Discover the festive wonders of Ancaster with our detailed guide. From locals to visitors, our guide showcases the best of Ancaster's festive season.
Popular events include WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland, which features enchanting holiday lights, thrilling rides, and delightful seasonal activities for the whole family. The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada presents a beautiful rendition of this classic tale, perfect for capturing the spirit of the holidays. And the Cavalcade of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it sets the stage for a spectacular display that brightens up the winter nights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ancaster
- Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma (Toronto)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
- One of A Kind Winter Show (Toronto)
- Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic (Toronto)
- The Barra MacNeils - An East Coast Christmas
See these and even more events listed below!
Ancaster Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Live performances and grand illumination of the official Christmas tree.
Description:
The Cavalcade of Lights is a winter festival in Toronto that features live performances, the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree, and nightly ice skating. It showcases festive light installations and cultural revelries from around the globe.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Cavalcade of Lights
Ancaster Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with international cuisine and live entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is a vibrant holiday event in the Distillery Historic District, featuring unique handcrafted items, artisan vendors, and a variety of international cuisine. The market offers ongoing entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands, and is accessible with mobility-friendly parking and facilities.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Artisan marketplace with Santa visit and warm Fireside Lounge.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is an artisan marketplace where you can stroll through stalls, enjoy warm Fireside Lounge with hot chocolate and mulled wine, and visit Santa himself. This event transforms Mel Lastman Square into a vibrant holiday tradition.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Holiday Fair in the Square
One of A Kind Winter Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects.
Description:
The One of a Kind Winter Show is a premier event showcasing Canadian handmade and artisanal objects. Featuring over 500 vendors, it offers a diverse array of art, apparel, food, and furniture. The event includes daily fashion shows, main stage presentations, and special theme days like Silver Monday. Visitors can enjoy the Creative Lounge, sample treats in the Flavours section, and take part in various activities.
Where: Toronto | More Info: One of A Kind Winter Show
Ancaster Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Barra MacNeils - An East Coast Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Celtic music and harmonies by the five MacNeil siblings.
Description:
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas is a musical celebration featuring traditional MacNeil family favorites, blending Celtic instruments and harmonies to create a lively and enchanting holiday experience.
Where: Ancaster | More Info: The Barra MacNeils - An East Coast Christmas
Steve Strongman and his band Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Classic rock holiday concert with special guest Ian Thomas.
Description:
Steve Strongman and his band present a holiday concert featuring special guest Ian Thomas, blending classic rock vibes with heartfelt stories.
Where: Ancaster | More Info: Steve Strongman and his band Holiday Show
Theatre Ancaster Chorus Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday classics with funk, jazz, pop, and rock.
Description:
The Theatre Ancaster Chorus presents a soulful seasonal concert featuring holiday classics with a twist, paying tribute to Stevie Wonder, Louis Armstrong, John Legend, and more. The event includes a live band and special guest David Atkinson, adding funk, jazz, pop, and rock to favorite Christmas tunes.
Where: Ancaster | More Info: Theatre Ancaster Chorus Holiday Concert
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with ice-skating and live entertainment.
Description:
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live performances and festive decorations.
Description:
Casa Loma transforms into a holiday spectacle with a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. The event features live performances, festive arts and crafts, and visits with Santa in his castle workshop.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic ballet performance.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production featuring siblings Marie and Misha on a journey to the glittering palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy, set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's famous score with magnificent sets and costumes.
Where: Toronto | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with over 119 years of tradition.
Description:
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that has been kicking off the holiday season since 1905. It features colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The parade brings people together, celebrating hope, family, and love, and is a cherished part of the city's fabric.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Live performance by Canadian Jazz crooner Matt Dusk.
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony featuring a live performance by Canadian Jazz crooner Matt Dusk, along with the annual "Flick the Switch" Lighting Ceremony. The event supports the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) and includes festive light displays and decorations throughout the Village of Yorkville Park and along Bloor Street.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Hamilton Children’s Choir Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Diverse ensemble performances highlighting artistic expression.
Description:
The Hamilton Children’s Choir presents a diverse range of concerts, from family-friendly events to feature concerts, showcasing the talents of various ensembles in a vibrant and artistic environment.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Hamilton Children’s Choir Holiday Concert
Festival Trio Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Classical piano trio performance.
Description:
The Festival Trio Holiday Concert features a rich tapestry of classical music performed by accomplished musicians, including pianist Ken Gee, violinist Sadie Fields, and cellist Paul Pulford.
Where: Ancaster | More Info: Festival Trio Holiday Concert
GLEE Junior Superstars Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
High-energy pop concert with intricate harmonies and dynamic choreography.
Description:
GLEE Junior Superstars Holiday Concert features talented young performers showcasing their growing talents in a high-energy pop concert with intricate harmonies and dynamic choreography.
Where: Ancaster | More Info: GLEE Junior Superstars Holiday Concert
Ancaster Other Holiday Activities
Puddicombe Farms Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At Puddicombe Farms, celebrate the holiday season with a 2-hour special event featuring live music, hot chocolate, and cookie tastings. Enjoy a wintery train ride, create Christmas crafts, and bring your letter to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each destination offers 4 food and wine/cider/juice pairings, and children can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for a family photo and gift.
Where: Winona | More Info: Puddicombe Farms Holiday Activities
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area Winter Reservations
What to Expect:
Winter hiking and scenic lookout points amidst natural waterfalls.
Description:
Explore Spencer Gorge Conservation Area during winter, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic lookout points amidst the Niagara Escarpment's stunning geological formations.
Where: Dundas | More Info: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area Winter Reservations
Ghost Walks: Dundas
What to Expect:
Historical ghost tour led by a local historian.
Description:
Join local historian Stan Nowak on a spooky stroll through Dundas' most haunted places. Explore the town's dark history and ghost stories on these 90-minute outdoor walking tours.
Where: Dundas | More Info: Ghost Walks: Dundas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hamilton (7 miles)
- Burlington (14 miles)
- Brantford (15 miles)
- Cambridge (19 miles)
- Brant (19 miles)
- Grimsby (21 miles)
- Milton (21 miles)
- Oakville (22 miles)
- Guelph (26 miles)
- Mississauga (30 miles)
- Kitchener (30 miles)
- Waterloo (32 miles)
- Norfolk County (33 miles)
- Brampton (34 miles)
- Etobicoke (36 miles)
- Islington-City Centre West (36 miles)
- Mimico (36 miles)
- St. Catharines (38 miles)
- Stonegate-Queensway (38 miles)
- Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview (39 miles)
- Woodstock (39 miles)
- Fergus (39 miles)
- High Park-Swansea (39 miles)
- West Humber-Clairville (40 miles)
- High Park North (40 miles)
- Kingsview Village-The Westway (40 miles)
- South Parkdale (40 miles)
- Rockcliffe-Smythe (40 miles)
- Welland (41 miles)
- Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction (41 miles)
- Niagara (41 miles)
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (42 miles)
- Waterfront Communities-The Island (42 miles)
- Oakwood Village (42 miles)
- Bay Street Corridor (43 miles)
- Annex (43 miles)
- Church-Yonge Corridor (43 miles)
- Moss Park (43 miles)
- Downsview-Roding-CFB (43 miles)
- Glenfield-Jane Heights (44 miles)
- South Riverdale (44 miles)
- Rosedale-Moore Park (44 miles)
- Englemount-Lawrence (44 miles)
- Black Creek (44 miles)
- Caledon (45 miles)
- Toronto (45 miles)
- Mount Pleasant West (45 miles)