Whether you broke out the holiday tunes at the start of November, or refuse to even hum a jingle before mid-December, we can't deny the holiday season is officially kicking into gear. Soon, halls will be decked, snowmen will receive their corncob pipes and button noses, candles will be lit, and we’ll be happy to simply ‘let it snow.’

Sometimes we just need a little help embracing the holidays. Feel your festive spirit come to life and rediscover the joy of the season at one of these events taking place this month across Ontario’s Highlands.

Heart of Hastings Christmas Tour

When: Nov. 10 to 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations

Get into the festive spirit with this driving Christmas tour through the heart of Hastings County. Visit nearly 20 stops in  Marmora, Madoc, and Tweed, featuring lovely local shops and eateries. Find some of your new favourite places in Hastings and cross some people off your shopping list at the same time. Check out their map to find the ideal starting and ending location.

Highlands Christmas Shindig

When: Nov. 24, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavillion, Haliburton Highlands

This annual event takes place beginning after the Santa Claus parade and has a good cause – funds raised through the event go to Fuel for Warmth, an organization dedicated to making sure no one goes cold each winter.

Christmas at the Farm

When: Nov. 2 to 26, 2023, Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Forest Cove Alpacas Farm, Chalk River

If you have been looking for the quintessential holiday event that's perfect for families, this is it. Head to Forest Cove Alpacas for their 5th annual festive event and walk the themed 12-days of Christmas Walk, huddle around the bonfire, and shop for holiday gifts (yes, including alpaca products and wool!) for the whole family. Plan to be there for the pancake breakfast on Sunday.

Once Upon a Christmas

When: Nov. 25, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Perth

Bask in holiday cheer in downtown Perth while you shop. This event features horse-drawn wagon rides, scattered fire pits and free hot chocolate. Bring the kids to get their photo taken with Santa, wander down Candy Cane Lane and check out the outdoor Mistletoe Market. While you're here, check out the collection of more than 40 Christmas trees festively lit for visitors to view inside the Crystal Palace. 

Tweed Festival of Trees

When: Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When: 617 Louisa St., Tweed

Grab a warm drink and a delicious homemade cookie before weaving your way through this collection of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths. This is truly an event that will help your heart grow three sizes, with all proceeds donated to projects involving youth in the Municipality of Tweed.

Celebrate the Lights in Smiths Falls

Where: Centennial Park, Smiths Falls
When: December 2023
Cost: Free

Each December, Smiths Falls comes to life with festive displays that make for a true Celebration of Lights. Walk or drive through the displays alongside the Rideau Canal and bask in the community’s holiday spirit, on full and brilliant display. Afterwards head for a hot toddy for the grown-ups and a hot chocolate for the kiddies at Bowie's just a short walk from the lights.

Light Up the Night Almonte

When: Dec. 1, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Mill Street, Almonte

This celebration truly shows Almonte’s community spirit and signals that the festive winter season has officially begun. Gather with the young and young at heart to have your breath taken away as fireworks light up the night sky, hot cider and hot chocolate warm you from the inside out, and the sounds from the open-air wintry concert dance through the air. Children of all ages will watch in amazement as The Snow Queen and her Twinkle Fairies wave their magic wands and bring Santa Claus to the stage.

Abbey Gardens Holiday Night Market

When: Dec. 2, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: Abbey Gardens, Haliburton

Abbey Gardens' night market is a holiday tradition in Haliburton! Expect holiday cheer in spades with carolers, live music, festive drinks, and to find the perfect gift for someone you love, handmade with local love. Tickets available in advance (by donation) or at the door.

Christmas at O’Hara Mill Homestead

When: Dec. 2, 2023, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area, Madoc

Visit O'Hara Mill Homestead on Dec. 2 for an old fashioned Christmas! Indulge in some hot cider and musical entertainment by the fire in the Log Cabin and find something for everyone on your list at the gift shop. Wagon rides through the forest will also be available.

Christmas in the Village

When: Dec. 3, 2023, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Petawawa Heritage Village, Petawawa

This is an evening straight out of an old-timey Christmas classic. Experience a historical Christmas complete with carollers, a crackling bonfire, popcorn stringing, home baked cookies, and of course old St. Nick himself. As night falls, you can wander the grounds and wonder at the twinkling lights throughout.

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