The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Full calendars, year-end deadlines and the pressure to feel festive can make it hard to catch our breath. That is why a day exploring the streets of St. Catharines can feel like a reset. It helps you rediscover the season’s simple joy.
Here, holiday warmth is not only found in twinkle lights or storefront displays. Instead, it shows up in locally crafted goods, cozy cafes, small-batch treats and meaningful community connections that help you feel grounded.
Whether you are easing into the season, treating yourself or searching for locally made gifts, St. Catharines brings together sipping, shopping, savouring and sparkling. So consider this your cue to slow down, breathe in the festive air and wander Niagara the way locals love to do it.
Let us lead the way and help you find the festive spirit in the City of St. Catharines this holiday season.
Start Slow and Cozy at Pique-nique
Where: 166 Russell Ave, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
Start your day at Pique Nique, a neighbourhood cafe and wine bar that celebrates beautiful ingredients and traditional techniques. The space blends retail takeaway and elevated dining, offering the kind of artisanal goods you might tuck into a well-stocked picnic basket.
Handcrafted coffees and seasonal features like their candy cane latte pair well with classics such as their butter croissants or breakfast favourites like the granola bowl, tartines or brioche with butter and jam.
Later in the day the cafe shifts into an inviting wine bar with a thoughtful list of bottles produced by talented winemakers across the Niagara Region which adds another reason to really savour your time at this warm community-focused spot.
Sweeten the Season at Beechwood Donuts
Where: 165 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
No holiday wander is complete without something sweet and Beechwood Donuts delivers joy in every flavourful vegan-friendly bite! As Niagara’s first fully vegan doughnut shop, this downtown favourite has been proving since 2015 that plant-based treats can be just as delicious as they are thoughtful.
Their holiday menu brings extra sparkle to the season with the mulled wine apple fritter made with apples, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom and finished with a mulled wine glaze. The candy cane cake doughnut topped with chocolate peppermint glaze and crushed candy cane adds pepp to your step (get it?). Another favourite is the gingerbread cronut with its flaky airy layers and spiced glaze.
With more festive flavours rotating through the case, it is easy to pick up a single doughnut or a box to share. Either way, it is a sweet way to fuel your stroll.
From here, you are just steps away from the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. It anchors this part of downtown St. Catharines with film screenings, concerts and seasonal performances. The surrounding area is filled with local cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s a natural gathering place for holiday wandering!
Shop Small and Give Thoughtfully at Garden City Essentials
Where: 35 James St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5B9 (View Map)
With your treat in hand, take a short walk to Garden City Essentials. Here, natural skincare, candles and small-batch body care make gifting feel both beautiful and personal. The calm, curated space invites you to slow down and shop with intention.
One favourite find from a recent visit was the lavender honey soap bar. It is long-lasting and handmade using clean, nourishing ingredients. Staff suggest pairing it with a draining soap dish. This simple step helps extend its life.
If you are shopping with a theme in mind, consider the Lake and Oak Tea Co collection. This Hamilton-based maker offers blends that feel especially suited to winter. Their lavender vanilla Earl Grey combines bold black tea with soft floral notes and a creamy vanilla finish. It is a cozy choice for slow mornings or afternoon breaks at home.
Find Calm Among the Shelves at Someday Books
Where: 21 King St Suite B, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
Just steps away, Someday Books offers the quiet magic that only an independent bookstore can provide. The shop is known for its community focus and thoughtful collection of titles which makes browsing feel welcoming and un-rushed.
Take your time looking through new releases, local authors, inspiring cookbooks or the right novel to curl up with during the holidays. It is also a wonderful stop for thoughtful affordable gifts for readers of any age and a place where you can always count on discovering something that sparks curiosity or comfort.
Lunch with Heart at The Twisted Pig
Where: 1 Lock St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
As midday approaches settle in at The Twisted Pig for a cozy lunch that highlights comfort-forward Italian dishes and warm hospitality. Whether you are craving something hearty or lighter fare, the menu offers familiar classics with a twist that will carry you into your afternoon of festive wandering.
They are well known for their wood-fired pizza with creative toppings like the smoked duck pizza finished with olive oil, smoked duck breast, gorgonzola, fior di latte, pickled shallots, hot honey and arugula. If you are in the mood for something more soul warming, consider the lasagna bianco made with layered house made pasta, confit chicken, spinach, bacon with truffle cream and melted provolone.
Treasure Hunting at Thistle Bookshop and Cafe
Where: 50 Lakeport Rd #103, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
Continue the literary adventure at Thistle Bookshop and Cafe, a welcoming indie bookstore in Port Dalhousie that celebrates stories, culture and community. The shop carries a thoughtful selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, local interests and so much more!
Browsing the shelves during the holidays feels nostalgic and inviting with titles that spark curiosity and cozy moments waiting to be taken home to a book lover on your list.
A visit here would not be complete without stopping by their cafe which has become a favourite pick-me-up spot for locals and visitors. The space is fully decorated for the season and the cafe menu is just as festive.
Try their green grinch peppermint white hot chocolate for a playful nod to a classic holiday story or sip on the frosty vanilla white hot chocolate in its cheerful blue hue if your nostalgia leans more toward winter magic. Pair your warm drink with a peppermint sugar cookie bar topped with green icing and sprinkles for an extra dose of holiday cheer.
Sparkle by the Lake with Let It Glow at Rennie Park
Where: 60 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
With a short walk down to Rennie Park you will find Let It Glow, the City of St. Catharines’s holiday light festival that returns for its fourth season of sparkle and joy. Running from Nov. 29 2025, through Jan. 4 2026, the celebration transforms Rennie Park in Port Dalhousie into a winter wonderland filled with brilliant light displays family-friendly activities and plenty of holiday cheer.
Stroll beneath shimmering installations and glowing pathways overlooking Lake Ontario. This is where the festive spirit shines brightest and where you can take a quiet moment to snap a photo or simply enjoy the lights.
The display is best experienced after dark and you can choose how you want to enjoy it, whether as a stop before dinner or as a quick pit stop to end your wandering adventure in St. Catharines before heading home.
A Festive Finale at The District Tapas + Bar
Where: 24 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)
End your day with a delicious dinner at The District Tapas and Bar, a downtown gem with an energetic atmosphere and a menu that encourages you to settle in and have fun. Start with something from their drink menu which is known to be playful and flavour-packed.
We’d recommend starting with the margarita flight for a cheerful way to kick things off with three distinct pours including a spicy tropical blend, classic lime and strawberry that brings a bright lift to any meal.
The kitchen leans into global inspiration with small plates designed for sharing so you can try a little bit of everything. The Bao Mac is a memorable bite with tender beef tucked inside a soft bao bun and layered with house-made seasonings that make it an especially craveable bite.
The Capri ricotta dip is another must-try with its creamy base and vibrant toppings that spread beautifully across warm bread. If you want something a bit heartier, the Not Quite Philly Cheesesteak offers a satisfying mix of spice, melted cheese and pieces of roasted beef that melt in your mouth.
It is a satisfying last stop to your day with flavours that leave you content and ready to carry a little holiday spirit home with you.
Take the Festive Spirit Home
As your day comes to an end you will leave St. Catharines feeling a little lighter and a little brighter. The city has a way of slowing you down and filling the season with simple joys and big flavour to help you find your festive spirit.
