1. Toronto, Ontario
   Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
2. London, Ontario
   St. Thomas, Ontario

Every year in November, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake becomes an enchanting winter wonderland featuring carriage rides, theatrical performances of "A Christmas Carol" by the Shaw Festival and a "Dickensian Feast" at the local Prince of Wales hotel.

1. West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton
   Park Royal, West Vancouver
2. Eaton Centre, Toronto
   White Oaks Mall, London

In mid-November, the CF Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto becomes home to a 108-foot tall artificial Christmas tree, the largest in Canada, and one of the tallest in the entire world. The sparkling tree is slowly unveiled on opening night, with local celebrities and athletes MC-ing the festive event.

1. Whistler Blackcomb
   Senora Resort
2. Apex Mountain Resort
   Big White Ski Resort

When you're not hitting the slopes at Canada's biggest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb is home to a whole slew of events to put you in a festive mood. The famous Fire and Ice Show begins in mid-December and features skiers and snowboarders riding straight through flaming hoops (what better way to kick off the Christmas season)?

1. Pacific Northwest Holiday Market
   Vancouver Christmas Market
2. Covent Garden Market
   St. Lawrence Market

Attendees of the annual Vancouver Christmas Market will find plenty to do in the European-style outdoor village, including shopping for locally made gifts, watching holiday entertainment on the Flying Stage and taking pictures with Santa Claus, Holly and Jolly — the official mascots of the Christmas Market.

1. Québec City
   Montreal
2. Ottawa-Gatineau
   Sherbrooke

The capital of La Belle Province, Québec City, already looks like a winter wonderland before any of the decorating and festivities have even begun. You'll discover a world-famous German Christmas Market, food tours throughout Old Quebec, outdoor ice skating at Place d'Youville, and carolling at the Notre-Dame de Québec.

1. Toronto, Ontario
   Iqaluit, Nunavut
2. Dawson City, Yukon
   Whistler, British Columbia

Dawson City is home to one of the most unusual Christmas parades in the world — where else can you see a flotilla of brightly decorated boats, canoes (and sometimes skidoos) go past when the outdoor thermometer reads -25°C? The riverboats are decked out in their holiday finest, bringing some truly spectacular cheer to the small northern town.

1. Tofino
   Victoria
2. Nelson
   Burnaby

Victoria's beautiful Parkside Hotel and Spa hosts an annual holiday Gingerbread Showcase throughout November, December and the beginning of January to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. The display showcases the incredible talent of both amateur and professional bakers — each gingerbread house is completely unique and meticulously crafted.

1. L'Hermitage Hotel
   The Empress Hotel
2. Fairmont Chateau Whistler
   Hôtel de Glace

At the Hôtel de Glace, you'll be able to enjoy a cup of cheer in a glass made of ice — the building material of choice for the entire hotel. Each year the hotel is redesigned and rebuilt for the winter season, making it an instant attraction for thrill-seeking visitors. Despite ambient temperatures of -3°C to -5°C, guests can keep warm in outdoor hot tubs before wrapping themselves in insulated sleeping bags.

1. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
   Christmas at the Grouse Grind
2. Winter Wonderland at Whistler
   Light Up Cypress Mountain

If you visit the Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you'll be able to walk amongst the treetops of the eight tallest decorated Christmas trees in the entire world. The main attraction of the event is taking a walk through the Treetops Adventures, where you'll find eight Douglas firs over 250 years old — each tree weighing approximately 30 tons and standing up to 110 feet tall.

1. Fort St. John, British Columbia
   Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
2. Calgary, Alberta
   Nelson, British Columbia

Visiting Nelson in December is a great idea for several reasons — the Whitewater Ski Resorts opens (and gets an estimated 12 metres of snow every season), there's a gingerbread house showroom, a Christmas craft fair and visits from Santa Claus in town and at the resort. Travelling from afar? Don't worry; Nelson has its own small airport!

1. Fairmont Pacific Rim
   The Empress
2. Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise
   Hotel Arts Kensington

You know you're in for a holiday treat once you've stepped into the beautifully decorated lobby of the Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the hotel is perfectly located for guests to snowshoe, skate and cross-country ski to their heart's content before enjoying a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the postcard-worthy natural surroundings.

1. Royal Botanical Gardens
   Victoria Park
2. VanDusen Gardens
   Deer Lake

Give yourself plenty of time to check out VanDusen Gardens' Festival of Lights; you'll thank yourself later! The colourful Christmas light display reflects back from the pond running through the gardens, and there are several floating displays designed to enhance the stunning effect.

1. Grasslands National Park
   Kootenay National Park
2. Fundy National Park of Canada
   Banff National Park

Visiting Banff National Park during the holiday season is like stepping into a scene from a Christmas card. Sleigh rides, ice skating, fresh air picnics and a Santa Claus parade are just some of the ways you can get into the festive spirit. Into back-country skiing? Book your own cabin — there's nothing better than a mug of hot chocolate and a roaring fire after being outside in the snow!

1. London
   Almonte
2. Grand Bend
   Windsor

If you're a fan of the made-for-TV holiday movies "Christmas Festival of Ice," "The Rooftop Christmas Trees" or "Christmas Around the Corner," you're going to want to pay a visit to Almonte. For a truly festive experience visit the town on the first December, that's when the downtown core kicks off its "Light Up the Night" celebration.

1. Sun Fest
   Winterlude
2. Art Walk
   The Winter Crawl

Taking place in Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec, Winterlude is held over three consecutive weekends in February. While ice skating on the world's largest outdoor rink, the Rideau Canal is the main event, attendees can watch ice carving competitions, admire installation art pieces and enjoy all the incredible food the region has to offer.

1. Victoria Falls
   Niagara Falls
2. Rideau Falls
   Helen Falls

If you guessed Niagara Falls, you are correct! Niagara Falls hosts the Winter Festival of Light, an accurate name for an event featuring the lighting of three million Christmas lights all over the town. Throughout December, Niagara Falls has fireworks displays, as well as the world's largest Canadian/American flag made entirely of lights.

1. Bonhomme Carnival
   February Fun Festival
2. Festival du Voyageur
   The Windy in Winnipeg Festival

The city of Winnipeg hosts the annual Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada's largest winter festival! A 10-day event, this historical celebration is a chance to experience Canada's French and historical fur-trading culture up close through the arts, traditional music and historical displays.

1. Saskatoon
   Regina
2. Moose Jaw
   Yorkton

Make sure you bring your toothbrush when you visit Saskatoon because it has the most candy and toy stores per capita in all of Canada! If sweets aren't your thing, but you love to eat delicious food, Saskatoon's food scene has you covered (it's commonly referred to as the "Paris of the Prairies.")

1. The Four Seasons
   Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
2. Hôtel de Glace
   Rosewood Hotel Georgia

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac first opened in Old Quebec in 1893, becoming an official National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. At Le Château Frontenac, the holiday season officially begins in November and continues throughout December with carolling and carriage rides. Don't forget the main event: a large dinner and dance at the hotel.

1. Stanley Park
   Jericho Park
2. Deer Lake Park
   VanDusen Gardens

If you're looking for a miniature Christmas train, you'll want to head over to Stanley Park in Vancouver's West End. Visitors can look at millions of lights by donation, or they can purchase tickets for the Christmas Train, which will take them on a journey through part of the festively decorated park.

1. Mummering
   Trick or treating
2. Partying
   Carolling

If you guessed mummering, you must be from Newfoundland and Labrador! Mummers dress up in costumes made from household objects and travel from house to house, disguising themselves by wearing masks and changing their voice until their identities are guessed — at which point they're invited inside to join the party.

1. Montreal, Quebec
   Toronto, Ontario
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
   Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is the place to be if you want to see a parade of boats decked out in their holiday finest! The Carol Ships Parade of Lights first began in the 1960s with a single decorated boat, and today over 80 boats participate in the flotilla. There are plenty of places to watch from the shore, but if you're feeling flush, you can buy tickets to board a private cruise boat or yacht.

1. '60s Christmas
   Ancient Greek Christmas
2. Victorian Christmas
   Medieval Christmas

Have you ever wanted to enjoy a cup of wassail, dress up in fashion from the late 1860s, participate in a card-making class and learn about the Confederation all at the same time? If the answer is "yes" then run, don't walk to the Victorian Christmas celebrations at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site during December.

1. Light Alley
   Holiday Alley
2. Winter Alley
   Bonhomme Alley

At once nostalgic and rustic, the Holiday Alley in Old Montreal is a joint effort between brother and sister team Lysanne and Philip Pepin, owners of the alleyway-adjacent Pepin Shop. This is a one-stop shopping location for anyone looking to buy housewares, food, hand-designed wallpaper and elegant clothing made by Canadian companies (perfect for supporting local businesses when shopping for gifts.)

1. Ottawa
   London
2. St. Thomas
   Burlington

Every December, Ottawa is home to Christmas Lights Across Canada, a festival of lights that extends from Parliament Hill to Ottawa's downtown district, historical sites and city parks. Feeling left out over on the West Coast? If you're on Vancouver Island, you can catch Christmas Lights Across Canada at Victoria's Parliament Buildings.

1. Yay for the Sun!
   First Light
2. Bright Lights Festival
   Welcome Light

The First Light celebration at Saint-Marie Among the Hurons is truly a sight to behold. Illuminated by the soft light of 5,000 candles, the 17th-century mission is a part of the Huron Wendat Nation. First Light festivities include Indigenous drumming, dancing and artwork in addition to carols and folk songs from Franco-Ontario regions of the province.

1. Alberta
   British Columbia
2. Saskatchewan
   Yukon Territories

The town of Airdrie, Alberta, is home to the Airdrie Festival of Lights — an extravagant Christmas display featuring millions of dollars worth of lights. Located in Nose Creek Park, the celebration also features bonfires, outdoor skating and miniature train ride that will only cost you a toonie.

1. Mont-Tremblant
   Montreal
2. Quebec City
   Gatineau

Mont-Tremblant is already one of Canada's must-see destinations if you're into skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, and it only gets better during the holidays! The town of Mont-Tremblant is a pedestrian-only space, giving you plenty of room to walk around and enjoy the sights (which include lumberjack demonstrations, Christmas lights, Quebecois carols and a treasure hunt.)

1. A historical re-enactment
   An airshow
2. A fireworks display
   A panorama

The Simcoe Christmas Panorama was born into existence after one-too-many failed attempts at a Santa Claus parade in poor weather. Instead of abandoning the parade floats, the town of Simcoe positioned them as a panorama instead and now adds new exhibits to the group regularly.

1. Fanshawe Pioneer Village
   Parliament Hill Village
2. Upper Canada Village
   Casa Loma

Modelled after a small 1860s town, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history sites in the country. During the holiday season, guests can ride in a horse-drawn wagon, enjoy a vintage merry-go-round and enjoy freshly baked cinnamon buns while millions of lights twinkle merrily throughout the Village.

1. Springbank Gardens
   Royal Botanical Gardens
2. Christmas Gardens
   Canada's Rock Garden

The Royal Botanical Gardens is home to five unique gardens (and over 1,100 species of plants). Still, the rock garden is the one that literally shines the brightest during the holiday Winter Lights Festival. Children visiting the Gardens can have a visit with Santa, and families can buy tickets to a brunch event with both Santa and Mrs. Claus.

1. St. James Cathedral
   Fort York
2. Ontario Parliament
   Casa Loma

If you guessed Casa Loma — the famously extravagant Toronto castle — then you're 100% correct! Casa Loma's ongoing A Nutcracker Christmas event includes magic demonstrations, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, ice skating performances, arts and crafts, winter mascots and cookie decorating (phew!)

1. Fort Henry
   Royal Botanical Gardens
2. Casa Loma
   Parliament Hill

Every year Kingston's Fort Henry transforms into an ethereal and interactive light display called the Lumina Borealis. Guests can take a 45-minute walk along a path of projected images of winter animals and aurora borealis on the walls of Fort Henry as well as 3D installation pieces that mimic the beauty of snow-covered trees.

1. Gibbons Park
   Victoria Park
2. Christmas Park
   Thames Park

London's Victoria Park is transformed into an actual Winter Wonderland each December, beginning with a traditional lighting of the lights ceremony on the first of the month. In addition to over 75,000 Christmas lights, the park is home to an outdoor skating rink and a bandstand. On NYE, Londoners flock to the park for live music performances and a New Year's countdown.

1. Whistler
   Wakefield
2. Winterville
   Waterloo

If you went with Waterloo, you're either very wise or well-informed! The Wonders of Winter holiday festival has been taking place since 1993 when Bill Weiler went out of his way to get a loan from the city so that he could install the first 5,000 lights. Since then, the winter wonderland has expanded to over 100 displays and 100,000 lights.

1. Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador
   Stratford, Ontario
2. Victoria, British Columbia
   Fredericton, New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador's Bay Roberts may be a small community, but they sure know how to throw an amazing Christmas celebration! There's an afternoon and an evening Santa Claus parade, the province's very first automated light display, the biggest Nativity scene you can find east of Montreal and a fireworks display.

1. Mars Bar Island
   Candy Cane Lane
2. Skittles Street
   Chocolate Cul-de-sac

Edmonton's Candy Cane Lane is all about giving back to the community. It's entirely run and organized by volunteers who work tirelessly to keep Candy Cane Lane running smoothly. It's also closely tied to the Edmonton Food Bank — some years have seen over 12 trucks packed full with non-perishable items.

1. Dawson City
   Victoria
2. Vancouver
   Barkerville

Although there isn't much panning for gold in the small community of Barkerville today, the town's Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas celebration features lots of holiday-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can tour the 125 remaining original Victorian buildings, watch blacksmith demonstrations and enjoy sleigh rides for the duration of the festival.

1. Sainte-Therese
   St. Thomas
2. Windsor
   Montreal

The perfectly picturesque town of Sainte-Therese is located at the base of the Laurentian Mountains, offering a beautiful backdrop for their annual Village de Noel. There you can visit with Papa Nöel and then have a hot chocolate while enjoying a traditional sleigh ride.

1. Zoobilee Zoo
   Zootopia
2. Zoolights
   Animal Kingdom

The Calgary Zoo has been hosting Zoolights for almost 25 years, with ticket proceeds going towards animal preservation. The zoo is decorated with over two million lights, and new themes and activities are added to the program each year (don't worry, a visit with Santa is a Zoolights annual tradition!)