The holidays are in full swing in Vaughan! Discover all the festive events with our guide. Whether Vaughan is your lifelong stage or a temporary backdrop, this guide directs your holiday performance.
Start your festivities at WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland, where dazzling lights and holiday décor transform the park into a winter wonderland. Experience the charm of an old-fashioned yuletide celebration at the Christmas Market at Black Creek Pioneer Village, offering unique crafts and festive foods. And the Holiday Fair in the Square is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring fun rides, an enchanting market, and stunning holiday displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Vaughan
See these and even more events listed below!Vaughan Other Holiday Activities
WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland
What to Expect:
Transforms a summer amusement park into a winter celebration
Description:
Canada's Wonderland undergoes a stunning transformation for WinterFest. The summer thrill rides give way to ice skating on Snow Flake Lake and millions of twinkling lights. Visitors can decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, a nod to the park's culinary heritage dating back to 1981. The event breathes new life into the park, allowing guests to experience beloved attractions in an entirely new season. You'll discover hidden gems like the mesmerizing tree-lighting ceremony that illuminates a 70-foot-tall Christmas tree.
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WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland
Nearby Events
Christmas Market at Black Creek Pioneer Village (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Recreates a 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Black Creek Pioneer Village transports visitors to a Victorian-era Christmas celebration. The historical site, established in 1960, showcases authentic 19th-century buildings adorned with period-appropriate decorations. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into holiday preparations of the past. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air as visitors explore the village. Guests can participate in candle-dipping workshops, creating their own historical keepsakes. This immersive experience highlights the stark differences between modern and 1800s holiday celebrations.
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Christmas Market at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Combines outdoor market with charitable initiatives
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square transforms Nathan Phillips Square into a bustling outdoor marketplace with a philanthropic twist. Local artisans and vendors showcase their wares alongside charitable organizations, creating a unique blend of commerce and community support. The event, initiated in 2016, has quickly become a Toronto tradition. Visitors can glide across the ice rink, surrounded by the glittering city skyline. You'll find one-of-a-kind gifts while contributing to various causes, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
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Aurora Winter Festival (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Offers a mix of traditional and modern winter activities
Description:
Aurora Winter Festival fuses classic winter pastimes with contemporary attractions. The event, inspired by the Northern Lights, features both an ice skating trail and a futuristic light tunnel. Visitors can soar down tube slides or explore a mystical frozen kingdom. The festival pays homage to diverse winter traditions, incorporating elements from various cultures. You'll encounter larger-than-life sculptures and characters that bring folklore to life. This dynamic celebration bridges the gap between time-honored winter activities and innovative holiday experiences.
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Christmas Glow Toronto (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Indoor light festival with interactive light displays
Description:
Christmas Glow Toronto illuminates the holiday season with its expansive indoor light festival. The event boasts over a million lights arranged in interactive displays and tunnels. Visitors can wander through themed light gardens, each telling a unique story. The festival, which began in 2017, has rapidly expanded across North America. You'll discover playful light-up swings and photo opportunities at every turn. This indoor spectacle provides a cozy alternative to outdoor light displays, allowing guests to immerse themselves in luminous artworks regardless of the weather.
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Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
What to Expect:
European-style market with a distinctly Canadian flair
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market blends European traditions with Canadian culture in the historic Distillery District. Cobblestone streets lined with Victorian-era architecture transport visitors to a bygone era. The market, established in 2010, has become a beloved annual tradition. Visitors can sample locally-produced mulled wine while browsing handcrafted goods. You'll hear the harmonious sounds of carolers echoing through the pedestrian-only village. This event seamlessly integrates Old World charm with contemporary Canadian artisanship, creating a unique holiday experience.
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Casa Loma Holiday Lights (Toronto)
What to Expect:
Holiday lights display in a historic castle setting
Description:
Casa Loma Holiday Lights transforms Toronto's majestic castle into a dazzling winter spectacle. The Gothic Revival style architecture, dating back to 1914, provides a stunning backdrop for elaborate light installations. Visitors can explore the castle's grounds, discovering whimsical displays that bring holiday stories to life. The event merges historical grandeur with modern light technology, creating a unique atmosphere. You'll witness the castle's facade dramatically illuminated, highlighting its architectural details in a new light. This regal setting offers a distinctive twist on traditional holiday light displays.
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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, a cherished tradition since 1905, winds through the city's streets with elaborate floats and performers. This longstanding event has evolved from a simple promotional parade to a beloved community celebration. Spectators line the route, bundled against the crisp air, as marching bands fill the streets with jubilant melodies. You'll spot intricate floats depicting both classic and contemporary holiday scenes. The parade culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus, a moment that has delighted generations of Torontonians and visitors alike.