Winter comes but once a year, and there’s no better place to celebrate the season than in Vaughan. Whether you’re anxious to hit the slopes, trails or rinks; seeking out holiday festivities; or just looking to relax by the fire and celebrate the warmth of the season with friends and family, there’s always something to tingle the senses in Vaughan. Looking for fun? We got it! Looking for adventure? Look no further! Looking for great cuisine and drink? Get ready for a lip-smacking good time. The variety of indoor and outdoor winter activities in Vaughan gets better every year. Once you dive in and explore all we have to offer, you’ll be setting yourself up for the most exciting and enjoyable winter you ever imagined. Just minutes north of Toronto — come for the day, the weekend, or a week. We’ve got you covered, and we guarantee you’ll never be bored.
Skate! Skate! Skate!
To enjoy the winter season, why not strap on the blades, summon your inner Gretzky, and give yourself a whirl around one of Vaughan’s 5 indoor arenas or 5 outdoor ice rinks. Whether you enjoy a friendly hockey game with friends, some light shinny or a leisurely skate around the rink with the kids, Vaughan offers convenient drop-in activities and ice-skating options for all ages. Days like this is what hot chocolate was made for! Visit: vaughan.ca/skate for all the details.
Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre for Conservation
If hitting the ice isn’t your thing, why not toss the skates aside and strap on your boots for a hike through the snowy fresh trails of the Kortright Centre for Conservation. You can also snowshoe or cross-country ski on over 16km of trails through some of the lushest winter scenery in Vaughan. Remember, it doesn’t have to feel like work. Transformed into a magical Christmas forest with holiday lights and wintery cheer, your exercise won’t feel like exercise because the views are breathtaking and the effect on your soul can be profound. And again…hot chocolate.
Check out all the details here! Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Photo courtesy of Canada’s Wonderland
Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland
If you’re in the mood for something truly spectacular, why not step into a world of holiday magic, featuring millions of sparkling lights, ice skating, live entertainment and more! From November 13th to December 31st, Canada’s Wonderland is again transforming into a magical winter wonderland for WinterFest – an immersive holiday experience for the whole family. The rollercoasters may be too cold to ride, but there are a gazillion other things to do. Go ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake; take in holiday entertainment with over a dozen live shows; enjoy millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautifully adorned Christmas trees throughout the park, including two gigantic 50-foot Christmas trees. Bring family and friends and explore the larger-than-life holiday-themed areas. Enjoy festive food (yum), shop for seasonal gifts and merchandise (ka-ching) and make new memories that will last a lifetime…or at least until next winter (priceless).
Visit WinterFest’s page here for details and then come out and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets are going fast, so book now!
Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Centre
In between Eggnog, sleigh rides and downhill runs, why not bring the kids out to celebrate the Ho-Ho-Holidays at the Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Who doesn’t love LEGO (aside from when you accidentally step on a piece)? Create your own LEGO Christmas ornament and decorate the tree. This is one fun holiday destination you should add to your winter to-do list in Vaughan.
Explore all the fun details here! You’ll want to get your tickets ahead of time, so plan away!
Photo courtesy of Black Creek Pioneer Village
Go Back in Time at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Have you ever wondered how they celebrated Christmas in the 1800s? Experience the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Stroll through the village and be transported to a Christmas of yesteryear. Christmas on High Street features pioneer buildings in all their festive finery, warm crackling bonfires, twinkling Christmas lights, old-fashioned holiday ghost stories told by the pioneers themselves, and a cozy puppet show inside a heritage building. Enjoy storytime with Santa, or tap your toes to a Victorian dance show as you discover the joy of an old-fashioned Christmas just like our Canadian forefathers.
Learn more here to see how you and the kids can travel back in time at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Be sure to book your reservation for entry in advance!
Staycation or Vacation?
If you’re planning a Staycation or hosting family or friends from out of town on their vacation, Vaughan has a variety of accommodations to suit all your needs. Situated close to all the attractions mentioned above, all Vaughan hotels and inns have received the Safe Travels Stamp, so you or your visiting family can feel confident and safe over the holidays.
Photo courtesy of Loukoumania Café
Vaughan also has over 500 restaurants, bakeries and cafes which offer a wide array of culinary and drink options that will delight your holiday taste buds. Visit our Taste of Vaughan page to find egg-cellent breakfasts, lip-smacking lunches, sweet snacks, or delectable dinner spots just for you.
Need to get your shopping done before the big day? That perfect holiday gift is waiting for you at one of Vaughan Mill’s 200+ stores. Or check out This is Made, your one-stop merchant shop and the first collective boutique in Vaughan for local artisans and small businesses. Fashion, home décor, sweet treats and warm drinks – Vaughan has everything you need for yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Be sure to #SupportVaughanLocal, and see a directory of local shops, attractions and businesses that can’t wait to help you!
Stay to Play Longer
Vaughan is a great one-day trip, but it’s an even better weekend getaway! With so much fun in store and places to explore, 24 hours simply isn’t enough. Find your perfect stay now.
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