Christmas in Halton Hills is filled with magic and enchantment! There is plenty to do and see from soaking in the colouful light displays and shopping artisan goods, to enjoying a hot cup of cocoa after walking pristine snow covered trails. Read below for our roundup of the best places to visit and things to do for the holiday season in Halton Hills!

Light Up The Hills

Showcasing over 100,000 sparkling lights and growing, the Light Up the Hills Festival has been a fixture in Georgetown, Acton and Glen Williams for over 15 years. The annual display is free to all at at Dominion Gardens Park in Georgetown, Shelagh Law Parkette in Glen Williams, and Acton Sports Park in Acton. This annual festival of lights kicks off on December 1st and runs through to mid January. Don’t miss ignition night at Dominion Gardens Park in Georgetown and visit the “tree of hope”.

Things to do: walking trails, light displays

Breakfast with Santa

Perfect for little ones who need a bit of extra time to warm up to Santa, enjoy some intimate time with the big guy over pancakes, eggs and sausage! Hosted by the Optimists Club of Halton Hills, this annual event usually sells out early.

Downtown Acton

Downtime Acton comes alive with the spirit of the holidays as the Santa Claus parade rolls through downtown, and Heritage Acton hosts their annual town hall Christmas market as well as a “stuffed stockings” auction that offers a different kind of holiday shopping!

Things to do: Santa Claus parade, holiday markets, auction

Downtown Georgetown

Throughout the holiday season Georgetown is buzzing with craft and artisan markets, from the annual Christmas Market hosted by the Georgetown Farmers Market to the annual Credit Valley Artisans Christmas Sale. The Santa Claus parade is always a hit as it rolls through not only the downtown area, but along Guelph Street and all the way to the fairgrounds.

Things to do: Santa Claus parade, holiday markets, shopping

Glen Williams & Williams Mill

An absolute MUST VISIT during the holidays, the picturesque hamlet of Glen Williams nestled on the banks of the Credit River! For a weekend in Decemeber, visitors can grab a funnel cake and hot drink, and browse through the shops of the 22 artists in residence at the Williams Mill Christmas Market, plus shop guest vendors and a Kids Market showcasing up and coming talents! On Sunday, the whole area becomes a bustling Christmas haven, as Main Street is lined with vendors and local business participate in Christmas in The Glen!

Things to do: shopping, food and drinks, bonfire, walking trail, art studios, restaurants

Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing

With the right gear, hiking through the forests and fields of Halton Hills after a fresh snowfall can be truly magical! Always be sure you are dressed appropriately and have the proper equipment before you venture out in snowy and icy conditions. Here is a roundup of our favourite winter hiking and snowshoeing trails:

• Scotsdale Farm – Scotsdale Farm is home to some of Ontario’s oldest trees, a heritage farm with an old barn and farm buildings, and 531 acres to explore! While a portion of the main path is generally easy to navigate in winter, all other trails will require proper footwear such as snow shoes or cleats.
• Hungry Hollow Trail – A hidden gem right in the middle of Georgetown that is a true wonder enjoyed by locals year round! Bisecting the town from east to west, the trails are a mix of flat gravel, hilly packed dirt, and boardwalks. Trails are unmaintained during winter and require sturdy footwear to navigate.
• Speyside Trail – This quiet out and back again trail between Milton and Halton Hills is perfect for those who want to avoid the busier trails for a more private experience. The unmaintained route can be narrow in parts and is very rocky, so sturdy footwear and cleats are a must in winter and expect a lot of mud after a melt.
• Terra Cotta Conservation Area – A must visit for snowshoers of all levels, this large conservation area offers multiple wide flat trails, and is also a great pace for cross-country skiing. During the coldest months, skate on the frozen surface of Wolf Lake!

Things to do: hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, skating, bird watching

Young and old alike can truly enjoy the magic of Christmas while enjoying the best places to visit and things to do for the holiday season in Halton Hills! Interested in exploring outside of Halton Hills? Check out our list for the best places to visit and things to do for the holiday season in Erin!