Discover the Magic of Oakville This Holiday Season

NEWS RELEASE

OAKVILLE – As the festive season approaches, Visit Oakville is delighted to unveil an exciting lineup of holiday experiences that promise to enchant locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re strolling under twinkling lights, enjoying the festive charm of Downtown Oakville and its boutiques and restaurants, or exploring holiday markets and seasonal performances, Oakville captures the spirit of the season in full glow.

“Each year, Oakville becomes a destination for holiday magic and heartwarming holiday moments,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville. “From cozy museum events to dazzling lights by the lake, we invite guests to stay a little longer, immerse themselves in the festive spirit, and make lasting memories.”

Here are the top holiday highlights in Oakville this season:

• Light up the Night – November 14, 5:00-9:00 p.m. – Kick off the holiday season as Downtown Oakville sparkles with their annual tree lighting, festive holiday cheer, and seasonal activities, including the beloved Sugar Plums in Towne Square.

• Oakville Santa Claus Parade – November 15, 9:00 a.m. – A highlight of the holiday season, the Oakville Santa Claus Parade brings joy to families and visitors alike. This year’s theme, “Snow Much Fun!”, celebrates the joy of winter recreation activities like skating, sledding, snowball fights, and all the snowy adventures that make the season magical. Don’t forget, 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.

• At Home in Bronte for the Holidays – November 22, 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.

• Kerr Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market – November 29, 1:00-6:00 p.m. – Join the festive spirit in Kerr Village for a joyful tree lighting event that brings the community together. 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 1 – February 2026 – One of Oakville’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Holiday Lights by the Lake at Coronation Park, will illuminate the waterfront with over 130,000 sparkling lights. Stroll or drive through the park with family and friends and enjoy the enchanting holiday display and music, which runs throughout the festive season.

• Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday Cheer – November 29, December 6, 13, 20 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Enjoy family-friendly activities including: Candy Cane Carollers, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Photos with Santa, Hot Cocoa and so much more!

• Holiday Magic at the Oakville Museum – The Oakville Museum will open its doors to festive programming and holiday-themed exhibits that bring the town’s heritage alive in the most seasonal way including:
  • Visit with Santa – November 22 – 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.
  • Winter Craft & Tour – November 28, 29, December 30 – You and your child can create a special craft and enjoy a guided tour of the museum.
  • Christmas Tour & Treat – December 6 – Enjoy the historic Erchless Estate beautifully decorated for an 1800s Christmas, ending with a festive treat and hot beverage.

• 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: Jann Arden Christmas Tour, The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, the Oakville Symphony Family Holiday Concert, Snow White & The Secret Vault: A Holiday Pantomime and more.

• Holiday Markets – Be sure to check out the various holiday markets across town to get that perfect gift:
  • Holiday Market at Film.ca Cinemas – November 15, 10:30-5:00 p.m. – Get ready to shop unique gifts, artisanal goods, and other holiday goodies.
  • Holiday Inn Oakville Centre Christmas Market – November 21, 3:00-7:00 p.m. and November 22, 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Local vendors will showcase Canadian-made goods and gifts that are sure to bring joy to your loved ones.
  • The Bronte Historical Society’s Christmas Art Show – November 22 – Showcasing a beautiful collection of arts and crafts perfect for holiday gifting and festive cheer.
  • Oakville Art Society Christmas Art Market – November 29/30, 10:00-4:00 p.m. – Shop for original art, cards, jewellery, baked goods, books and more!
  • Bronte Christmas Fair – December 6 & 7, 10:00-8:00 p.m. – Meet up with Santa, do your shopping, and enjoy delicious food and entertainment.

These events are just the beginning…

Oakville boasts amazing boutique shopping and dining experiences making it an ideal holiday destination. Visitors can find unique gifts, explore one-of-a-kind shops, and enjoy local cuisine that caters to every palate. Treat yourself to a cozy café, or an unforgettable meal at Hexagon, Oakville’s own MICHELIN-starred restaurant. With its charming downtown areas and stunning waterfront views, Oakville is the perfect place to 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. Learn more here.

About Visit Oakville:

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry.