Halton Hills, northwest of Toronto, brings a classic small-town Christmas to the GTA’s edge, with two historic downtowns in Georgetown and Acton.
Santa Claus parades
- Georgetown: the Georgetown Lions Santa Claus Parade travels through downtown Georgetown each November.
- Acton: a community parade in Acton’s historic downtown.
Both announce dates in the fall. Halton parades
Holiday fun
- Downtown Georgetown’s Main Street shops and restaurants
- Toronto Premium Outlets for holiday and Boxing Day shopping
- Tree farms in the surrounding countryside and nearby Caledon. Christmas tree farms
- Outdoor skating at town rinks
Georgetown and Acton at Christmas
Georgetown has a charming historic downtown along Main Street, with independent shops, cafés and restaurants in brick heritage buildings. In December, the decorated storefronts and lights make it a lovely place for a festive stroll and some local shopping. The Credit River winds nearby, with walking trails through the Silver Creek and Credit Valley areas.
Acton, the smaller of the two towns, has its own historic downtown and community events, plus easy access to conservation areas for winter walks. Acton’s leather heritage is part of its local story.
Holiday ideas in Halton Hills
- Watch a Santa Claus parade in Georgetown or Acton (check 2026 dates). Halton parades
- Shop small in downtown Georgetown and Acton.
- Visit Toronto Premium Outlets for holiday bargain shopping on a big outlet scale.
- Cut your own tree at a farm in the surrounding countryside. Christmas tree farms near Toronto
- Skate or toboggan at local parks when there’s ice and snow.
- Take a winter hike at Terra Cotta, Limehouse or other conservation areas along the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail. Winter hikes
A Halton Hills day trip
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | A winter walk at a conservation area |
| Lunch | Downtown Georgetown |
| Afternoon | Shopping on Main Street or at Toronto Premium Outlets |
| Evening | A tree farm visit or a parade, depending on the date |
Halton Hills at Christmas: FAQ
How far is Georgetown from Toronto? About 45 minutes to an hour by car, or about an hour on GO Transit’s Kitchener line.
Is there a Santa Claus parade in Georgetown? Yes, Georgetown and Acton both have community parades. Check local listings for 2026 dates.
More: Christmas in Halton Region · Milton Christmas events
Why visit Halton Hills at Christmas?
Halton Hills offers a quieter, small-town alternative to the busy holiday scene in Toronto and the larger GTA suburbs. You’ll find friendly community parades, independent shops instead of big malls, and rolling countryside along the Niagara Escarpment that looks especially beautiful under a blanket of snow. It’s an easy outing for families who want a relaxed festive day with a bit of nature, local shopping and a cozy lunch, all within an hour of downtown Toronto. Combine it with Milton or Brampton for a fuller day of events.
Getting there
Georgetown is on the Kitchener GO line; Acton GO station is served on the same line. By car, Georgetown is about 45 minutes from downtown Toronto.
