Holiday shopping often means busy malls, crowded stores and not-so merry vibes. If you’re dreading the mall this Christmas season, then you may want to head to one of these enchanting small towns near Toronto instead.
With quaint streets, twinkly shops and festive cheer, these places offer lots of shopping opportunities away from the crowds.
You can enjoy some Christmas magic while checking off your gift list.
Here are eight beautiful small towns near Toronto where you can get your Christmas shopping done.
Collingwood
Address: Collingwood, ON
Why You Need To Go: Collingwood’s historic main street is filled with twinkly shops, cafes and more. It’s a great place to get some holiday shopping done while soaking up festive cheer. You can also pop over to the nearby Blue Mountain Village for more shops and charm.
Town of Collingwood Website
Uxbridge
Address: Uxbridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located just an hour outside of the city, Uxbridge is a cozy spot where you can check off that gift list. On December 6 and 7, the annual Holiday Trail is taking place throughout the downtown with shopping opportunities, photo ops and more.
Discover Uxbridge Website
Port Perry
Address: Port Perry, ON
Why You Need To Go: This real-life Hallmark town is just outside Toronto and has endless shops to explore. You can enjoy warm drinks from the cafes and stroll along the frosty waterfront.
Port Perry BIA Website
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: This “authentic Christmas village” is brimming with enchantment. The sparkling stores dotted around the historic downtown offer unique items and gifts. You can also enjoy several holiday events taking place throughout the season.
Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake Website
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: Dubbed “Ontario’s most beautiful village,” Elora is a magical spot with glowing shops and a new holiday market.
Elora BIA Website
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: With European vibes and a huge selection of local shops, Stratford is worth a holiday road trip. You can follow the Christmas Trail to local businesses throughout the area.
Visit Stratford Website
Picton
Address: Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated in beautiful Prince Edward County, Picton has loads of shops with everything from clothing to books and jewelry. You can enjoy old-world charm and cozy Christmas vibes at this spot.
Picton Website
Bayfield
Address: Bayfield, ON
Why You Need To Go: This lakeside town is a “Hallmark experience” with quaint streets and unique shops. There are tons of stores to explore as well as cafes and bakeries.
Village of Bayfield Website
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
