Last updated: November 11, 2024
Find the top holiday attractions in Stratford! Our guide has all the must-see festive highlights. Whether you're a Stratford veteran or a first-timer, this guide will make your holidays unforgettable.
Popular events light up the season, starting with the enchanting Santa's Parade of Lights, where twinkling floats glide through the streets, bringing joy to families. Immerse yourself in the community spirit at the Stratford Christmas Market, showcasing local artisans and delightful treats. And the Stratford Festival Plays offer a unique seasonal performance experience that highlights the region's renowned artistic talent. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Stratford Holiday Light Displays
Santa's Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Scenic parade route along the Avon River shoreline.
- Description
- Santa's Parade of Lights is a spectacular evening event featuring illuminated and decorated floats along the scenic Avon River shoreline in Stratford. The parade includes 50 floats, culminating with Santa Claus arriving at the Tom Patterson Theatre.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Santa's Parade of Lights
Stratford Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations and projection mapping.
- Description
- The Lights On Stratford Winter Festival of Lights features luminous art and interactive light installations, including the Canadian debut of EMERGENCE and the Canadian premiere of STARGATE, transforming Stratford's heritage downtown and park system.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Christmas Market
Stratford Festive Lights Tour
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations with optical illusions and projection mapping.
- Description
- Stratford Festive Lights Tour features two global installations, EMERGENCE and STARGATE, in Market Square, showcasing dynamic light patterns and mesmerizing visuals.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Festive Lights Tour
Stratford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Stratford Holiday Shopping
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local shops and dining options.
- Description
- Downtown Stratford offers a variety of businesses to suit everyone's needs, including shops, boutiques, and professional services. The downtown area is a vibrant hub of activity, perfect for shopping and dining.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Downtown Stratford Holiday Shopping
Stratford Holiday Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Showcase of local artisans and handmade crafts.
- Description
- The Stratford Holiday Craft Fair is a celebration of local artisans and craftspeople showcasing handmade gifts and seasonal items. Visitors can explore a variety of unique, handcrafted goods and enjoy the community atmosphere.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Holiday Craft Fair
Stratford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Stratford Festival Plays
- What to Expect
- "Exploring new worlds through Shakespeare and musicals."
- Description
- The Stratford Festival 2024 season features a diverse lineup of 12 productions, including three Shakespeare plays (Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Cymbeline), two musicals (Something Rotten and La Cage aux Folles), and several world premieres. The season explores the theme of "A World Elsewhere," where characters embark on transformative journeys, both literal and metaphorical, to discover new worlds and perspectives.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Festival Plays
Stratford Perth Museum Holiday Hours
- What to Expect
- Classic Christmas story adaptation by a renowned Canadian actor.
- Description
- Iconic Canadian actor Rod Beattie will present his adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at the Stratford Perth Museum. The performance will take place over two weekends in December, featuring general admission tickets available via the museum's website.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Perth Museum Holiday Hours
Stratford Santa Claus Meet and Greet
- What to Expect
- Scenic parade route along the Avon River shoreline.
- Description
- Join Stratford for a spectacular Santa Claus parade featuring 50 illuminated floats along the scenic Avon River shoreline. The parade starts at Hillcrest Drive and William Street, moving east to Lakeside Drive North, across the Festival bridge, and ending at the Tom Patterson Theatre. Santa Claus will arrive in the final float around 6 p.m.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Santa Claus Meet and Greet
Stratford Other Holiday Activities
Gallery Stratford Holiday Hours
- What to Expect
- Diverse exhibitions of Canadian art in a contemporary setting.
- Description
- Gallery Stratford is a non-profit contemporary art gallery featuring changing exhibitions of Canadian art and an adjacent small sculpture park. It offers a diverse range of exhibitions and activities for all ages, including admission-free visits for children under 9 years old.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Gallery Stratford Holiday Hours
Stratford Audio Walking Tours
- What to Expect
- Immersive audio experiences highlighting Stratford's history and culture.
- Description
- Explore Stratford at your own pace with complimentary self-guided audio walking tours. Choose a theme and let the audio clips deepen your discoveries of the city's charming streets and cultural landmarks.
- Where
- Stratford | More Info : Stratford Audio Walking Tours