If you ask us, the holidays are a time to treat yourself! Whether that’s to a high-end dining experience that goes from farm to table, the perfect Christmas tree complete with time on a farm or even just to a cheeky holiday bevy, there’s no better place than Ontario. Check out these three destinations for the best in show.
- Guelph-Wellington
- Durham Region
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
Making Spirits Bright in Guelph-Wellington
If you like your holiday dining with a dash of charm, a sprinkle of countryside magic and maybe a little frosting of snow, Guelph-Wellington’s got you covered. This region does cozy better than anyone. Think twinkle lights, good craft beer and enough local flavour to make even the most jaded city foodie grin.
Whether you’re sipping something mulled at a Christmas market or learning to flambé without setting off the smoke alarm, Guelph-Wellington serves up experiences that are as heartwarming as they are delicious.
Eliott’s Tree Farm
Where: 9467 E Garafraxa Erin Townline, Hillsburgh, ON (View Map)
Part Christmas-card backdrop, part culinary delight, Eliott’s Tree Farm turns the simple act of choosing a tree into a full-day outing. Between the scent of pine and the sound of crunching snow, you’ll find homemade treats and warm drinks that make the experience truly magical. Grab a hot chocolate, snack on something sweet at the on-site Horse Barn Canteen, and let the holiday spirit work its magic.
Starting November 15th, not only can you cut-your-own tree but you can enjoy a hike through the farm’s sugarbush trails, shop the heritage fit barn, meet Santa (special dates only) and take part in some holiday photo opps like the elfmobile and Santa’s airplane!
Psst! Looking for a great gift for the person that has it all? Grab tickets for their 2026 Maple Experience (starting in February) and you’ll save $5 per ticket!
Woolen Mill Kitchen Cooking Classes
Where: 24 Woolen Mill Ln, Erin, ON (View Map)
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Nothing says holiday cheer like learning to cook something extraordinary. At Woolen Mill Kitchen in Erin, you can roll up your sleeves and master new skills in a hands-on, laughter-filled environment. Whether you’re whipping up holiday pastries or perfecting your pasta game, you’ll leave with full bellies, happy hearts, and maybe a few flour smudges on your sweater.
This holiday season, their Holiday Creativity class combines art and food (which we also consider art for the record) into one great class! You’ll craft one-of-a-kind art cards with locally-foraged inks and create some edible holiday gifts like homemade granola, chocolate truffles, festive chutneys and even handmade crackers!
The Bearded Barista Christmas Café in Rockwood
Where: 104 Main St S UNIT A, Rockwood, ON (View Map)
Run by caffeine wizards, The Bearded Barista Christmas Cafe in Rockwood celebrates the holidays year-round but of course, at Christmas, they step things up a notch. The space is decked out with twinkle lights, holiday tunes and the smell of freshly roasted coffee that could revive even the weariest holiday shopper.
Expect seasonal drinks like their signature white chocolate and peppermint Liquid Candy Cane, salted caramel hot chocolate and apple cider. All season long you can also look forward to events like Donut Fridays and event craft nights!
Treat Yourself to a Holidate Out
Drayton Chop House, Drayton
Where: 41 Wellington St N, Drayton, ON (View Map)
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After a long day of winter hiking, picking a tree or perhaps some particularly intense holiday shopping, cozying up at the Drayton Chop House is always a good idea.
For a classic holiday dinner with flair, Drayton Chop House delivers. Think sizzling pork schnitzel, juicy burgers and the kind of desserts that require zero restraint. Salted caramel cheesecake, anyone?
The cozy yet unassuming dining room is ideal for family dinners or a night out with friends. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, and you’ll be toasting to the season in style.
Réunion Bistro, Morriston
Where: 42 Queen St, Morriston, ON (View Map)
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Step into this wee French bistro for a modern yet cozy twist to your holidays. Perfect for a holidate, this spot specializes in refined European fare like their Crepes Bourbon with caramelized apples and smoked bacon and croque mademoiselle with French loaf bread by day.
At night, cozy up in their basement speakeasy for live music and savoury dishes like barbacoa beef tacos and vegan Cambodian amok. Ready for dessert? Grab a crepe au citron with two forks or a mousse au chocolat for something decadent!
Tapavino Wine & Tapas Bar, Fergus
Where: 216 St Andrew St W, Fergus, ON (View Map)
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If the words “wine and tapas” make your heart skip a beat, Tapavino will sweep you off your feet. The menu encourages sharing, which is a polite way of saying you can sample a little of everything. Order a spread of small plates like their British style potato salad, chicken and Ontario whiskey paté and Spanish style meatballs and dive in! After all, it’s the holidays!
Festive Events
November 15: Window Wonderland in Erin
Get in on classic, small-town Ontario fun with Window Wonderland in Erin! On November 15, enjoy a tree lighting ceremony down town followed by warm drinks (hot chocolate, anyone?), window display reveals and an evening of shopping as stores open late! You may even see a certain magic gentleman in red if you’re lucky!
November 28 + 29: Christmas Market at the Wellington County Museum and Archives
Ring in the holiday season at the Wellington County Museum and Archives with a Christmas Market! You can expect handmade market items, live entertainment and some tasty eats along the way from the likes of Ish and Chips and Pabla’s Street Food of India among others. On Friday, get your hands messy as you make candles, decorate cookies and make some new alpaca friends with the folks from Harmony Meadows.
December 7: Nordic Market in Puslinch
Inspired by traditional European markets, the Nordic Market in Puslinch brings together food, crafts, and winter cheer. You can wander from stall to stall sampling pastries, sipping mulled wine, and discovering local treasures. Bundle up, bring your appetite, and enjoy an experience that feels straight out of Scandinavia—without leaving Ontario.
Unique Dining Experiences in Durham Region
Durham Region is known for its mix of big-city buzz and small-town charm, and nowhere does that show up more deliciously than in its restaurants. Here’s where to pull up a chair and toast to the holidays.
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Mansion Kitchen and Bar (Pickering)
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Le Bulgogi (Ajax)
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The Springwood (Whitby)
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Avanti Trattoria (Oshawa)
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Three Six Kitchen (Bowmanville)
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Pickles & Olives Bistro (Port Perry)
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Nest (Uxbridge)
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Stefano’s Bistro (Beaverton)
Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Peller Estates
- Terroir Bistro
- Treadwell
- Noble
- Budapest Bakeshop
- Southbrook