities in a city-wide celebration. Multiple venues across town host events highlighting different cultural traditions. Visitors can sample international holiday cuisines, watch performances of global winter celebrations, and participate in craft workshops from various cultures. This event emphasizes Brantford's rich multicultural heritage, showcasing the city's evolution from its Indigenous roots to its current diverse population. You'll discover how different cultures have shaped Brantford's holiday traditions over time.
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Holiday Horse Drawn Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Historical trolley rides through Brantford's heritage districts
Description:
Brantford's Holiday Horse Drawn Trolley Rides offer a unique perspective on the city's architectural heritage. Authentic replica trolleys, pulled by majestic draft horses, traverse the streets of historic neighborhoods. Knowledgeable guides share stories of Brantford's past, pointing out significant landmarks and their holiday decorations. The clip-clop of hooves on pavement evokes a sense of nostalgia. This event highlights Brantford's commitment to preserving its historical districts, many of which date back to the 19th century.
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Holiday Horse Drawn Trolley Rides
Children’s Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities designed specifically for children
Description:
Brantford's Children's Christmas Party transforms the city into a playground of holiday fun. Kids can participate in hands-on craft workshops, creating unique ornaments and decorations. The event features storytelling sessions that bring local holiday legends to life. Young visitors can join in reindeer games, inspired by traditional Indigenous winter activities. This party emphasizes the importance of children in Brantford's community, reflecting the city's family-friendly values. The activities are designed to engage children's creativity and foster a sense of local pride.
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Nearby Events
Christmas in Paris (Paris)
What to Expect:
Quaint small-town Christmas celebration with a European flair
Description:
Paris, Ontario, embraces its namesake with a touch of European charm during its Christmas celebration. The town's cobblestone streets and historic architecture provide a picturesque setting for holiday festivities. Local shops offer unique, artisanal gifts, many crafted by area artisans. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the downtown core, reminiscent of 19th-century transportation. This event showcases Paris's reputation as the "Prettiest Little Town in Canada," a title bestowed by Harrowsmith Magazine.
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Woodstock Christmas Market (Woodstock)
What to Expect:
Artisanal market emphasizing locally-made products and sustainability
Description:
Woodstock's Christmas Market stands out with its focus on locally-crafted, sustainable products. Artisans from across Oxford County showcase their handmade goods, from eco-friendly decorations to organic food products. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques. The market emphasizes Woodstock's agricultural roots, featuring farm-to-table holiday treats. This event reflects the city's commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting sustainable practices, a tradition that dates back to Woodstock's founding as a market town in the 19th century.
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Elora Festival of Lights (Elora)
What to Expect:
Light displays integrated with natural and historical landmarks
Description:
Elora's Festival of Lights illuminates the town's stunning natural scenery and historic architecture. Light installations accentuate the dramatic cliffs of the Elora Gorge and the rushing waters of the Grand River. Projections on historic limestone buildings bring the town's 19th-century streetscapes to life with animated holiday scenes. Visitors can explore illuminated hiking trails through the nearby forests. This event showcases Elora's unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, highlighting why it's known as "Ontario's Most Beautiful Village."
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Caledonia Midnight Madness (Caledonia)
What to Expect:
Late-night shopping event with historical reenactments
Description:
Caledonia's Midnight Madness combines late-night shopping with living history. Local shops stay open late, offering special discounts and festive treats. Historical reenactors roam the streets, portraying figures from Caledonia's past and sharing stories of holiday traditions through the ages. You can participate in old-fashioned holiday games and contests on the main street. This event celebrates Caledonia's rich history, which dates back to its founding as a company town for the Grand River Navigation Company in the 1830s.
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Hagersville Santa Claus Parade (Hagersville)
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with strong Indigenous representation
Description:
Hagersville's Santa Claus Parade stands out for its strong representation of local Indigenous cultures. Floats and performances showcase traditional Haudenosaunee winter celebrations alongside classic Christmas themes. The parade route passes by significant local landmarks, including the historic Hagersville Clock Tower. Spectators can enjoy the aroma of traditional foods offered by local vendors along the route. This event reflects Hagersville's unique cultural makeup and its location near the Six Nations of the Grand River territory.
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Hagersville Santa Claus Parade
Cambridge Christmas Market (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
European-style market in a historic riverside setting
Description:
Cambridge's Christmas Market recreates the atmosphere of traditional European holiday markets along the banks of the Grand River. Wooden stalls line the historic downtown streets, offering artisanal crafts and international cuisine. Visitors can warm up with mulled wine while watching blacksmiths and glassblowers demonstrate their crafts. The market's location showcases Cambridge's well-preserved 19th-century architecture, particularly its distinctive limestone buildings. This event pays homage to the city's strong German heritage, dating back to its early settlers.
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Christmas by the Grand (Caledonia)
What to Expect:
Riverside celebration combining nature and holiday traditions
Description:
Christmas by the Grand in Caledonia embraces the natural beauty of the Grand River during the holiday season. Illuminated kayak tours offer a unique perspective of riverside light displays. Visitors can participate in eco-friendly ornament-making workshops using materials found along the river banks. The event highlights the historical importance of the Grand River to Caledonia's development, including its role in powering early mills. You'll discover how the river has shaped local holiday traditions over the centuries.