Holiday events at Ontario’s heritage buildings

Greater Toronto Area (GTA) 

Candlelight 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 this historical mansion and experience the charming ambiance of the past traditions.

When: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 and 22, 2023

Details: General tickets are $25 + HST.

Location: 285 Spadina Road, Toronto

Festive Nights at Pioneer Village

Unplug your modern devices and tune into old fashion traditions at Pioneer Village, such as Victorian parlour games near a cozy fireplace.

Additional activities include old fashion holiday crafts and puppet show performances. Enjoy treats such as roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and tasty desserts. Tickets go fast, so don’t miss this experience.

When: December 2, 9, and 16, 2023, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Details: Ticket prices range from $24.55 for youth, ages 3 to 14 to $32.10 for adults, plus HST.

Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto

Meet Santa at Pioneer Village

Santa is making his way to Pioneer Village just in time to take an “elfie” with your kids.

Families are also invited to do crafts and sample Santa’s favourite treats and drink hot cocoa while enjoying entertainment such as story time tales and puppet shows.

When: December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, and 23, 2023 from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Details: Ticket prices range from $20 for kids ages 3-14 to $22 +HST for adults.

Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto

Christmas at Casa Loma

Experience the magic of the season at this Casa Loma Christmas event. The indoor experience features a beautifully decorated 12 metre Christmas tree surrounded by stunning décor.

In addition, live music performances, exciting tours and fun family activities are planned to celebrate the season.

When: December 2, 2023–January 6, 2024

Details: General admission is $45; free for kids under 3

Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Niagara Region

Traditional Christmas Crafts Workshop at The Brown Homestead

Four fun activities are in store for families with young kids at the Brown Homestead.

Head to the Dining Room for lessons about stencil art and walnut shell ornaments from the 1800s. The Summer Kitchen will be the venue to discover how to decorate Christmas trees with salt dough. Holiday postcard-making takes place in the Ballroom. And a well-deserved hot chocolate will be served in the Parlour, the perfect place to relax and unwind.

When: December 9, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Details: While this is a free event, donations are welcome, and registration is required as space is limited.

Location: 1317 Pelham Road, St. Catharines

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Christmas at the Kilbride Castle

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

Various tours are available to experience this magical experience such as the Merry Victorian Christmas evening self-guided tour. Enjoy a cookie and hot apple cider and listen to live entertainment in the parlour by costumed staff.

When:

Christmas at the Castle, November 15, 2023 to January 7, 2024

A Merry Victorian Christmas, November 30 and December 7, 2023, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Details: Book tickets online in advance.

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 caroling. The tour includes a visit to the historic kitchen to sample delicious traditional goodies.

When:

December 2–3, 8–10, 14–16 and 22–23, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Details: Pre-registration is required, $40 per person

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton
 

Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle

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

When: November 28–December 3, December 5–17, 19–24 and 27–31, 2023, January 2–7, 2024, from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Details: Admission is free on the first day of this event on November 26 (donations of non-perishable food are accepted). After that, tickets are $14.75 for adults, $12.75 for seniors/youth and $9.00 for children (infants are free and the family bundle is $40.75)

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Whitehern Historic House: A Christmas for the Ages

Whitehern Historic House was home to three generations of the prominent McQuesten family.

Visit the historic site during the holidays to see how the family celebrated Christmas over a century ago. Witness the opulent dining room with the finest china set on the table. There will also be a beautifully decorated tree with the family toys gathered underneath it.        

When: November 28–December 17, December 19–30, 2023 and January 4–7, 2024

Details: Adult tickets are $9; seniors/youth $7.75, children are $5.50 and infants are free. The family package is $24.75.

Location: 41 Jackson Street West, 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.

When: December 1, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Details: $75.00 per person aged 14+ years old (pre-registration is required).

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.

When: December 10, 2023, 9:30 a.m.to noon

Details: Tickets are limited, $60 for one adult and one child, and $25 for each additional child.

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.

When: December 10 and 17, 2023

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.

When: December 27–30, 2023

Details:  Tours and activities are included with park daily vehicle permit admission.

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

Southwestern Ontario

Christmas Tour at Milner Heritage House

Celebrate the holidays the Edwardian way at Milner Heritage House.

Interpretive guides will lead you on a private tour of the house and provide you with a fun and interactive kit to recreate the festivities at home.

When: December 15-17, 2023

Details: Limited tickets are available for $35 per tour (each tour can include up to six individuals).

Location: 59 William Street North, Chatham

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 treats in the Music Room.

When: November 24, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023, 5:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.

Details: Tickets $15; on December 1, instead of purchasing tickets, gifts valued $15 or more will be accepted for the toy drive.

Location: 740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Cottonwood Mansion

Enjoy your choice of delicious tea with fresh scones and holiday treats followed by a tour of Cottonwood Mansion.

When: December 2 and 16, 2023

Details: Limited tickets at $65 for general admission

Location: 740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk

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 make an appearance spreading joy and good cheer.

When: November 25–26, December 2–3 and 9–10, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Details: Timed tickets entry, book a ticket for groups of up to six people.

Location: 2365 6th Concession Road, Greenwood

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Christmas by Candlelight at Lang Pioneer Village

Learn about traditional Pioneer Christmas at Lang Village Museum and enjoy wagon rides, carol singing and the exciting sights, sounds and aroma of the festive season.

When: December 2 and 3, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Details: Adult tickets are $15, students and seniors (60+) are $10, youths 5 to 14 years of age are $7 and kids under 5 are free. The family pass for two adults and up to four youths is $40.

Location: 104 Lang Road, Keene

Victorian Christmas at the Boyd Heritage Museum

The Boyd Heritage Museum will be open for the month of December to celebrate Victorian Christmas at the Museum.

When: December 2023

Details: Check back soon for more details.

Location: 21 Canal Street, Bobcaygeon

Northern Ontario  

Evening in the Summer Kitchen

Enjoy a Downtown Abbey themed three course meal in the Summer Kitchen at Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site.

When: December 9, 2023, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Details: Tickets are on sale for $60. Call (705) 759-5443 for more information

Location: 800 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie