Best Places to Visit in Canada for Christmas Cheer

Canada, with its vast landscapes and diverse cities, offers a magical backdrop for the holiday season. Expats and digital nomads looking to get into the festive spirit have a plethora of destinations to choose from, each with its own unique charm and holiday traditions. From bustling holiday markets to serene, snow-covered towns, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in December to experience the joy and warmth of Canadian Christmas spirit.

Vancouver's German Christmas Market

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the German Christmas Market is a beloved holiday tradition. This festive market is typically set up in early December and runs until Christmas Eve. It features rows of wooden huts selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and German culinary delights. The scent of mulled wine, gingerbread, and sizzling sausages fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Live music and carolers add to the festive ambiance, making it a perfect spot for holiday cheer.

We Recommend: Don't miss the opportunity to try the authentic German Stollen, a traditional fruit bread that's a holiday favorite. Pair it with a cup of Glühwein, the classic German mulled wine, to keep warm while you explore the market.

Old Quebec City

Old Quebec City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The historic district, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, is adorned with lights, garlands, and a dusting of snow, resembling a scene from a Christmas card. The German Christmas Market in Old Quebec is a highlight, offering European-inspired treats and gifts. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of carolers and the sight of horse-drawn carriages, making it a picturesque destination for holiday merriment.

We Recommend: Be sure to take a stroll down Petit Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, which is especially enchanting during the holidays with its festive decorations and unique boutiques.

Toronto's Distillery Winter Village

Toronto's Distillery District is renowned for its annual Distillery Winter Village, which typically opens in late November and continues through the holiday season. The historic area, with its Victorian industrial architecture, becomes a charming holiday village with twinkling lights, a grand Christmas tree, and local vendors selling artisanal crafts and seasonal treats. The Winter Village is also known for its entertainment, including carolers and musicians, making it a lively spot to soak up the holiday spirit.

We Recommend: Try the Canadian classic, poutine, with a holiday twist. Many vendors offer gourmet versions of this comfort food, topped with festive ingredients like turkey and cranberry.

Montreal's Le Grand Marché de Noël

Montreal's Le Grand Marché de Noël is a must-visit for those seeking a vibrant holiday experience. This Christmas market, usually found in the Quartier des Spectacles, showcases Quebec's local artisans and producers. Visitors can browse through a wide selection of handcrafted goods and sample traditional Quebecois holiday treats. The market also features live performances, interactive installations, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, making it a family-friendly destination.

We Recommend: Indulge in a warm beaver tail pastry, a Canadian delicacy that's especially popular during the chilly holiday season. These fried dough pastries come with various sweet toppings to choose from.

Calgary's Spruce Meadows Christmas Market

The Spruce Meadows Christmas Market in Calgary is an annual event that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Rocky Mountains, the market features over 300 vendors selling unique gifts, decorations, and gourmet foods. Visitors can enjoy the festive lights, live entertainment, and the warmth of indoor comfort while shopping for holiday treasures. The market usually runs on weekends starting in mid-November and leading up to Christmas.

We Recommend: Look out for the beautifully crafted gingerbread houses and handmade ornaments that make for perfect gifts or keepsakes to remember your Canadian Christmas experience.

Ottawa's Christmas Lights Across Canada

Ottawa, the nation's capital, shines bright with the Christmas Lights Across Canada program. From early December to January, the city is illuminated with hundreds of thousands of lights, most notably along Confederation Boulevard, encompassing Parliament Hill and other major landmarks. The official illumination ceremony is a festive event with live entertainment and a magical light show. The glow of the lights against the snow-covered city creates a stunning holiday spectacle.

We Recommend: After enjoying the lights, warm up with a BeaverTail, another take on the classic Canadian pastry, best enjoyed while skating on the Rideau Canal if it's open for the season.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake, often referred to as the loveliest town in Ontario, is picturesque during the holiday season. The town's Heritage District is decked out in holiday décor, with shops and restaurants participating in the festive spirit. The annual Candlelight Stroll, where residents and visitors alike walk through the historic streets with candles, is a heartwarming tradition. The town also hosts a Christmas market featuring local artisans and seasonal treats, adding to the charm of this quaint destination.

We Recommend: Enjoy a glass of locally produced ice wine, a sweet dessert wine that's a specialty of the region, perfect for toasting to the holiday season.

Edmonton's Candy Cane Lane

Edmonton's Candy Cane Lane is a neighborhood tradition that has been delighting visitors for over 50 years. Residents of this west-end neighborhood decorate their homes with elaborate light displays and festive decorations, creating a dazzling winter wonderland. Visitors can walk or drive through the area to take in the sights and sounds of the season. The event is free, but donations to the local food bank are encouraged, making it a holiday activity that supports the community.

We Recommend: Be sure to bring along some hot chocolate to sip as you stroll down the lane, enjoying the festive atmosphere and the spirit of giving that defines this event.