Magical moments at these light festivals

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario

The holiday season is a time to create unforgettable memories, and what better way to do that than by experiencing the twinkling lights, festive cheer, and timeless traditions of South Eastern Ontario? Whether you're strolling through enchanted villages, riding a festive train, or warming up by a winter fire, these seasonal events are sure to fill your heart with joy and your calendar with holiday spirit. Read on to discover some of the most magical holiday experiences this region has to offer.

Illuminating History: Alight at Night’s Festive Charm

Step into the heart of the holiday season at Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village. This beloved event transforms the historic 19th-century village into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million lights. It’s the perfect setting to create cherished memories with your loved ones—whether you're rekindling an annual tradition or starting a brand-new one.

As you wander through the enchanting illuminated streets, the magic of the holidays truly comes alive. Families will adore the Ginger Snapshot Station, the playful Frosty Fun Zone, and the chance to meet St. Nicholas at his Winter Workshop. Couples can slow down and reconnect with romantic carriage rides, a candlelit dinner at Willard’s Hotel, or nostalgic caroling at the Village church.

Watch the vibrant light and sound show, where dazzling displays dance to holiday music, or hop aboard the festive ‘toy’ train for a whimsical ride through the Village. Warm up with festive treats, and don’t forget to visit the Village Store for one-of-a-kind gifts that will bring a piece of this magical evening home.

Alight at Night is the perfect way to celebrate the season and embrace the joy of togetherness. Make it part of your holiday tradition, and see why this event has captured the hearts of families and couples for over two decades.

When: This 25th anniversary season brings exciting changes making visiting easier and more affordable for families, including an extended schedule beginning November 28 (select nights), and open nightly from December 18 through January 15, 2026 (closed December 24 and 25)

Plus, due to the Canada Strong Pass, there are additional perks: free admission for youth and students ages 5 to 17, and half-price tickets for young adults ages 18 to 24. 

Where: Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0

Tickets: UpperCanadaVillage.com

Tickets for children (up to age 17) are free with the Canada Strong Pass, but must still be pre-booked online. Visit Alight at Night Festival - Upper Canada Village for details. 

Be sure to reserve your date and entry time to secure your spot in this winter wonderland.

Twinkling Traditions Await at the Gananoque Festival of Lights

This holiday season, Gananoque, the gateway to the 1000 Islands, transforms into a shimmering winter wonderland during the 2025 Gananoque Festival of Lights. The town’s historic charm shines even brighter with twinkling lights, festive events, and magical activities for couples and families alike.

Kick off the season with the opening of Candy Cane Lane on November 28th, a glowing path lined with dazzling candy canes, followed by the enchanting Santa Claus Parade on November 29th, themed Holiday Movie Magic. These events set the stage for a season filled with cheer and unforgettable moments.

Take a leisurely stroll through Town Hall Park, where sparkling light displays include illuminated candy canes, glowing fountains, and a radiant Christmas tree. The festive atmosphere continues with a wide range of activities, from decorating ornaments while sipping hot chocolate to enjoying live concerts and classic holiday films.

Adding to the festive cheer, visitors can enjoy carollers’ serenades, donate to the Giving Tree at the Visitor Centre, and snap photos under a shining holiday photo frame. 

While you're in town, soak in the storybook charm of Gananoque’s historic streets and waterfront setting. It's a perfect spot to savour the holiday spirit!

When:  From November 28th to early January, 

Where: Gananoque, 30 King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 2T6

Free- no tickets required

Holiday Glow at Brockville’s River of Lights

Get ready for a dazzling holiday experience at the River of Lights on Blockhouse Island, This family-friendly light and sound show is an annual tradition you won’t want to miss. Running every night until January 4, 2026, the show features thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to festive tunes, creating a stunning winter wonderland. On select nights in November through January, ride the Aquatarium Holiday Train for a unique view of the lights!

When:  Starting November 29 - January 4

Full show choreographed to music starts at 6:00 pm and runs on a loop until 10pm. The first and final hours (between 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, and 10:00 pm-11:00 pm) feature a softer light show without the music, more suitable for someone with sensory concerns or people who like a calmer experience. The beloved AQ Holiday Train is returning for the 2025 holiday season, bringing festive cheer back to the waterfront. Thanks to a generous donation from a dedicated patron, rides on the AQ Holiday Train will be free for everyone this year. Families can hop aboard, enjoy hot chocolate, take in the sparkling River of Lights, and experience a merry and bright holiday tradition that continues to delight visitors of all ages.

Where: Blockhouse Island Parkway, a peninsula on the waterfront- Brockville, ON K6V 2A7

Free- no tickets required 

Holiday Train: The AQ Holiday Train pickup and drop-off location is at the South entrance of the Brockville Railway Tunnel parking lot.  The train will ride around Blockhouse Island.

There is no need to pre-book spots - rides are first-come, first-served.

 

The CPKC Holiday Train Is Back: Sparkling Lights and Music for a Cause

The CPKC Holiday Train is a beloved annual event that brings festive cheer and supports community food banks across Canada and the U.S.

The train features a spectacular display of holiday lights and offers live performances in various locations. The CPKC Holiday Train is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the season while contributing to a worthy cause. It's a family-friendly experience, with events taking place on select nights between November and January.

Notable dates in South Eastern Ontario. Check the website for more details.

Nov 28

Finch  14:45 - 15:15

Merrickville 17:00-17:30

Nov 29

Belleville  9:30 - 10:00

Trenton 10:45 - 11:15

Lighting up the Bay!

The Belleville Festival of Lights display is running from November 15 (Launch night) until January 6, 2026, at Jane Forrester Park. Don’t miss Quinte West’s annual Fantasy of Lights in both Fraser Park (Nov. 30 – Jan. 1) and Frankford Tourist Park (Nov. 29 – Jan. 1).

Off the beaten track!

Honouring Traditions in Fairfield House

Join Loyalist Township’s annual celebration for a festive, family-friendly afternoon! Enjoy wagon rides, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, ornament making, visits with Santa and his reindeer, holiday music, and the tree lighting ceremony.

The lights stay glowing nightly until February. Free event. Shuttle service available from W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre.

When: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Where: Fairfield Park, 4574 Bath Road, Amherstview

Free- no tickets required

Welcome to Clow's Christmas Trail

Step into a winter wonderland at Clow's Christmas Trail—a magical 1.5 km walk through a beautifully decorated outdoor Christmas village. As you make your way through the woods, you’ll encounter enchanting holiday displays, including a Nativity Scene, winter sports lane, Santa’s Toy Shop, and even special visitors along the trail. It's the perfect way to create festive memories with your family, all while taking in the twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. Just remember to dress warmly.

When: Select nights starting Dec 5, 2025

Where: 2224 Hallecks Rd W, Brockville, ON 

Tickets: https://clows.ca

No matter where you go in South Eastern Ontario, the spirit of the season is waiting to welcome you!

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