If you haven’t made your way to Elora, Ontario yet this winter, this is me telling you to do so immediately. Known as the province’s most beautiful village, Elora is hosting an incredible and free-to-attend Village of Lights winter pop-up from now until March 16, 2025.
Following the massive success of the Elora Christmas Market, Elora Village of Lights runs Friday to Sunday from noon until 8 p.m., featuring après ski village installations, a free pop-up skating rink, live bagpipe bands, and Highland dancers and figure skaters, ski-town-inspired food and drink stations, and cozy public fire tables.
Here’s everything to know before you go.
Getting to Elora, Ontario
If you’re travelling to Elora from Toronto or the GTA, the drive is just a quick 90-minute road trip.
The village is situated in Wellington County and is nestled along the gorgeous Grand River. If you’re just heading over for the day and need parking, there is a paid parking area at Metcalfe Street and Clyde Street. This parking lot is just a quick stroll away from the action, taking you over a pedestrian bridge right to the grand lights hallway, skating rink and other attractions.
What to expect
You’re going to want to get to the Village of Lights early as there’s a day’s worth of festivities to check out!
The skating rink is open Friday to Sunday from noon until 8 p.m., located at The Badley patio (and if you get time, be sure to grab lunch there, the food is incredible). Just note you will need to bring your own skates as there won’t be any rentals.
At noon on Saturdays and Sundays, there are indoor live concerts at the historical Gorge Cinema. Afterwards, stick around the cinema for a free family matinee movie, happening every Saturday and Sunday as well, at 3 p.m.
Once the movie is done, scoot back to The Badley for the 5 p.m. free figuring skating show and kids’ hot chocolate. These 30-minute performances happen Friday to Sunday, put on by local talents featuring free hot chocolate for all kids under the age of eight.
Finally, it’s time for the main event. At 5:55 p.m. each evening, the grand 100,000 lights will switch on at Mill and Main Street accompanied by rotating live performances by local Highland dance teams, bagpipers and more!
Spend the rest of your evening exploring the all-day market. There are plenty of food and drink booths, so make sure you show up with an appetite. The fire tables and the après ski installations make for some adorable photo opportunities, too.
Looking for other recommendations while in Elora? These are a few of my faves.
Sounds like a fabulous weekend (or day trip) awaits, Ontario!
Elora Village of Lights
When: Friday to Sunday, noon until 8 p.m. from now until March 16, 2025
Where: Elora, Ontario
Cost: Free
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