Plan your festive itinerary with ease in Orillia. Our guide has all the top holiday events and activities. Whether you're a native or exploring Orillia anew, our guide unveils all the holiday festivities.
One highlight of the season is the Santa Claus Parade, where the streets come alive with festive floats and cheerful music, captivating attendees of all ages. Another attraction, WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland, transforms the park into a winter wonderland, featuring thrilling rides and enchanting light displays. And the Cavalcade of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a stunning display of holiday lights that illuminates the night sky. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Orillia
- Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma (Toronto)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
- Orillia Santa Claus Parade
- Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic (Toronto)
- Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
- Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works (Toronto)
See these and even more events listed below!
Orillia Holiday Light Displays
River Lights Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Illuminated bridge and rainforest walkways.
Description:
Explore the illuminated Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, featuring a world-famous bridge lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display. Journey through a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on transformed Treetops Adventure. Enjoy Cliffwalk, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Various | More Info: River Lights Winter Festival
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Live performances and tree lighting.
Description:
Cavalcade of Lights is a free event featuring live performances, the lighting of Toronto's official Christmas tree, and nightly ice skating in Nathan Phillips Square. The event showcases festive light installations inspired by international lantern and fire festivals.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Cavalcade of Lights
Orillia Holiday Markets and Shopping
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
What to Expect:
Candlelit historical site with live music and artisan market.
Description:
First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is an award-winning holiday event featuring family activities, live musical performances, and historical demonstrations amidst the glow of thousands of candles.
Where: Midland | More Info: First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Holiday market with live music and artisan vendors.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is a holiday event held in the Distillery Historic District, featuring a unique selection of handcrafted items, sweets, and treats from artisan vendors. 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 visits and festive drinks.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is a holiday tradition featuring an artisan marketplace, a Fireside Lounge, and visits with Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine while strolling through the stalls. Admission is free, with an advanced donation appreciated.
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 unique gifts, artisanal goods, and delicious food. Attendees can enjoy a diverse selection of items, including vintage clothing, jewelry, candles, records, handmade cards, and art. The market also includes a food court and food trucks, children's activities, Nature Play, and live performances.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Orillia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
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
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Live performances by Canadian artists and festive lighting display.
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony featuring live performances by Canadian artists, including Juno Award-winning singer-songwriters, and a festive lighting display in 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 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:
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 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 featuring giant balloons, creative floats, and festive performances.
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, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
Orillia Other Holiday Activities
Hometown Harvest Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
What to Expect:
Family-friendly harvest celebration with local artisans and heritage animals.
Description:
Celebrate the abundance of the fall season at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons with take-home crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities. Meet friendly heritage animals, support local artisans, and participate in harvest-themed contests.
Where: Midland | More Info: Hometown Harvest Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Christmas Toy Bingo
What to Expect:
Unique fundraiser with high-value toy prizes.
Description:
Join the Christmas Toy Bingo for a wildly fun fundraiser supporting the Caledonia Agricultural Society and Mary Poppins Cooperative Preschool. Each ticket includes 3 cards for 10 games, with prizes like an Xbox Series X, Kids Ride-On Vehicle, and Barbie Dream House. Additional chances to win include raffle tickets for Nintendo Switch, AirPods Pro, and Apple iPad. Specialty beverages are available at the bar.
Where: Caledonia | More Info: Christmas Toy Bingo
Orillia Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas parade north of Toronto.
Description:
The 119th annual Orillia Santa Claus Parade features over 100 floats, bands, and Santa himself, making it the largest Christmas parade north of Toronto.
Where: Orillia | More Info: Orillia Santa Claus Parade
Caledonia Breakfast With Santa
What to Expect:
Special visit and photo-op with Santa Claus.
Description:
Join us for a delicious eat-in breakfast in support of Senior Support Services and the Caledonia Agricultural Society, featuring Santa Claus. Enjoy a special visit and photo-op with Santa, and savor a freshly prepared breakfast.
Where: Caledonia | More Info: Caledonia Breakfast With Santa
Oktoberfest at Bingemans KoolHaus
What to Expect:
Authentic Bavarian traditions and top-notch entertainment.
Description:
Oktoberfest at Bingemans KoolHaus offers an authentic Bavarian experience with live music, traditional German cuisine, and top-notch entertainment.
Where: Kitchener | More Info: Oktoberfest at Bingemans KoolHaus
Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour
What to Expect:
Immersive pumpkin displays with special effects and live performances.
Description:
At Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour, over 5,000 intricately carved, glowing pumpkins transform the historic grounds into a spectacular display of light and art. Visitors can explore Grim Reaper’s Grove, Scarecrow Alley, and the Macabre Mansion, with roving buskers adding to the festive atmosphere. The event offers a drive-thru experience for those with mobility or sensory concerns and features food options like glowing cotton candy and hot chocolate.
Where: Penetanguishene | More Info: Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour
Spooky All Hallows' Eve
What to Expect:
Immersive Halloween experience with historical and spooky elements.
Description:
Explore the origins of Halloween traditions at Lang Pioneer Village, where ghostly graveyards and witches' lairs come alive with fortune telling, tractor rides, and more.
Where: Keene | More Info: Spooky All Hallows' Eve
Trick or Treat at PMV
What to Expect:
Interactive Halloween activities in a historical setting.
Description:
Trick or Treat at PMV features Halloween-themed activities and historical insights into past celebrations, suitable for all ages.
Where: Pickering | More Info: Trick or Treat at PMV
Creepy Caledonia Ghost Tours
What to Expect:
Lantern-lit walking tour with local ghost stories and legends.
Description:
Join a lantern-lit walking tour of historic Caledonia, featuring local ghost stories, legends, and folklore. This unique historical tour is great for all ages, offering insights into Caledonia's interesting and ghostly history.
Where: Caledonia | More Info: Creepy Caledonia Ghost Tours
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Barrie (19 miles)
- Midland (25 miles)
- Keswick (25 miles)
- Wasaga Beach (30 miles)
- East Gwillimbury (35 miles)
- Uxbridge (38 miles)
- Lindsay (38 miles)
- Newmarket (39 miles)
- Collingwood (40 miles)
- Aurora (42 miles)