Best known for its theatre festival, Stratford is also a lovely Christmas destination: a historic downtown of Victorian buildings, independent shops and restaurants, and holiday markets and lights in December. It’s about two hours west of Toronto.
What to do
- Stroll the downtown around Ontario Street and Downie Street, decorated for the season.
- Visit a holiday market: Stratford hosts Christmas markets and festive events in late November and December; check Visit Stratford for 2026 dates.
- Chocolate: Stratford has a chocolate trail of shops and confectioners, a sweet gift-shopping theme.
- Walk along the Avon River and through the town’s parks.
- Eat well: Stratford is a culinary town, home to a chef school and excellent restaurants.
About Stratford
Stratford, in southwestern Ontario on the Avon River, is famous for the Stratford Festival, one of North America’s largest repertory theatre companies, which runs from spring to fall. In winter, the town is quieter and more local, but its Victorian downtown, riverside parks and food scene make it a charming Christmas getaway. The town is also known for its swans, which are paraded back to the river each spring.
Things to do in Stratford at Christmas
- Holiday shopping: downtown Stratford’s independent stores sell books, clothing, kitchenware, art and gifts.
- The chocolate trail: taste your way through local chocolatiers and confectioners on Stratford’s chocolate-themed trail, a perfect activity for a cold day.
- Holiday markets and events: Stratford has hosted Christmas markets and festive events in late November and December; check Visit Stratford for 2026 dates.
- Riverside walks: stroll along the Avon River and through the town’s parks, beautiful after snowfall.
- Excellent dining: Stratford is home to a well-known chef school, and its restaurants range from cozy bistros to fine dining.
A Stratford Christmas day trip
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Drive or take the train to Stratford |
| Late morning | Walk the downtown and the Avon River |
| Lunch | A local café or bistro |
| Afternoon | The chocolate trail and gift shopping |
| Evening | Dinner, then head home or stay overnight |
Stay overnight
Stratford has many inns and B&Bs in Victorian homes, often decorated for the holidays. Winter rates can be lower than during the theatre season. An overnight stay lets you enjoy a relaxed dinner and see the downtown lights.
Combine with Kitchener
Stratford is about 45 minutes from Kitchener, so you can pair it with the Christkindl Market in early December. See Kitchener Christkindl Market and the Ontario Christmas markets road trip.
Christmas in Stratford: FAQ
How far is Stratford from Toronto? About two hours by car.
Is the Stratford Festival open at Christmas? The main theatre season runs from spring to fall, but check the festival’s website for any winter events.
Getting there
About two hours from Toronto by car via Highway 401 and Highway 8. VIA Rail serves Stratford station.
More: Christmas day trips from Toronto · Ontario Christmas markets road trip
