The holiday season is about to sparkle in Oakville. The twinkling lights will go on, Santa is coming to town, and Oakville is getting ready for the holidays. From festive markets and tree lightings to live performances, local shopping, waterfront strolls and delicious places to gather, Oakville offers plenty of ways to make the season memorable. Come for a favourite holiday tradition, discover something new and turn a festive outing into an overnight stay or weekend in Oakville.
“There’s something special about experiencing the holidays in Oakville,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville. “Whether you’re coming for a favourite annual tradition, looking for unique gifts, meeting friends for dinner or simply want to enjoy some time together, Oakville offers so many ways to make the season feel special. We invite visitors to come for the festivities, make a day of it or better yet, stay for the weekend.”
Here are the top holiday highlights in Oakville this season:
- Oakville Santa Claus Parade – November 14, 9:00 a.m. – A beloved Oakville tradition featuring festive floats, music and plenty of holiday cheer. There is a complimentary Oakville Transit Santa Shuttle from the Oakville GO Station to the Trafalgar Park Community Centre parking lot. Shuttles will run every 10 minutes starting at 8:00 a.m.
- Light up the Night – November 20, 5:00-9:00 p.m. – Kick off the holidays in downtown Oakville with festive lighting, carollers, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and live entertainment and the annual tree lighting in Towne Square. Tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.
- At Home in Bronte for the Holidays – November 21, 3:00-7:00 p.m. – Bronte’s charming Market Square will sparkle as the village hosts its annual tree lighting, a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
- Kerr Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market – November 28, 1:00-6:00 p.m. – Join the festive spirit in Kerr Village for a joyful tree lighting event that’s been happening for more than 30 years. Enjoy the Holiday Pop Up Market and the live musical entertainment that will take place including a visit from Santa. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.
- Holiday Lights by the Lake – December 4 – February 2027 – Take a festive stroll or drive through Coronation Park and enjoy one of Oakville’s most beloved seasonal traditions as the waterfront is transformed with thousands of sparkling lights.
- Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday Cheer – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. – Enjoy family-friendly activities including: Holiday Carollers, Photobooth, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Santa, Hot Chocolate and so much more!
- Holiday Traditions at the Oakville Museum – The Oakville Museum is bringing the magic of the holidays to life with a series of seasonal experiences including:
➢ Christmas Craft & Tour – November 27 – You and your child can create a special craft and enjoy a guided tour of the museum.
➢ Visit with Santa – November 28 – Don’t miss Santa’s special visit! Start your adventure at Oakville’s First Post Office, where you can write a letter to Santa. Then, take a tour of the Erchless Estate, beautifully decorated for Christmases past. Create magic in the Coach House before meeting Santa in his cozy sitting room.
➢ Christmas Tour & Treat – December 5 – Enjoy the historic Erchless Estate beautifully decorated for an 1800s Christmas, ending with a festive treat and hot
beverage.
➢ Winter Craft & Tour – December 30 – Create a special craft and enjoy a guided tour of the museum. - Holiday Shows & Performances – various dates.
Enjoy a lineup of seasonal concerts and holiday performances at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts throughout November and December that capture the spirit of the season. Highlights include: The Nutcracker, Rowdymen Christmas, Oakville Symphony’s Holiday Family Concert, A Wicked Christmas Carol – A Holiday Pantomime, Grand Illusion: Edllusion and more. - Holiday markets – Check out local makers, artisans, and small businesses at the various holiday markets across town to get that perfect gift:
➢ Holiday Market Sip & Shop – November 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Marine Tavern
➢ Holiday Market at Film.ca Cinemas – November 14, 10:00- 4:00 p.m.
➢ The Bronte Historical Society’s Christmas Art Show – November 21, 10:00-4:00 p.m.
➢ Local Love Christmas Market – November 25, 12:00-8:00 p.m. at Verace restaurant.
➢ Holiday Inn Oakville Centre Christmas Market – November 28-29, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
➢ Oakville Art Society Christmas Art Market – November 28-29, 11:00-4:00 p.m.
➢ Appleby College Holiday Market – November 28, 10:00-4:00 p.m.
➢ Local Love Christmas Market – December 1, 12:00-8:00 p.m. at Tabule Oakville.
➢ Square Treats Art Show – December 3-7, 334 Lakeshore Road East.
➢ The Atelier: Craft Fair – December 5, 11:00-6:00 p.m. and December 6, 11:00-4:00 p.m. at Oakville Galleries Gairloch Gardens.
➢ SV Christmas Market – December 5-6, 10:00-4:00 p.m. at St. Volodymyr Event Centre.
➢ Bronte’s 9th Annual Handmade Christmas Market – December 13, 10:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bronte Legion.
➢ Oakville Christmas Market – December 13, 11:00-4:00 pm. at Hilton Garden Inn.
The holiday experience doesn’t end when the events do. Visitors can explore Oakville’s amazing boutique shopping, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants such as 7 Enoteca, recently recognized as a Bib Gourmand by MICHELIN, or take a winter waterfront stroll and enjoy Oakville’s scenic Lake Ontario waterfront views and enjoy the magic of the holiday season.
Planning an overnight escape for you or visiting friends and family? Oakville offers a range of hotel options perfect for holiday stays.
