Just north of Toronto, Vaughan has some of the biggest Christmas attractions in the GTA, from Canada’s Wonderland’s WinterFest to a glowing forest trail and the historic village of Kleinburg.
Vaughan Christmas highlights 2026
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Select nights, Nov 21 – Jan 3 | Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest | 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive |
| Mon, Nov 30, 10:15 a.m. | CPKC Holiday Train | Nashville Road crossing near the Old Grain Elevator, Kleinburg |
| Late Nov – Dec (2026 dates TBA) | Magical Christmas Forest | Kortright Centre for Conservation |
| TBA (late Nov in 2025) | Santafest Parade | Maple to Vaughan City Hall |
| Early December | Kleinburg tree lighting | Kleinburg village |
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
The biggest holiday light festival in the GTA outside Toronto: millions of lights, shows, food and select rides on select nights from November 21 to January 3. WinterFest guide
Magical Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre
The Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan turns its forest trails into an illuminated evening walk with Santa visits, bonfires and cookie decorating. In 2025 it ran on select evenings from late November to December 23 (weeknights 5 to 9 p.m., Sundays 3 to 8 p.m.), with tickets around $32 to $38. Watch for 2026 dates.
Santafest Parade
Vaughan revived its Santa Claus parade in 2025 for the first time since 2019, running from Springside Road and Melville Avenue in Maple to Vaughan City Hall on Major Mackenzie Drive, with park-and-walk lots nearby. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced. York Region parades
Kleinburg
The historic village of Kleinburg lines its main street with wreaths and lights and traditionally holds a Christmas tree lighting in early December. Stop for hot chocolate in the village and a winter walk on the trails around the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Christmas in Kleinburg
Woodbridge and Italian Christmas
Woodbridge is the heart of the GTA’s Italian community, with bakeries selling panettone and seafood shops busy before the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Italian Christmas in Toronto
Shopping
Vaughan Mills is one of the GTA’s biggest outlet malls and a popular Boxing Day destination. Boxing Day sales
A Vaughan Christmas day out
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Stroll Kleinburg’s village and visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection |
| Lunch | Kleinburg cafés or Woodbridge’s Italian restaurants |
| Afternoon | Shop at Vaughan Mills or browse Woodbridge bakeries for panettone |
| Evening | WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland, or the Magical Christmas Forest |
Vaughan for families
- WinterFest: lights, rides, shows and skating. WinterFest
- The Magical Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre, a festive trail through the woods.
- Santafest Parade: a community Santa Claus parade. York Region parades
- Santa at Vaughan Mills and other malls. Santa photos near Toronto
- Outdoor skating and tobogganing at local parks, weather permitting.
Woodbridge’s Italian Christmas
Woodbridge is home to one of the largest Italian communities in Canada. In December, its bakeries, delis and restaurants are full of panettone, torrone, struffoli and seafood for the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes. It’s a great place to shop for an Italian Christmas. See Italian Christmas in Toronto.
Getting around Vaughan
Line 1 of the subway runs to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, and YRT buses connect to many destinations. For most attractions, including Kleinburg and the Kortright Centre, a car is easiest. Check road conditions and parking information before visiting busy events like WinterFest.
Vaughan Christmas events: FAQ
What’s the biggest Christmas event in Vaughan? WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland.
Is Kleinburg worth visiting at Christmas? Yes. Its historic village and the McMichael gallery make a lovely winter outing. Kleinburg at Christmas
Getting there
Line 1 reaches Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; the Barrie GO line stops at Maple and Rutherford. Driving from downtown Toronto takes 30 to 45 minutes via Highway 400.
More: Christmas in York Region · Christmas events near Toronto
