13 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario that will make you feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Looking for a little holiday cheer close to home this holiday season?

Look no further than these adorable Christmas towns in Ontario!

It might surprise you to find out that Ontario actually has so many cute towns that will make you feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark Christmas movie.

I’ve spent the last few Christmas seasons doing road trips through some of the many adorable small Christmas towns here in Ontario, and let me tell you it’s been incredible!

I just love trips like these that make me realize I don’t actually have to venture far to experience that sense of “awe” I get while traveling.

If you’re looking to get some serious small town Christmas cheer this winter, then look no further than these adorable towns.

By the way – if you’re going to be around Toronto this Christmas you might also want to check out this post:

• 24 Incredibly fun things to do at Christmas in Toronto
• 13 Cheap & Free Activities to do in Toronto at Christmas Time

And if you’re looking for more Ontario guides, check out these posts:

• 38 Best Things to do in Kingston, Ontario
• 19 Incredible Things to do in Niagara Falls
• 20 Best Things to do in Stratford Ontario
• The Best Restaurants and Places to eat in Stratford Ontario
• 30 Best Picnic Spots in Toronto
• 13 Best Beaches in Toronto you Need to Visit this Summer
• 29 Instagrammable Places in Toronto – Outdoor Photo Spots
• 16 Instagrammable Pink Places in Toronto
• 18 Reasons You’ll Love Staying with the Four Seasons Toronto
• Where to Stay in Toronto: The Shangri-La Hotel
• The Prince Edward County Church – The Most Unique Vacation Rental in PEC

And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!

Now pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready for the ultimate Christmas getaway – a road trip through Ontario’s Christmas Towns!

Almonte

Did you know that many of our beloved Hallmark Christmas movies are actually filmed right here in Ontario?

It’s no surprise why – There are so many cute towns here.

Almonte in particular is a little town 4 hours from Toronto and just under 40 minutes away from Ottawa.

It’s been the shooting location for quite a few Hallmark Christmas movies!

A quick stroll around downtown is enough to see why so many Hallmark movies film in this little Ontario Christmas town.

Here you’ll find an almost European aesthetic, charming little shops, cafes, restaurants, and the most friendly locals.

The small town of Almonte is definitely one of my favourite Christmas towns in Ontario and has a beautiful old-time Christmas vibe. You’ll absolutely love wandering around this little town!

Where to stay when visiting Almonte:

• The Grand Hotel, Carleton Place – This gorgeous and historical hotel is full of rich history. Built in 1872, it offers 16 rooms, a gorgeous banquet hall, fine dining restaurant and old-english style pub.
• Almonte Riverside Inn – This boutique inn is a 6 room micro hotel with beautiful views of the Mississippi river. It’s the perfect little getaway in the heart of Almonte.

Things to do in Almonte:

• Stroll around the downtown core and take in the charming old European vibe. You’ll see right away why it’s on this list of Christmas towns in Ontario!
• Pop into some of the local shops like Tin Barn Market
• Stop into Baker Bob’s to buy some baked goods (it’s an Almonte staple I’ve been told!)
• Dine at Joe’s Italian Kitchen nestled in a historic mill along the water, or at Cafe Postino – an authentic Italian restaurant in an old Post Office!

Perth

Just 35 minutes away from Almonte is the beautiful little town of Perth, one of my favourite Christmas towns in Ontario.

The close proximity to each other make Perth and Almonte the perfect little road trip getaway to do together during the Christmas season.

The town of Perth, which is set along the Tay river in Eastern Ontario, was first started as a military settlement in 1816.

Today Perth is considered a heritage town and you’ll be amazed by the century-old stone buildings lining the downtown core that will make you feel like you stepped back in time.

At Christmas time the downtown core becomes even more magical and you’ll be able to see right away why it’s included on this list of Christmas towns in Ontario!

In downtown Perth today you’ll find all sorts of cute local shops, cafes, boutiques, bakeries, restaurants, and antique stores.

Where to stay when visiting Perth:

• Clyde Hall Bed & Breakfast – This luxurious and historical bed & breakfast in the Lanark countryside was voted one of the best bed & breakfasts in all of Ontario. It truly is the perfect escape.
• Best Western Perth Parkside – A great and reliable hotel located right in the heart of Perth.

Things to do in Perth, Ontario:

• Take a stroll around the downtown core and pop into some local favourite shops like Sweet Peas Fresh Flowers, The Perth Cheese Shop, Fall River Fashion, and Perth Chocolate Works.
• Check out the historic Code’s Mill, an old factory which now houses many local shops.
• Have high Tea at Crossroads Tearoom
• Enjoy some fresh baked goods from Perth Pie Co or Fieldhouse bakery.
• Stop into Fiddleheads for dinner and drinks
• Go for a stroll around the beautiful Stewart Park
• Enjoy an incredible Mexican meal with a riverside view at Mex & Co.

St. Jacobs

The community of St. Jacobs is located in South Western Ontario and is such a charming town to visit at Christmas time.

This friendly (and very walkable town) is just an hour and a half from Toronto making it the perfect day trip to do during the holidays.

The core of St. Jacobs Village features all sorts of cute heritage one-of-a-kind shops, bakeries and restaurants to explore.

This Ontario Christmas town is easy to walk and you’ll be able to see most of the sights in an afternoon!

One of my favourite activities to do in St. Jacobs at Christmas time is at the Village Biergarten where you can dine in an outdoor igloo!

These cute little dining domes are a fairly new and they make for such a unique dining experience.

Space heaters are available but the domes are already a pretty decent temperature. We loved having a meal and beverage here.

The Village Biergarten serves authentic Mexican food that is out of this world.

Oh – and I definitely recommend having a hot apple cider while you’re there. Their cider was the best I’ve ever had.

Another super cute and ultra Instagrammable place to check out while visiting St. Jacobs is the West Montrose covered bridge.

Although it’s in West Montrose and not St. Jacobs, it’s actually only 12 minutes away from St. Jacobs village and is worth visiting while you’re there.

Fun fact – both IT movies were filmed here!

Where to stay when visiting St. Jacobs:

• Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo St. Jacobs – Located in the heart of St. Jacobs’ Market District and steps away from Drayton’s Country Playhouse Theatre, St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market and the St. Jacob’s Outlet Mall.
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs – Next to Oxford Mills Factory Outlet, and under a mile from St Jacobs Farmer’s Market. This hotel features clean, modern rooms and breakfast.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St. Jacobs – Located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of the Farmers Market, the village of St. Jacob’s, and the St. Jacob’s Outlet Mall. Start each day with free hot breakfast included in each stay.

Things to do in St. Jacobs, Ontario:

• Dine in an igloo at the Village Biergarten
• Shop all things festive at the Christmas Spirit store
• Grab some baked goods at Stone Crock Bakery
• Check out the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s market (it’s huge!)
• Dine on authentic German and Swiss dishes at Stone Crock Restaurant
• Make the 12 minute drive to see the West Montrose Covered Bridge

Stratford

A short 42 minute drive from St. Jacob’s you’ll find beautiful Stratford, one of my favourite Christmas towns in Ontario.

Because of their proximity it’s definitely worth hitting up both St. Jacobs and Stratford in one trip.

By the way I have a full guide on things to do in Stratford that you can check out here!

You might already know of Stratford from it’s very well known theatre festival, or perhaps you’ve heard of it because it’s the hometown of our very own local celebrity Justin Bieber.

No matter how Stratford got on your radar I’m here to tell you this charming town is the perfect place to visit at Christmas time.

In Stratford you’ll find all sorts of adorable (and colorful) shops and store fronts that will make you feel like you walked into the North Pole itself!

You’ll know exactly why I included it in this list of Christmas towns in Ontario.

Where to stay when visiting Stratford:

• The Bruce Hotel – This stunning 5 star hotel brings unparalleled service and luxury to the heart of Stratford. Expect incredible service, exceptional amenities, and a cut above the rest at this incredible luxury boutique hotel.
• Mercer Hall Inn – Located in the heart of downtown Stratford and conveniently located above the Mercer Restaurant, Mercer Hall Inn is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a relaxed and fairly inexpensive weekend away.

Things to do in Stratford, Ontario:

• Stop into Rheo Thompson Candies for some of their famous mint smoothies (It’s not the kind of smoothie you’re likely thinking of!)
• Pop into the Livery Yard or another local cafe for a holiday beverage
• Enjoy an incredible dinner and cocktails at the Common
• Visit the town hall at night to see the pretty lights
• Take part in the Stratford Christmas trail – a fun way to explore all the local shops and receive gifts along the way!

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake may be known for it’s wine, but it also happens to be a super cute place to visit at Christmas time!

Niagara-on-the-Lake is definitely one of the cutest Christmas towns in Ontario, and one walk through it’s downtown will show you why.

Here you’ll find the most adorable little shops, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. You can even take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage.

Where to stay when visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Harbour House – Quiet comfort on the Lake. There’s no better way to enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake than this waterfront property!
• Prince of Wales Hotel – Arguably the most iconic hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake:

• Browse around the downtown shops and don’t forget to pop into the Just Christmas to get yourself a festive souvenir
• Go for a ride in a horse drawn carriage
• Check out the iconic Prince of Wales hotel (Definitely worth staying at! you can check the latest rates here)
• Visit some of the local wineries and do some wine tastings

Unionville

At only a 30 minute drive from Toronto, Unionville is the perfect day trip to do during the Christmas season.

It really is such a charming little Ontario Christmas town.

Ok, it’s more of a village, but it had to be included all the same!

Unionville (which is in Markham) is another little town that’s no stranger to Hallmark Christmas movies.

In fact, it also happened to be the shooting spot of some of Gilmore Girls! How cool is that?

Where to stay when visiting Unionville:

Since Unionville is just a 30 minute drive from Toronto I recommend staying in the city and making a day trip to Unionville.

Here are the top Toronto hotels I recommend:

• Four Seasons Toronto
• Shangri-La Toronto

Things to do in Unionville:

• Satisfy your sweet tooth and grab some treats at the Old Firehall Confectionary
• Browse the charming little shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques
• Dine at one of Unionville’s most popular restaurants – Smash Kitchen & Bar, Peter’s Fine Dining, and Ambiyan

Kingston

One of the biggest locations on this list of Christmas towns in Ontario is not actually a town at all – it’s a city!

But even though it’s a city Kingston is no less charming than any of these smaller towns.

By the way, I now have a full guide to the best things to do in Kingston so be sure to check it out before visiting beautiful Kingston!

Downtown Kingston has the same heritage vibe and is also the shooting location for many Hallmark Christmas movies.

Here you’ll find all sorts of neat shops to explore, Christmas light displays, and even a skating rink behind city hall!

Where to stay when visiting Kingston:

• Rosemount Inn and Spa – A stunning and hip boutique inn located in the heart of historic Kingston. This Inn truly embraces timeless design and quiet luxury.
• Hochelaga Inn – A beautiful historic hotel that offers the highest level of luxury you can imagine and the best value for money.
• Secret Garden B&B Inn – A fully restored and historically designated inn that was built in 1888 in the Queen Anne Victorian style. Located in the heart of Kingston’s historic district and within walking distance of downtown!

Things to do in Kingston, Ontario:

• Go for a skate at Market Square behind city hall
• Shop some of the local shops and boutiques. Don’t forget to pop by 1000 islands Soap Company – their store is incredibly cute!
• Explore the historic Sydenham Ward neighborhood – here’ you’ll find all sorts of historic architecture including a house that looks like a castle!
• Check out my guide to the 38 best things to do in Kingston for even more ideas!

Hawkestone – Glen Oro Farm

Although Hawkestone is not an Ontario Christmas town per say, there’s something you’ll find here at Glen Oro Farm that will make you feel like you stepped right into your own Christmas movie.

Think big city girl heads out to the country for a winter getaway to clear her mind – and falls in love while she’s there of course!

Just imagine waking up in a luxury glamping dome surrounded by a winter wonderland.

The fire is roaring, you’re snuggled under a heated duvet, and you can see the trees swaying in the wind all around you as the snow falls outside.

It truly is the perfect winter escape and that’s exactly why I had to include this on the list of Christmas towns in Ontario.

If you’re looking to plan the perfect Christmas getaway you definitely have to factor in a night or two in one of Glen Oro Farm’s luxury glamping domes!

Merrickville

Located 4.5 hours from Toronto and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Montreal is the beautiful village of Merrickville which is the perfect Christmas town to visit in Ontario.

I visited Merrickville for the first time this year and fell in love with this charming village.

Merrickville is known for its boutiques which are filled with incredible one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans.

The shops and boutiques of downtown Merrickville are so charming, and they really go all out at Christmas time!

Grab a hot chocolate at one of Merrickville’s little cafes before heading for a stroll along Saint Lawrence Street to explore all the unique shops.

Some of my favourites were The Merry Christmas Shop which is just about the most Christmassy store I have ever set foot in, as well as The Wick Witch Apothecary.

The Wick Witch Witch was like stepping into something straight out of Harry Potter!

This adorable shop sells everything from spell books to candles, incense to bath bombs, and all things witchy!

It truly is a unique shop that can’t be missed in Merrickville.

Finally you will definitely want to visit Pickle & Myrrh for all the sugar plum fairy Christmas vibes and delicious handmade salted caramels!

Where to stay when visiting Merrickville:

• Merrickville Guest Suites – Beautiful suites located on the main street of magical Merrickville.
• Baldachin Inn – A stunning 1860 Heritage building that features a European-style pub, vintage gift shop and elegant guest rooms

Things to do in Merrickville:

• Visit The Merry Christmas Shop for everything festive. They’re the largest year round Christmas shop in the Ottawa area!
• Pop into The Wick Witch Apothecary – a unique store offering everything from handmade soy candles to bath & body products, plus all things witchy!
• Pickle and Myrrh – an adorable artisan sea salt caramel shop.
• Merrickville Cheese Shop – Small local cheese shop offering a wide selection of local and international cheeses, cheese boards, local honey, crackers and so much more.
• Nellie’s Room – A unique home decor store offering all sorts of incredible little trinkets and handmade items.
• Have lunch at Yellow Canoe Cafe – a little cafe that’s been in business in Merrickville for over 20 years! They serve deliciously fresh sandwiches, soups and desserts.
• Drive 20 minutes to Oxford Mills to have dinner at Brigadoon Restaurant. Trust me, it’s worth the drive! Brigadoon offers fine dining in one of Ontario’s finest heritage buildings from 1839. This is a beautiful dining experience you won’t want to miss!

Brockville

Another great Ontario Christmas town you have to visit is Brockville, which is a city in Eastern Ontario.

Located just a 35 minute drive from Merrickville, Brockville is located in the 1000 Islands along the Saint Lawrence river and is such a magical little city to visit at Christmas time.

In the city of Brockville you will find all sorts of beautiful heritage architecture including lots of stunning old churches and heritage homes that will truly make you feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark Christmas movie!

While you’re here you absolutely have to visit the gorgeous Fulford Place.

Fulford Place is a 20,000 square foot Edwardian mansion that was once the home of Senator George Taylor Fulford.

Today Fulford Place serves as a museum where you can walk the same corridors as the monarchy and observe the luxurious lifestyle once lived within its walls.

Although Fulford Place is closed during the winter months, they are open for private tours which can be booked on their website for as little as 1 person up to groups!

It is definitely worth visiting and seeing the stunning Fulford Place at Christmas time.

Downtown Brockville is home to so many incredible little boutiques and shops so you will definitely want to spend an afternoon shopping while you are here.

Finally, don’t forget to visit Clow’s Christmas Trail which takes winter wonderland to the next level, and go for a stroll to see the River of Lights on Blockhouse island.

More recommendations for things to do in Brockville at Christmas time below!

Where to stay when visiting Brockville:

• 48 King West – I stayed at the stunning 48 King West by Rob Thompson Hotels in Brockville and I can’t recommend it enough! Located in the historic downtown core of Brockville, 48 King West offers heritage detailing mixed with a modern aesthetic and contemporary amenities in an artfully restored 1922 Bank of Toronto turned Boutique Hotel. The suites here are absolutely stunning!

Things to do in Brockville:

• Clow’s Christmas Trail – A festive event that takes the theme of Winter Wonderland to a whole new level! Walk through a 1.5 km decorated trail through the snowy forest to get to the hidden Christmas village. An absolute Christmas must!
• Have breakfast at Tait’s Fresh Start Bakery – a bakery that’s been running in Brockville for over 100 years! They feature delicious baked goods and home-cooked meals in a cozy little cafe.
• Pop into Heavenly Touch Spa – a spa that is also home to Brockville’s biggest little organic bath, body and candle shop. They have all sorts of lovely bath & body goods!
• Wild Little Roses – An adorable florist shop which offers flowers, plants, handmade gifts and more!
• Lunch at Boboli Cafe – A quaint cafe on King Street that offers delicious sandwiches, soups, desserts and cafes. Be sure to bring cash as that’s all they accept here!
• Do a private tour of the stunning Fulford Place which can be booked by calling the number on their website.
• Dinner at The Mill Restaurant – a quaint, circa-1852 grist mill turned restaurant which offers Italian entrees, steaks & a separate tapas lounge.
• Drive or walk through the River of Lights – a free light display in Brockville which features thousands of twinkling lights that are set to dance to the beat of popular Christmas music.
• Browse the unique trinkets at Heather & Crow – A store that is full of handcrafted, homegrown, found and foraged oddities. Here you’ll find everything from incense to candles, herbs, and all sorts of witchy things.
• Have breakfast or lunch at Cosie’s British Tearoom – a quirky little cafe offering English breakfast alongside full service & hearty lunch classics. Try a British BAP while you’re here!
• Coffee & dessert at Richard’s Coffee House.
• Browse around River West Co – A boutique that offers everything from clothing to home & bedroom decor, bath & beauty products, and so much more! Plus they have a huge Christmas section!

Gananoque

Located in the 1000 Islands and just 25 minutes from the city of Kingston (and 35 minutes from Brockville), Gananoque is easily one of Ontario’s most stunning waterfront communities.

Although we hardly got enough time to fully explore it this Christmas (and I definitely need to plan a trip back asap), we immediately fell in love with this charming Ontario town.

Gananoque is full of stunning heritage buildings and festive storefronts that will truly make you feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark Christmas movie.

We loved just walking around and taking in all of the festive decor in the downtown core.

You especially won’t want to miss Gananoque Town Hall which is beautifully decorated at Christmas time and features a ton of light displays which the town calls Candy Cane Lane.

Things to do in Gananoque:

• a visit to Gananoque is not complete without a helicopter tour of the 1000 islands with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours. We did the 30 minute tour and it was absolutely incredible. This was truly a bucket list experience!
• Visit Gananoque Town Hall at night to marvel at the festive decorations and walk Candy Cane Lane.
• Have an incredible Italian dinner at Riva Restaurant – An Italian restaurant set in a beautifully renovated historic building in Gananoque.
• Have a cozy breakfast at Laverne’s Eatery
• Grab a pint at The Old English Pub
• Get a sweet treat at Pumphouse Creamery
• Visit some of Gananoque’s adorable downtown boutiques and shops

Westport

The second last place on this guide to Christmas towns in Ontario is the smallest on the list, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on festive cheer!

Westport is a village with a population of under 700 people that lies at the west end of Upper Rideau Lake.

Here you’ll get stunning lakeside views, charming little shops, and all the cozy Hallmark small town vibes.

Westport is the perfect place to spend the morning or afternoon before carrying on to one of the bigger Christmas towns nearby.

Since Westport is located just a 20 minute drive from Perth, and 40 minute drive from Kingston and Gananoque, I highly recommend planning on doing one of them in the same day!

I just loved exploring the little shops of Westport which were so festively decorated.

Where to stay in Westport:

• Since Westport is so small, I actually recommend just doing a day trip here and staying nearby in either Perth, Gananoque or Kingston instead.

Things to do in Westport:

• Pop into Creative Gardens Floral Design – an adorable little shop that blends beautifully designed floral arrangements and unique home decor accents. The owner Elizabeth is fabulous and so passionate about Christmas!
• Have a cozy fireside lunch at The Cove Inn – Here you can enjoy full flavoured, hearty dishes that are inspired from the chef’s love of international cuisine with a comfort twist. I recommend the hot turkey sandwich which truly is Christmas on a plate!
• Go for a walk along Upper Rideau Lake and enjoy the beautiful views.
• Shop the beautiful offerings at Pinecone Westport – A cottage, home & garden gift store with all sorts of unique trinkets.
• Pop into Westport Brewing Company to taste some locally made Westport beers!
• Visit Rosie Yumski’s Fine Foods to shop their great selection of unique food and culinary producs.

Morrisburg (for Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night)

The last and final spot on my guide to Ontario Christmas towns is Morrisburg, which you absolutely need to visit to experience Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night!

During the Christmas seasons, Upper Canada Village is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland that’s straight out of a Christmas postcard.

Go for a stroll through the village and take in the beautiful light displays at night which feature over a million lights throughout the heritage buildings.

Beyond the beautiful light displays, you can enjoy live entertainment, carolling, Christmas crafts, and all sorts of festive treats and beverages during your visit to Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night.

This is a great family friendly activity that you definitely won’t want to miss!

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I learned throughout my road trip exploring the Chirstmas towns of Ontario, it’s that you really don’t have to venture far to find Christmas magic!

I never realized there were so many charming places right here in my own backyard, and it was so much fun getting to explore them.

I hope this post inspires you to do your very own road trip through the Christmas towns in Ontario next year. And if you do, I would love to hear all about it!

By the way – don’t forget to check out my guide on the best things to do in Toronto at Christmas time and 13 Cheap & Free Activities to do in Toronto at Christmas Time.

And if you’re looking for more Ontario destinations, check out these posts:

• 38 Best Things to do in Kingston, Ontario
• 19 Incredible Things to do in Niagara Falls
• 20 Best Things to do in Stratford Ontario
• The Best Restaurants and Places to eat in Stratford Ontario
• 30 Best Picnic Spots in Toronto
• 13 Best Beaches in Toronto you Need to Visit this Summer
• 29 Instagrammable Places in Toronto – Outdoor Photo Spots
• 16 Instagrammable Pink Places in Toronto
• 18 Reasons You’ll Love Staying with the Four Seasons Toronto
• Where to Stay in Toronto: The Shangri-La Hotel
• The Prince Edward County Church – The Most Unique Vacation Rental in PEC

Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!

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