Top 10 Christmas Experiences in Canada That You Will Never Forget

In Canada, people eagerly wait for winter as it brings a holiday season that opens door to unparalleled scenic beauty, exciting attractions and adventurous activities. With all this, how can we miss talking about festive celebrations of Christmas? Christmas being a Canada public holiday, is an occasion when cities throughout the nation come alive with joyous celebrations. For those who look forward to celebrating Christmas, Canada is certainly one of the best places in the world. One can find homes and shops decorated and lit up everywhere and can have memorable experiences with loved ones. Here, we bring you list of the top 10 places to have Christmas vacation experiences in Canada.

Top 10 Destinations for a Magical Christmas Vacation in Canada

1. Christmas in Quebec City

Quebec City is one of the greatest places in Canada to celebrate New Year and Christmas with homes illuminated and decorated at a large-scale. The white snow all around creates an enchanting environment. During Christmas, this City has lot of activities to offer including Kid’s activities, German Christmas markets, Old port Christmas market, Christmas village, meeting Santa Claus in Petit Champlain District, several concerts and shows running in the city and striking historic architecture. ‘QuebecAdabra’ is another major festival that features beautiful illuminations on a massive scale; a traditional German Christmas market offering an immersive light show where you can go shopping for gifts and sample mulled wine.

With its beautiful cobblestone lanes covered in fluffy white snow,  visit Quebec City for that ultimate holiday vibe.

2. Christmas in Toronto

The holiday season in Toronto brings fun and festive time for families. Toronto is Canada’s largest city that holds one of the biggest Santa Claus parades in the world with the lighting of a massive Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square. The entire city is transformed into a wonderland wherein one can enjoy sparkling events, Santa Claus parades and seasonal performances. Christmas market presents more than 100s of performances on stage including cultural dancing and brass bands. Christmas in Toronto is an awesome Canada attraction and you should make sure to visit this lovely city.

3. Christmas in Ottawa

The nation’s capital Ottawa, illuminates the Parliament Building with the prime minister often flipping the switch himself. The ceremony includes free hot chocolate, Christmas caroling and Beaver Tails. Ottawa holds numerous activities and events during Christmas including breakfast with Santa, Christmas parades, Christmas Adventure Park, Christmas Arts and Crafts shows, Mayor’s Annual Christmas party, live concerts, sleigh rides and much more. One of the best Canada holidays, Ottawa offers the perfect setting to celebrate this amazing festival.

4. Christmas in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls in Canada needs no introduction and celebrating Christmas here is like making the majestic falls even more impressive. In the season of festive and joy, you are offered several different Christmas celebrations that promise to create memories for a lifetime. Although summer is usually the best time to see Niagara Falls, the winter holidays offer breathtaking vistas of the frozen falls and displays of Christmas lights. One of the major events of the winter season, the Winter Festival of Lights is a must-visit that stuns visitors with its beautiful animated light illusions and stunning projections.

This festival shines up the entire Niagara Falls and dazzles people with utmost joy. The fireworks are another event that you do not want to miss during the holiday season as your eyes are treated by the striking spectacle that fills the entire sky. With these, visitors also love celebrating new year’s eve in Niagara Falls, with fun and exciting things to do.

5. Christmas in Saskatoon

Saskatoon is the only city in Canada that has the highest number of candy and toy stores, per capita, in the country so you need not stop yourself from becoming a kid. Saskatoon offers a lot of events and festivals this year including the Santa Claus parade with the sights and sounds of Christmas, an enchanted forest light tour, Boo Town, the Festival of Trees, Art and Craft sales, Cultural celebrations, Animal Portraits, Halloween in the Village and a lot more.

6. Christmas in Banff

Possibly the best Christmas town in the world, Banff features a little slice of paradise looking like an absolute fairyland. The gorgeous town is surrounded by rocky mountains in all directions while the main streets are packed with shops and restaurants and beautiful Christmas lights, of course, not to forget the series of hotels, restaurants, and bars. What’s more? You can also find an outdoor skating rink, a wide variety of world-class ski resorts, and lots and lots of snow with adventurous things to do and see in Banff. With these, Banff undoubtedly makes a perfect family-friendly place to spend Christmas.

7. Christmas in Calgary

The Calgary Zoo in Calgary hosts the biggest event called Zoolights every year. The interactive light displays, speaking to Santa Claus, and the Skating rink are some of the attractions for kids in this illuminating Zoo. There are a lot of events and festivals that are held during Christmas including the Canmore festival, high rive Santa Claus parade, Skate with Santa, Christmas lights at Spruce Meadows, The CP Holiday train, Breakfast with Santa, and Christmas at the track.

8. Christmas in Whistler

Whistler is a popular attraction in Canada and celebrating Christmas here adds that perfect charm to your holidays. It is one of the only places in the world where you can enjoy skiing while enjoying the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean making it one the most scenic place to spend Christmas in Canada. You can plenty of things to do and see including the famous Ski with Santa, Winterspehere (the ultimate winter wonderland experience for your entire family), Christmas Market, Trees of Hope, Whistler Fire and Ice Show, and much more

9. Christmas in Montreal

This French-speaking province of Quebec leaves no exception when it comes to holiday and festive vibe. Montreal is an excellent city to spend your Christmas offering delicious foods and colourful seasonal events. The city is lined with historic buildings and gorgeous cobblestone paths, a perfect destination for any history seeker who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded city life. The top places to visit in Montreal include the Montreal Botanical Garden, Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Jean-Talon Market, Underground City, Old Port of Montreal, and more.

10. Christmas in St. John’s

The holiday vibes begin early in St. John’s with multiple events that will bring out the ultimate celebration of Christmas. Mummer’s Festival – a unique community-based festival that encourages the celebration of mummering traditions. During this festival, the participants dress in masks from head to toe and then head to sing and dance. It is a fun and distinct tradition you get to experience in the Christmas season. The other events include the Merry & Bright Light Festival, Christmas Parade, Christmas Concert and Sing-a-long, and Shallaway Youth Choir.

In Conclusion

Places to visit in Canada during winter season offer unforgettable Christmas experiences with snow-covered landscapes and holiday festivities. When travelling abroad, it is advisable to have travel insurance, particularly if you want to engage in activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other similar activities.

FAQ’s