Holiday events at Ontario’s heritage buildings

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Lamplight Tours at Spadina Museum

Step back in time and discover the charm of the Victorian and Edwardian era with a guided candlelit tour of Spadina Museum.

Admire the elaborate rooms and corridors of Toronto’s historical mansion and experience the charm of past traditions.

Date: December 7,14, 21, 2024

Location: 285 Spadina Road, Toronto

Festive Nights at The Village at Black Creek

Experience a welcome change from modern screens and devices at The Village at Black Creek.

Enjoy live entertainment while sampling traditional holiday treats, such as roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies. Listen to a winter’s tale and learn a whimsical country dance.

Tickets go fast, so don’t miss this experience.

Date: December 7, 14, and 21, 2024 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto

Festive Dining at Old Mill Toronto

Enjoy a delightful holiday meal in the historic dining room of the Old Mill. This beautifully decorated space creates a perfect backdrop for the festive season. Make a reservation to experience the Festive Buffet, which offers a wide selection of holiday-themed appetizers, hot dishes, and desserts, including many vegetarian options. Be sure to capture a photo of the stunning handmade gingerbread house display crafted by Old Mill’s talented pastry team. 

Date: Saturdays and Sundays between November 23, 2024 and January 5, 2025

Location: 9 Old Mill Road, Etobicoke

Niagara Region

Merry Makers: Children’s Workshop at The Brown Homestead

Fun activities are in store for families with young kids at The Brown Homestead.

Head to the Dining Room for lessons about stencil art, walnut shell ornaments and other historical holiday crafts from the 1800s 

While this is a free event, donations are welcome. Registration is required as space is limited.

Date: December 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 1317 Pelham Road, St. Catharines

Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour

Experience the magic of the holidays with two captivating Christmas house tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The general tour offers a self-guided exploration of six beautifully decorated historical and modern homes. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings from three selected wineries, in addition to discounts on special luncheons at St. Vincent de Paul Hall, Peller Estates Winery, or Trius Winery & Restaurant. 

For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the McArthur Estate tour, featuring a magnificent Georgian home built in 1829. This tour showcases the magic of a Christmas decorated home and features live music, delightful wines and a stunning and beautifully decorated 4 metre Christmas tree.

Purchase tickets online only. A combined ticket option for both tours is also available. Please note that tickets limited, so be sure to secure yours soon.

Date: December 6 and 7, 2024 

Locations:

Niagara-on-the-Lake Holiday House Tour: various home in Niagara-on-the-Lake

McArthur Estate: 210 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Christmas at the Castle 

Beautifully decorated during the festive holidays, Castle Kilbride is a heritage home that showcases the traditional decor of Yuletide celebrations during the Victorian era.

Experience the spirit of the season on tours such as Christmas Castle by Candlelight evening self-guided tour. Enjoy a cookie and hot apple cider and listen to live entertainment in the parlour by costumed staff. Castle Kilbride will be fully decorated November 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Book tickets online in advance.

Date: December 5 and December 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.(Christmas Castle by Candlelight)

Location: 60 Snyder's Road West, Baden

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn Castle

Visit Dundurn Castle, the former home of political leader Allan MacNab on a unique evening tour.

The historic building is fully decorated for the festive season and exudes a magical vibrancy in the evening with accompanied carolling. The tour includes a visit to the historic kitchen to sample delicious traditional goodies. Pre-registration is required,

Date: December 13, 2024 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle

Experience the charm of Victorian Yuletide decorations on a self-guided tour of Dundurn Castle.

Date: December 15, 2024 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Pudding Club Cooking Workshop at Dundurn Castle

Enjoy a guided pudding-making class in the historic Dundurn Castle kitchen.

Not only will you get to taste your sweet creation, but you’ll also enjoy the pudding made by the Dundurn Castle kitchen. This tasting experience takes place in Dundurn Castle’s warm candlelit kitchen and includes a guided tour of the beautiful castle. Pre-registration is required.

Date: November 29, 2024 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. 

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Elf Club: A Children’s Cooking Workshop at Dundurn Castle

Kids are invited to roll up their sleeves to learn how to make cookies and watch a plum pudding demonstration in the historic Dundurn Castle kitchen.

There will also be a tour of the beautifully decorated castle. Young cooks can package their cookies to share with family and friends. Tickets are limited.

When: December 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Westfield Heritage Village’s Christmas in the Woods

Take a stroll around the Westfield Heritage Village and admire the festive old-fashioned decorations in the village and surrounding woods. This event includes both indoor and outdoor activities such as wagon rides, a scavenger hunt and Christmas treats.

Date: December 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Details: Reservations must be made, check back for more details.

Location: 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton

Victorian Christmas at Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Spruce Lane Farmhouse in Bronte Creek Provincial Park will be decorated for the holiday season. Take a guided tour of the farmhouse and learn how families celebrated Christmas over a century ago. Activities include stories and songs of the era and making crafts with historical tools. Enjoy a drink of apple cider with a treat. Visit the farm animals and take a self-guided winter story walk along the Trillium Trail. Tours and activities are included with park daily vehicle permit admission.

Date: December 27, 2024–January 5, 2025

Location: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville (Parking lot F)

Museum Christmas Tour and Treat at Oakville Museum

Take a journey back in time by strolling through the historic Erchless Estate, decked out in authentic 1800s Christmas decor. Admire fancy ornaments, adorned trees, vintage fashions and antique toys. Round out your tour with a festive treat and hot beverage. Admission is free. Tours are available by donation for small groups. 

Date: December 7, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Location: 8 Navy Street, Oakville

Southwestern Ontario

Candlelight Tours at Cottonwood Mansion

Experience the magic of the holiday season during the Victorian era on a guided tour of the candle-lit mansion led by costumed hosts. Then end the evening with apple cider and oatmeal raisin or Cinnamon molasses cookies in the Music Room.

Date: November 15, 22 and 29, and December 6, 13 and 20, 2024 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Location: 740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Cottonwood Mansion

Enjoy French macarons, custard tarts and mini eclairs paired with the tea of your choice, followed by a tour of Cottonwood Mansion.

Date: November 23 and December 7 and 21, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: 740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk

Christmas Tour & Cream Tea at Ruthven Park

Join a Christmas Tour at Ruthven Park and immerse yourself in the traditions of Christmases past. After your tour, stay back in the Coach House for scones and tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Limited tickets are available.

Date: Every Friday between November 15 and December 20, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Location: 243 Haldimand County Highway 54, Cayuga

Christmas Tour of Homes at Aylmer-Malahide Museum

This annual holiday tradition selects four unique or historical homes in the Aylmer area to be decorated for Christmas and opened up for participants to tour. Created to raise awareness of local businesses, this holiday house tour now attracts visitors from across Ontario and beyond. Tickets can be purchased online or at participating retailers.

Date: November 15–17, 2024

Location: 14 East Street, Aylmer

Christmas at the Village at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Learn about 19th-century holiday traditions as you stroll through the Heritage Village, adorned with festive decorations. Enjoy outdoor winter games, make holiday crafts and keep an eye out for jolly old St. Nick. Dress warmly to this outdoor holiday event.

Date: December 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: 1424 Clarke Road, London

York, Durham and Headwaters

A Storybook Christmas at Pickering Museum Village

Pickering Museum Village’s popular annual holiday experience is back with a new story starring the beloved Teddy.

A Storybook Christmas invites guests to take a self-guided walking tour around the Village. This interactive holiday adventure features treats, trivia and fun entertainment.

And to top it off, Santa Claus will appear to spread joy and good cheer.

Date: December 7–8 and 14–15, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: 3550 Greenwood Road, Greenwood 

Southeastern Ontario

Spirit of the Season at Glanmore National Historic Site

Embark on a self-guided tour of Glanmore’s stunning Christmas exhibits, then craft a traditional ornament to take home for your own tree. Free admission with a food item donation for Gleaners Food Bank. 

Date: November 23, 2024

Location: 257 Bridge Street East, Belleville

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village

Enjoy wagon rides, carol singing and the exciting sights, sounds and aromas of the festive season at Lang Pioneer Village Museum

Date: December 7 and 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 104 Lang Road, Keene

Northern Ontario

Evening in the Summer Kitchen

Enjoy a Downton Abbey-themed three-course meal in the Summer Kitchen at Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. Call (705) 759-5443 for ticket information.

When: November 29 and 30, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Location: 800 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Holiday House Teas

Join a pleasant Christmas Tea celebration at Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site.

When: Holiday House Teas: December 6–8, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

Call (705) 759-5443 for ticket information.

Location: 800 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie