Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in the world. Billions of people around the globe celebrate Christmas in over 160 countries. Canada is known for its extravagant celebrations that start well before Christmas. As a newcomer, it’s nice to know some common seasonal traditions, Christmas festivals, and Christmas markets you can discover in Canada.
What is Christmas Like in Canada?
Like many other countries, Canadians celebrate Christmas Day on December 25th. However, many things make a Canadian Christmas unique. Canada is home to people from many different backgrounds. Each culture brings unique traditions to Canada with them. As a result, Christmas in Canada includes a mix of different traditions from around the world.
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Common Christmas Traditions in Canada
One thing you will notice about Canadians is that they will usually not wish you a “Merry Christmas”. Instead, they like to say, “Happy Holidays”. This is because they are mindful of the people that do not celebrate Christmas. Saying “Happy Holidays”, encompasses all the celebrations that take place during this time, like New Year’s Day, Hanukkah, and yes, Christmas and it’s inclusive of other faiths.
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Another common tradition that has emerged in recent years is the nature of how Canadians celebrate Christmas. Christmas is originally a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. However, not all Canadians who celebrate Christmas are Christians. Because of this, Christmas has become more of a secular family holiday.
This new tradition of treating Christmas as a secular holiday is great for newcomers. This way, you don’t need to be Christian to join in on the holiday cheer. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Christmas lights and decorations become a common sight. Christmas trees, reindeer, holiday gifts, and snowmen are a few examples of decorations you might see around your neighbourhood. Red and green are the two Christmas colours so those are a common sight leading up to Christmas.
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Top Christmas Festivals and Christmas Markets in Canada
Canada is well-known for its extravagant Christmas festivals and markets. No matter what city you visit, you are sure to see the streets lined with Christmas lights and decorations. Let’s take a look at some of the best festivals and Christmas markets that Canada has to offer.
Cavalcade of Lights | Toronto, Ontario
Cavalcade of Lights is a Christmas festival that takes place in the heart of Toronto. Lasting more than a month, this festival lights up Nathan Phillips Square and transforms it into a Christmas wonderland. This festival is full of Christmas-themed activities like ice skating and is lined with Christmas trees, lights, and ice sculptures. Cavalcade of Lights is sure to get you feeling festive in no time!
Distillery Winter Village | Toronto, Ontario
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village is the biggest and liveliest Christmas market in Canada. Located in the historic Distillery District of Downtown Toronto, the market is estimated to receive almost 700,000 visitors each year! The Distillery Winter Village runs throughout the month of December and ends on New Year’s Eve. It is important to note that parking is tough to find near the Distillery District of Toronto. This makes Toronto’s public transit system a better alternative to get to the market.
Light up the Square | Mississauga, Ontario
Talking about Toronto, there is a similar event in the nearby city of Mississauga called Light up the Square. This event takes place in Celebration Square, which is located in the heart of the city. You will be able to enjoy activities such as ice skating, eating from food trucks, and admiring the dazzling display of lights.
Christkindl Market | Kitchener, Ontario
The Christkindl Market in Kitchener is one of the first Christmas Markets in Canada. The Christkindl Market lights up the heart of Kitchener every December. The market has anything and everything Christmas, with a touch of German culture at every corner. Christkindl Market is designed to look like a Christmas market straight from Germany. This is because Christmas markets originated in Germany and the country is also credited with having some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The Christkindl Market strives to recreate some of those markets while maintaining Canadian Christmas traditions throughout.
Ottawa Christmas Market | Ottawa, Ontario
This next Christmas Market brings us to Canada’s capital; Ottawa. Every year, the Ottawa Christmas Market transforms Lansdowne Park into a vibrant Christmas wonderland. The already-spirited Lansdowne Park, which overlooks the Rideau Canal, provides the perfect festive atmosphere for a Christmas market. The Ottawa Christmas Market is full of holiday lights, decorations, and, of course, holiday shopping. From food and drinks to music and even special Christmas activities, the market has something for everyone.
Candy Cane Lane | Edmonton, Alberta
Moving on to the prairies, let’s take a look at a popular festival that takes place in Edmonton, Alberta. Every Christmas, a street known as Candy Cane Lane comes to life with Christmas lights, decorations, and people everywhere. Since the street is very crowded with cars, it is a good idea to get around on foot rather than by car.
ZOOLIGHTS | Calgary Alberta
Going back to Alberta, there is another great winter festival that takes place every winter in Calgary. From mid-November to early January each year, the Calgary Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. Known as ZOOLIGHTS, this event makes for a great way to spend time with your family and friends. Zoolights has many unique activities you won’t find elsewhere so make sure to check it out if you happen to be in Calgary during winter.
Banff Christmas Market | Banff, Alberta
Banff is a 90-minute drive west of Calgary, Alberta, and is one of Canada’s most scenic national parks, and year-round tourist destinations. This makes Banff a great spot for a Christmas market. Banff Christmas Market gives visitors a unique experience that they would not have found otherwise. Most Christmas markets are located at the heart of cities or in suburban areas. This makes most Christmas markets feel urbanized. The Banff Christmas Market, however, is anything but that. The market has a rural, countryside feel to it that offers a unique experience to city dwellers.
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is a lively Christmas festival that lasts throughout December. This festival offers a 2.5 km ride through Red River Exhibition Park. During the ride, you will get to admire all sorts of Winter-themed light displays. This festival is a great way to join in on the holiday cheer without having to go outside. After all, Winnipeg is known to have one of the chilliest winters in Canada. Read more: What to Know About Living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge | Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, located a 15-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver, is a truly unique experience. Every year in late November, the Capilano Suspension Bridge lights up with dazzling light displays and lasts all the way till Christmas day. Even without the lights, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular destination for millions of tourists. The bridge is 140 meters long and hangs 70 meters above the Capilano River. When the whole place lights up in December, it is a truly magnificent sight.
If none of the Christmas festivals or markets mentioned take place in your city, then ask your friends for local recommendations. There is a good chance a neighbour or a relative already living in the city knows about some festivals. Every Canadian city has its own unique Christmas traditions. No matter what city you live in there will probably be a Christmas celebration nearby. It is a nice idea to visit Christmas markets in Canada and participate in common holiday traditions and activities. With Christmas markets taking place in cities across Canada, you’ll be sure to enjoy the holiday season!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
