Embark on a holiday adventure in Markham! Discover all the top festive events with our guide. For Markham natives and holiday travelers alike, our guide is your festive roadmap.
One highlight this season is the Cavalcade of Lights, where dazzling displays illuminate the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Another must-see is the Santa Claus Parade, featuring colorful floats and lively performances that capture the wonder of the season. And the WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a winter wonderland filled with rides and seasonal attractions. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Markham
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma (Toronto)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- OPG Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls)
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
- Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
- Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works (Toronto)
- Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic (Toronto)
See these and even more events listed below!
Markham Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Live performances and lighting of the official Christmas tree.
Description:
The Cavalcade of Lights is a glittering winter festival that has brought holiday cheer to Torontonians since 1967. It features an unforgettable opening night celebration with live performances and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree. The event offers nightly ice skating and festive light installations throughout the holiday season.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Cavalcade of Lights
OPG Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular outdoor light displays with a self-guided hot chocolate trail.
Description:
The OPG Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights features over 3 million lights and 75+ displays along the Niagara Parkway and tourist districts. The event includes the Sparkling Winter Lights Falls Illumination and the Hot Chocolate Trail with over 30 unique flavors.
Where: Niagara Falls | More Info: OPG Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Customized LED light displays in two main parks.
Description:
Hundreds of customized LED light displays illuminate Amherstburg's two main parks, featuring traditional and whimsical displays. The event includes carolers, angels, soldiers, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Amherstburg | More Info: Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival
Markham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Holiday market with artisan vendors and live entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is a holiday event held in the Distillery Historic District, featuring unique handcrafted items, artisan vendors, and a variety of festive foods. The market offers ongoing entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands, and is accessible via public transit with designated parking areas.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Artisan marketplace with Santa visits and warm drinks.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is a festive event at Mel Lastman Square featuring artisan vendors, a fireside lounge, and Santa visits. Enjoy unique gifts and warm drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Holiday Fair in the Square
Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with diverse local vendors and activities.
Description:
The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works is a vibrant event featuring over 60 local vendors, offering a diverse selection of handmade goods, vintage items, and delicious food. The market includes a food court, food trucks, children's activities, and live performances, creating a joyful and interactive experience for all attendees.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Unionville Artisan Market
What to Expect:
Sip and shop from local artisans and food producers.
Description:
Unionville Artisan Market is a weekend event featuring over 20 boutique artists and craft food and beverage producers. Visitors can sip and shop in the winery, tasting room, and cave, making it a perfect opportunity to discover unique local wares.
Where: Unionville | More Info: Unionville Artisan Market
St. Marie Among the Hurons – First Light Festival
What to Expect:
Candlelit historical site with live music and artisan market.
Description:
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons’ First Light Festival features live musical performances, historical demonstrations, and an extensive artisan market amidst the glow of thousands of candles.
Where: Midland | More Info: St. Marie Among the Hurons – First Light Festival
Port Hope Candlelight Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with artisan vendors and festive light display.
Description:
The Port Hope Candlelight Festival is a community event featuring holiday shopping, artisan vendors, public art, and festive decorations. It includes a Candlelight Walk with caroling, live music, and a park lighting display. The event also offers free wagon rides and gift-wrapping services.
Where: Port Hope | More Info: Port Hope Candlelight Festival
Aurora’s Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Hands-on workshops and seasonal vendors.
Description:
Aurora's Christmas Market is a free event filled with good cheer, hands-on workshops, and fantastic seasonal vendors offering a variety of goods and food. The market is held at Aurora Town Square and features a diverse range of activities each night.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Aurora’s Christmas Market
Markham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with ice-skating and live shows.
Description:
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, and millions of spectacular lights. Explore larger-than-life themed areas, enjoy festive food, and shop seasonal merchandise.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Live performance by a JUNO Award-winning artist.
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony featuring JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, hosted by Etalk host Traci Melchor. The event includes live performances, complimentary refreshments, and a display of holiday lights in the Village of Yorkville Park and along Bloor Street.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with elaborate decorations and live performances.
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 theatrical performances, festive arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
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 Tchaikovsky's famous score and showcasing 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 Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season with colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
Canada’s Wonderland Pictures with Santa
What to Expect:
Meet Santa in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Meet Santa at Canada’s Wonderland, where you can capture a special moment with the jolly man in red. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere and take part in festive activities.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: Canada’s Wonderland Pictures with Santa
Markham Other Holiday Activities
Markham Fair
What to Expect:
Unique blend of agricultural competitions and family-friendly live shows.
Description:
Markham Fair is a celebration of 180 years of community and agriculture, featuring animal competitions, live shows, family entertainment, and a variety of concessions.
Where: Markham | More Info: Markham Fair
Halloween on Main
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Halloween activities with live music and crafts.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular Halloween celebration on Main Street Unionville, featuring entertainment by Dan the Music Man, balloon twisting, and face painting.
Where: Unionville | More Info: Halloween on Main
Remembrance Day
What to Expect:
Honoring military sacrifices with solemn ceremonies.
Description:
Remembrance Day is a solemn event honoring those who have served and sacrificed in military conflicts, fostering reflection and respect for their contributions.
Where: Unionville | More Info: Remembrance Day
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Milliken (3 miles)
- Agincourt North (4 miles)
- Malvern (5 miles)
- Steeles (5 miles)
- Agincourt South-Malvern West (5 miles)
- L'Amoreaux (5 miles)
- Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan (6 miles)
- Rouge (7 miles)
- Bendale (7 miles)
- Stouffville (7 miles)
- Pickering (7 miles)
- Woburn (7 miles)
- Don Valley Village (7 miles)
- Dorset Park (8 miles)
- West Hill (8 miles)
- Wexford/Maryvale (8 miles)
- Parkwoods-Donalda (8 miles)
- Bayview Village (8 miles)
- Richmond Hill (9 miles)
- Eglinton East (9 miles)
- Willowdale East (9 miles)
- Willowdale (10 miles)
- Banbury-Don Mills (10 miles)
- Newtonbrook West (10 miles)
- Clairlea-Birchmount (11 miles)
- Flemingdon Park (11 miles)
- Westminster-Branson (11 miles)
- Ajax (12 miles)
- Vaughan (12 miles)
- Thorncliffe Park (12 miles)
- Birchcliffe-Cliffside (12 miles)
- Bedford Park-Nortown (12 miles)
- East End-Danforth (13 miles)
- Mount Pleasant West (13 miles)
- Toronto (13 miles)
- York University Heights (13 miles)
- Englemount-Lawrence (13 miles)
- The Beaches (13 miles)
- Aurora (14 miles)
- Rosedale-Moore Park (14 miles)
- Downsview-Roding-CFB (14 miles)
- Black Creek (15 miles)
- Glenfield-Jane Heights (15 miles)
- Annex (15 miles)
- Oakwood Village (15 miles)
- Church-Yonge Corridor (15 miles)
- South Riverdale (15 miles)
- Moss Park (16 miles)
- Bay Street Corridor (16 miles)
- Newmarket (16 miles)
- Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction (16 miles)
- Niagara (17 miles)
- Waterfront Communities-The Island (17 miles)
- Rockcliffe-Smythe (17 miles)
- Uxbridge (18 miles)
- High Park North (18 miles)
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (18 miles)
- South Parkdale (18 miles)
- Kingsview Village-The Westway (18 miles)
- East Gwillimbury (18 miles)
- High Park-Swansea (18 miles)
- Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview (19 miles)
- West Humber-Clairville (19 miles)
- Stonegate-Queensway (20 miles)
- Oshawa (21 miles)
- Islington-City Centre West (21 miles)
- Mimico (21 miles)
- Etobicoke (22 miles)
- Mississauga (28 miles)
- Brampton (28 miles)
- Keswick (28 miles)
- Oakville (36 miles)
- Caledon (36 miles)
- Milton (39 miles)
- Orangeville (42 miles)
- Barrie (42 miles)
- Lindsay (43 miles)
- Burlington (44 miles)