Time to bust out your mittens, crank that holiday playlist, and dust off those festive mugs – the holiday season is officially underway! If you’re anything like us, the holidays always sneak up on you and then fly by way too fast. There’s so much to do and SO little time.
In the interest of making the most out of the holidays this year, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite festive activities among the four regions we operate in. Check out what’s available near you and get ready to join in on the festivities!
Ottawa
The Ottawa Christmas Market is a can’t-miss holiday experience for our capital city residents. Running for four consecutive weekends beginning on November 26th, this incredible gathering of local makers and small businesses draws tens of thousands of spectators every year. Eat, drink, shop (local), and be merry – it’s not one to miss!
Next up, gather your group and load into the car – the Magic of Lights festival has returned! For a fun evening out with your little ones (or literally anyone who wants to be dazzled by the display – who can blame you!), head over to Wesley Clover Parks in the West End of Ottawa for this stunning drive-through holiday lights display beginning Friday, November 19th.
Montreal
For an immersive, interactive, festive experience this winter, we recommend our Montreal residents and visitors alike to check out Luminotherapie in the Quartier des Spectacles. A collection of stunning and unique art installations will leave you in awe, with stimulating sounds and sights. This spectacular display begins December 2nd, running all the way until the end of February.
Vancouver
For a truly unique holiday experience, you’ve got to head over to Fly Over Canada’s fully immersive indoor flying simulation, Soar with Santa. Yea – you read that right. Indoor flying simulation … with Santa Claus. Grab tickets to this one-of-a-kind activity before they’re gone, as the festive fun only runs from December 9th to January 3rd and you don’t want to miss your chance to fly to the North Pole this holiday season.
If heights aren’t quite your thing (even if it IS a simulation), stay on your feet at the Vancouver Christmas Market – officially back this year following a brief hiatus! Held at Jack Poole Plaza daily from November 13th right up until December 24th, this fun festival boasts not only 80+ local vendors but also offers amazing eats, lights, and activities throughout the season. You can shop small, handmade local businesses for everyone on your list while enjoying a fun and festive day out!
South Western Ontario
This is a tough list to make, because we’re proud to have residents all throughout South Western Ontario, from Guelph to Toronto and just about everywhere in between! We’ve chosen a few great holiday events to highlight but be sure to check out what’s going on in your own area if these are too far of a trek!
This first one is an absolute can’t miss – Oakville is hosting a FREE holiday scavenger hunt downtown. Scan a QR code and get to sleuthing. You’ll collect 8 festive characters hidden at various locations across the city, all for your shot at winning $1000 of holiday spending money. Prize aside, this event is incredibly unique and a guaranteed good time for all ages. Grab your best pals and your magnifying glasses, because the hunt is ON from November 20th to January 5th!
If you’re not really in the mood to play Sherlock Holmes, have no fear! Over in Hamilton, there’s a great event series for those more crafty, less sleuth-y among us. Join Juniper Floral and their team throughout the holiday season for a Garland Making Workshop, with food and beverages included! This event may come at a higher price point than some others on this list but allows you to head home with a stunning, handmade centerpiece at the end of the evening. Learn a new skill and enjoy this activity as a great holiday date night or a fun outing with friends.
Whether you’re trying something new or sticking to tradition this year, let us know how you spend your holiday season! If these events piqued your interest or if you’ve got others in mind that we shouldn’t miss, drop a comment below. Plus, if you’re searching for a new home in any of the four regions listed above then be sure to check out our rental listings in those areas!
Happy holidays, from the CLV and InterRent REIT team.
