Create your holiday schedule in Richmond Hill! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities.
The Toronto Christmas Market transforms the Distillery District into a winter wonderland of lights, vendors, and entertainment. Experience the dazzling lights and festive shows at WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland. And the Cavalcade of Lights is something you definitely don’t want to miss, with its spectacular fireworks and live music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Richmond Hill
See these and even more events listed below!Richmond Hill Other Holiday Activities
Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-focused parade with local performers and floats
Description:
The Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade showcases the spirit of this close-knit community. Local schools, businesses, and organizations create vibrant floats and walking groups, celebrating the town's diversity and talents. The parade route along Yonge Street becomes a hub of activity, with spectators lining the sidewalks. Listen for the sounds of local marching bands and choirs performing holiday favorites. This event has been a Richmond Hill tradition for over 40 years, evolving from a small procession to a major annual celebration that brings the entire community together.
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Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade
Nearby Events
Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
What to Expect:
European-inspired outdoor market with artisanal goods
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market transforms the Distillery Historic District into a bustling European-style bazaar. Cobblestone streets lined with Victorian-era architecture provide a charming backdrop for over 350 local artisans and vendors. Visitors can sip on traditional glühwein while browsing handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. The market pays homage to Toronto's rich brewing history, as it takes place in the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery, once the largest distillery in the British Empire.
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WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland (Vaughan)
What to Expect:
Theme park transformed into winter spectacle
Description:
Canada's Wonderland sheds its summer persona for a frosty makeover. The park's iconic roller coasters stand silent, draped in twinkling lights against the night sky. Ice skating on Snow Flake Lake offers a unique twist on traditional park activities. Roaming performers and seasonal shows bring the spirit of the holidays to life throughout the grounds. This winter transformation harkens back to the park's opening in 1981, continuing a tradition of year-round entertainment for visitors of all ages.
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WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland
Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Massive tree lighting ceremony with fireworks
Description:
Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square ignites with the Cavalcade of Lights, marking the official start of the holiday season. The centerpiece is a towering 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 525,000 energy-efficient LED lights. A dazzling fireworks display illuminates the city skyline, accompanied by live music performances. You can glide across the outdoor ice rink, surrounded by the glowing urban landscape. This beloved tradition began in 1967 to showcase Toronto's newly built City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.
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Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Outdoor fair combining holiday market with carnival
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square brings a unique blend of market and midway to Nathan Phillips Square. Twinkling market stalls nestle alongside exhilarating carnival rides, creating a lively atmosphere in the heart of Toronto. The aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts wafts through the air as visitors explore artisanal crafts and local delicacies. Try your hand at classic carnival games with a holiday twist. This event supports Epilepsy Toronto, continuing the city's tradition of combining celebration with charitable giving during the holiday season.
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Toronto Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
What to Expect:
One of the oldest and largest Santa Claus parades in the world
Description:
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade has been a cherished tradition since 1905, making it one of the oldest Santa Claus parades in the world. Elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed performers wind their way through the city streets, delighting spectators of all ages. Celebrity guests often make surprise appearances, adding to the excitement. Catch a glimpse of Santa himself as he makes his grand entrance at the parade's finale. This iconic event has evolved from a simple Eaton's department store promotion to a beloved annual celebration that draws over half a million spectators.
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Aurora Winter Festival (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Immersive light tunnels and interactive installations
Description:
The Aurora Winter Festival transforms Ontario Place into a luminous winter playground. Visitors journey through dazzling light tunnels and interact with larger-than-life installations, creating a multi-sensory experience. Tube down the festival's signature ice slide for an adrenaline rush amidst the glow. The event draws inspiration from Nordic winter traditions, blending them with modern light art to create a unique celebration of the season. This festival represents a new wave of winter attractions in Toronto, reimagining how we experience and enjoy the colder months.
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The Nutcracker by The National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Lavish production with live orchestra and intricate set designs
Description:
The National Ballet of Canada's rendition of The Nutcracker captivates audiences with its grand scale and attention to detail. Over 200 dancers grace the stage in elaborate costumes, bringing Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life. Marvel at the intricate set designs, including a growing Christmas tree and a magical sleigh ride through a glittering snowstorm. This production, choreographed by James Kudelka, premiered in 1995 and sets itself apart with its uniquely Canadian elements, such as a snowy pond hockey scene.
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The Nutcracker by The National Ballet of Canada
Glow Christmas Aurora (Aurora)
What to Expect:
Indoor Christmas light garden and market
Description:
Glow Christmas Aurora offers a warm retreat from winter's chill with its indoor light garden and market. Wander through illuminated pathways adorned with over a million lights, creating fantastical scenes and photo opportunities. Artisans showcase their wares in a cozy marketplace, perfect for finding unique gifts. Children can embark on a special scavenger hunt throughout the light displays. This event brings a modern twist to holiday light shows by moving them indoors, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle regardless of weather conditions.
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Toronto Xmas Festival (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Multicultural celebration of global Christmas traditions
Description:
The Toronto Xmas Festival embraces the city's diversity by showcasing Christmas traditions from around the world. Visitors can explore cultural pavilions, each representing a different country's holiday customs and cuisine. Witness performances of international holiday music and dance, from Ukrainian carols to Filipino parols. Sample traditional Christmas dishes from various cultures at the international food court. This unique festival reflects Toronto's status as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, celebrating the many ways people observe the holiday season.
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Christmas by Lamplight at Black Creek Pioneer Village (Toronto)
What to Expect:
19th-century Christmas experience by lamplight
Description:
Christmas by Lamplight transports visitors to a 19th-century yuletide celebration at Black Creek Pioneer Village. The historic buildings glow with the warm light of oil lamps and candles, creating an authentic atmosphere of Christmases past. Engage in traditional activities like carol singing, folk dancing, and sampling heritage recipes. Costumed interpreters share stories of holiday customs from the 1800s. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the simpler celebrations of Ontario's early settlers, contrasting sharply with modern holiday festivities.
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Christmas by Lamplight at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Markham Festival of Lights (Markham)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a historic village
Description:
The Markham Festival of Lights illuminates the historic Markham Village with a drive-through light extravaganza. Visitors cruise through the charming streets, transformed by thousands of twinkling lights and animated displays. The route winds past heritage buildings adorned with holiday decorations, blending history with modern light technology. Tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music as you drive. This unique format allows for a safe and comfortable viewing experience, adapting a traditional light festival to contemporary needs.
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First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons (Midland)
What to Expect:
Candlelit tours of a 17th-century mission
Description:
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons offers a unique glimpse into 17th-century Christmas traditions. The reconstructed Huron-Wendat village and Jesuit mission are illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a serene and historic atmosphere. Visitors can participate in traditional Indigenous and French activities, such as learning about medicinal plants or trying your hand at quill pen writing. This event provides insight into the cultural exchange between the Huron-Wendat people and French missionaries, set against the backdrop of Ontario's earliest European community.
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First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Toronto Christmas Pet Expo (Mississauga)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed pet expo with activities for animals and owners
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Pet Expo caters to animal lovers with a festive twist. Pet owners can shop for unique holiday-themed pet products and participate in fun activities with their furry friends. Watch entertaining pet shows, including holiday costume contests and agility demonstrations. Learn about pet adoption opportunities and support local animal charities. This event highlights the growing trend of including pets in holiday celebrations, reflecting the important role animals play in many families' lives.
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Casa Loma Winter Wonderland (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Holiday displays in a historic castle setting
Description:
Casa Loma's Winter Wonderland transforms the Edwardian castle into a holiday spectacle. Elaborately decorated rooms showcase different themes, from whimsical to elegant. The Great Hall features a towering Christmas tree adorned with vintage ornaments. Explore the castle's secret passages and towers, now festooned with garlands and lights. This event offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and historical exploration, set in one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks, built in the early 20th century as a private residence.
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Christmas at Kortright Centre for Conservation (Vaughan)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly holiday celebration in a nature preserve
Description:
Christmas at Kortright Centre for Conservation combines holiday cheer with environmental education. Guided night walks through illuminated forest trails reveal the beauty of nature in winter. Learn about sustainable holiday practices and eco-friendly decorating ideas. Participate in workshops on creating natural wreaths or bird-friendly ornaments. This event emphasizes the connection between holiday traditions and the natural world, set in one of Ontario's leading environmental and renewable energy education centers.
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Christmas at Kortright Centre for Conservation
Georgina Holiday Market (Georgina)
What to Expect:
Lakeside holiday market with local artisans
Description:
The Georgina Holiday Market brings festive cheer to the shores of Lake Simcoe. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares in charming wooden huts, offering unique, handmade gifts. Warm up with a cup of locally-produced apple cider while browsing the stalls. Ice fishing demonstrations on the frozen lake provide a distinctly Canadian touch to the holiday atmosphere. This market celebrates the rich artistic community of the Georgina area, blending traditional holiday market elements with the region's natural beauty.
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Brampton Winter Light Festival (Brampton)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and projection mapping
Description:
The Brampton Winter Light Festival illuminates the city center with cutting-edge light art. Interactive installations invite visitors to play with light and sound, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Massive projection mapping displays transform building facades into moving canvases of winter scenes. Capture stunning photos at the festival's many light sculpture selfie spots. This event showcases Brampton's commitment to public art and innovation, turning the city into a canvas for contemporary light artists.
Website:
Brampton Winter Light Festival
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village (Blue Mountains)
What to Expect:
Alpine-inspired holiday celebration at a ski resort
Description:
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village brings a touch of European alpine charm to Ontario. The pedestrian village, nestled at the base of the ski hills, comes alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like mountaintop sleigh rides or twilight snowshoe tours. The event pays homage to the area's skiing heritage, which dates back to the 1940s, blending winter sports with holiday celebrations. Experience the unique atmosphere of a mountain resort town dressed up for the holidays.
Website:
Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village
Christmas in the Village of Elora (Elora)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration in a picturesque village
Description:
Christmas in the Village of Elora transports visitors to a 19th-century holiday celebration. The well-preserved limestone buildings of this charming village provide a perfect backdrop for Victorian-inspired festivities. Shopkeepers dress in period costumes, offering traditional goods and treats. Horse-drawn carriage rides clop through the streets, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. This event showcases Elora's rich history, which dates back to its founding in 1832, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience a simpler holiday celebration.
Website:
Christmas in the Village of Elora
Yuletide Cheer at Pickering Museum Village (Pickering)
What to Expect:
Interactive historical Christmas activities in a living history museum
Description:
Yuletide Cheer at Pickering Museum Village brings 19th-century holiday traditions to life. Visitors can actively participate in historical activities, such as dipping candles or pressing apple cider. The village's heritage buildings are decorated with period-appropriate ornaments and greenery. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories of Christmases past. This immersive experience provides insight into the holiday customs of early settlers in the Pickering area, offering a hands-on approach to learning about local history.
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Yuletide Cheer at Pickering Museum Village