Being cooped up for the last two years, making all efforts to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy and safe, it’s only natural that we were filled with excitement once the world returned to normal (or what is normal after COVID, that is).

According to a Forbes.com article, a major signal that we were all ready to put the pandemic behind us is our eagerness to attend live events once again, especially live concerts and sports games. For example, in the United States, Madison Square Garden, one of the top event venues in the country, reported record earnings for the Spring of 2022.

In Canada, one can say it’s the same. In Toronto, Ontario, venues like the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, which host both sports and music events, have been able to bounce back. On that note, as the holidays approach, people can look forward to events that they’ve missed due to COVID for the last two years, and so much more. For example, the well-loved Santa Claus Parade was back with a bang last November 20^th as thousands lined up the streets of Downtown Toronto amidst cold temperatures (minus-degree weather due to the wind chill) to catch a glimpse of Jolly Ol’ St. Nick and his helpful bunch of elves.

Let’s take a look into the other events that are worth checking out in Ontario.

Distillery Winter Village – Toronto, ON 

If you only have time to visit one Christmas market, this should definitely be on top of the list. It opened November 17 and will be open until December 31. For this year, a total of at least 65 local merchants, restaurants, and cafes are taking part. A few days before the market’s official opening, Google Canada, a big supporter of small businesses, had a treat for the vendors, providing them with $10,000 to help with booth rental and operating costs. Be sure to get a photo with the 50-foot tall White Spruce Christmas tree, one of the main attractions of the market!

Burlington Festival of Lights – Burlington, ON 

Since we have longer nights at wintertime, it’s fairly common for cities to launch light festivals. One of these is the Festival of Lights that takes place in Burlington’s waterfront through December to early January each year.  This event receives thousands of local residents, as well as visitors from across the region, and even outside Ontario. This festival also offers a candlelit stroll and lights from the rooftop display.

Winter Festival of Lights – Niagara Falls, ON

Niagara Falls is a favourite summer destination of locals and tourists alike, but not a lot of people know that it’s still worth visiting during the winter months because of this outdoor festival. This year marks the 40^th year, beginning on November 12, 2022 and ending on February 20, 2023. And it’s completely free! The displays are inspired by the northern winter and features gentle snowfalls to the aurora borealis gliding over snowy tundra, to blizzards and the frosted falls.

Jingle Bell Rock – Kitchener, ON

If holiday lights display are exciting enough, can you imagine what it will be like if the lights are illuminated in sync with vibrant holiday music? That’s exactly the goal of this festival, where the light displays dance to our favourite holiday carols. Visitors can also enjoy warmth at the open fire pits with some s’mores and get a chance to decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. Live entertainment is also available on some nights.

Holiday Magic at the Blue Mountain – Collingwood, ON

Most people know that Blue Mountain is one of the premier ski resorts in the province and even the country, but it’s also a great destination to amp up your holiday spirit. The Village sparkles with festive light displays. You can choose to walk the Holiday Light Trail for an enchanting and interactive array of light displays. During weekends, the Village offers live holiday music, street performers, warming stations, and a horse drawn carriage with Santa roaming the Village.