Christmas in Canadian cities

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/12/2022 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When I was a kid living in the tiny Manitoba town of Marquette, going to the ‘big city’ of Winnipeg was always a thrill – but especially at Christmas! The twinkling lights, the music in malls, the bustle of shoppers seeking treasures… to this very day I am still enamoured of the sights and sounds of the season in urban settings.

On the East coast, Halifax has Christmas covered inside and out. Delightful downtown is an impressive series of light shows and installations along the waterfront, around the business district, and in city parks. A dazzling display of seasonal and cultural themes, it shines brightly each year, while expanding a little more each time. Glow Gardens keeps the illumination indoors at Halifax Exhibition Centre, where visitors can stroll amongst one million lights while searching the vendor market for one-of-a-kind finds.

Christmas in Quebec City – one of Canada’s oldest cities – is like living in a Christmas card. The historic Quartier Petit Champlain becomes transformed into a life-sized Christmas village that harkens back to the setting of a Dickens’ novel, while the enchanting Old Quebec district recreates the joyous atmosphere of German Christmas markets. With 17th and 18th century buildings lining cobblestone streets, strings of white lights overhead, and a fresh blanket of winter snow, this city surely offers a dose of European charm right here in Canada.

In Ottawa, the allure of the past comers to life at the Vintage Village of Lights at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Return to simpler times through colourful vignettes, a working gramophone that plays 78s, a nostalgic soundtrack from the 1920s and 30s, and a takeaway cookie garnishing kit. The ByWard Market maintains a timeless Christmas vibe throughout the holiday season, with decorated window displays, an array of boutiques and cafes, and the smell of fresh-cut pines.

While Toronto is known for many things, I didn’t know that Santa was one of them. The city’s Santa Claus Parade is billed as one of the oldest and largest Christmas parades in the whole world – and the oldest in Canada. What began in all simplicity in 1905 has grown into amazing animated floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and hundreds of thousands of people all lining the streets to get a glimpse of the big guy himself. Millions more watch the parade at home on CTV, the exclusive broadcaster of this annual event.

Christmas at West Edmonton Mall – the largest mall in North America – starts at the Ice Palace, a regulation-sized rink under a glass dome ceiling. Go for a skate, or hang out on the sidelines with hot chocolate and take in the festive surroundings. The Edmonton Christmas Market at Fort Edmonton Park is a highlight of the region, with more than 100 rotating vendors, roving performers, tasty treats, and a dreamy carousel.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s top attractions, especially at Christmas. The surrounding rainforest is transformed into a wonderland, with lights lining the pathways and adorning 250-year-old Douglas firs, complete with cheery music and blazing campfires. Meanwhile, indoors at Canada Place, FlyOver Canada utilizes state-of-the-art technology, natural motion, and special effects, to whisk you away on a trip across the country.

As an added holiday bonus, visitors are transported to the North Pole for a special peek inside Santa’s workshop, before flying alongside his reindeer for a few magical moments on the journey back home.

And wherever home is to you… may it be filled with love and light this holiday season.