8 enchanting Christmas towns less than 2 hours from Toronto for a magical weekend getaway

You don't need to travel to the North Pole in order to enjoy some Christmas magic. There are so many enchanting towns near Toronto where you can spend a weekend soaking up holiday cheer.With glittering streets, cozy shops and festive events, these towns and villages are dreamy spots for a weekend getaway during the Christmas season and are less than 2 hours from the city.Here are eight Christmas towns near Toronto where you can plan a festive weekend escape.Niagara-on-the-LakeSee on InstagramAddress: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONWhy You Need To Go: The historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake transforms into an "authentic Christmas village" each holiday season and it's a magical spot for a weekend getaway. From the endless decor to the Candlelight Stroll and holiday markets, you'll feel like you've stepped into a scene from a Christmas card at this spot.Niagara-on-the-Lake WebsiteStratfordSee on InstagramAddress: Stratford, ONWhy You Need To Go: This destination has streets brimming with holiday cheer, cozy inns and drool-worthy restaurants, making it an enchanting spot for a Christmas vacay. You can explore the Christmas Trail, check out the holiday markets, see a lights festival and more.Destination Stratford WebsiteInnisfilSee on InstagramAddress: Innisfil, ONWhy You Need To Go: This cozy lakeside town is a peaceful Christmas escape. You can check out the European-inspired Gilford Wintermarkt or head to Friday Harbour for glittering decor, photo ops, festive treats and more. Experience Simcoe County WebsiteSt. Jacobs VillageSee on InstagramAddress: St. Jacobs Village, ONWhy You Need To Go: You'll be whisked away to Europe while exploring this beautiful Christmas town near Toronto. St. Jacobs Village is full of dazzling streets and you can enjoy the St. Jacobs Sparkles event and head to a twinkly holiday market experience at St. Jacobs Farmers' Market.St. Jacobs Village WebsitePort PerrySee on InstagramAddress: Port Perry, ONWhy You Need To Go: If you're looking for a quiet weekend getaway during the holiday season, you may want to plan a trip to his quaint lakeside town.Port Perry has served as the backdrop for several Hallmark films and features Christmas shopping opportunities, parades, markets and lots of festive cheer.Port Perry BIA WebsiteEloraSee on InstagramAddress: Elora, ONWhy You Need To Go: You can spend the Christmas season in "Ontario's most beautiful village." Elora comes alive with twinkling lights that make it look like a holiday fairy tale. You can explore the sparkling local shops, get pampered at the Elora Mill and visit the Christmas Market.Elora WebsiteBlue Mountain VillageSee on InstagramWhen: November 16 to January 5, 2024Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ONWhy You Need To Go: This pedestrian village transforms into a dazzling wonderland each Christmas season for the Holiday Magic at Blue event.The attraction features an illuminated trail, snow-covered forests, Christmas shopping and more.Blue Mountain Village WebsiteUxbridgeSee on InstagramAddress: Uxbridge, ONWhy You Need To Go: This cozy little town is brimming with festive cheer. You can follow the Holiday Trail around the twinkling streets, visit a lights festival and enjoy a Christmas home tour.Discover Uxbridge WebsiteBefore 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.