It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner, but trust us: it sneaks up faster than you might think! Our tip for making the best of the holidays in Ontario is to plan a few must-try festive activities and leave some space in your itinerary to explore new places and enjoy delicious bites along the way.
Today, we’re sharing our guide to holiday adventures in three downtown destinations across Ontario, so all you have to do is pick the one you’d like to visit and leave the rest to us!
Ready to get in on the festive fun? Keep scrolling or click below to jump directly to a specific destination:
- A Winter Wonderland in Downtown Whitby
- Holiday Fun in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
- Festive Days in 3 London Neighbourhoods
A Winter Wonderland in Downtown Whitby
Located about an hour east of Toronto, Downtown Whitby is a charming hub that is home to an eclectic mix of businesses! It’s the perfect spot to do a little shopping and soak up some festive vibes.
No day in Whitby is complete without stops at some of the many restaurants and cafés in town. Here’s how to plan your perfect day:
1. Fuel up at one of Whitby’s many cafes
If coffee (or hot chocolate) is a non-negotiable, we’ve got you covered! Here are some cool cafés to check out in Downtown Whitby.
Belle Vie Cafe and Bakery
Where: 117 Brock St N, Whitby, ON (View map)
Belle Vie is a café, bakery and brunch spot that bakes their flaky French artisanal pastries fresh everyday. The Whitby location recently moved into a larger space on Brock St., so there’s lots of room to sit and enjoy your coffee break. The selection of quiches are perfect for a light lunch on the go.
Jacked Up Coffee
Where: 132 Brock St N, Whitby, ON (View map)
Jacked Up launched in 2015 as a coffee truck operating out of a vintage 1965 Citroën truck. Today, they have three locations in Toronto along with the roastery and café on Brock St. in Whitby. The flat white is owner Jack Provan’s favourite item on the menu: the silky smooth milk and deep syrupy espresso makes for a delicious cup of coffee!
The Souk
Where: 124 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON (View map)
The Souk is an ethical café and marketplace featuring local home-based and newcomer businesses. Their drinks and pastries feature classic Middle Eastern flavours such as rose, pistachio, and honey. The Turkish coffee is a must-try for coffee lovers!
Brock St. Espresso
Where: 131 Brock St S, Whitby, ON (View map)
Ready for a little break? Brock St. Espresso is a beautiful, light-filled space with vintage touches and delicious espresso drinks made with beans from Propeller Coffee Co. in Toronto. Pair your coffee with a sweet pastry, savoury empanada, or even a scoop of Death in Venice gelato.
8-Bit Beans
Where: 100 Brock St S, Whitby, ON (View map)
8-Bit Beans is more than a café: it’s also a classic arcade with pinball machines, gaming consoles, and over 20 classic arcade cabinets! The food menu features nostalgic treats like gourmet hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and snack cakes. Grab a specialty latte and a few game tokens and get ready to set a new Pac-Man high score!
Marito’s Coffee & Things
Where: 105 Mary St W, Whitby, ON (View map)
Marito’s Coffee & Things is a Filipino-owned boutique coffee shop located in downtown Whitby. This charmingly quaint spot offers an exceptional high tea experience that includes scones with clotted cream & jam, finger sandwiches, macarons, and a range of teas, all served on beautiful vintage dishes. Enjoy this refined experience weekly from Tuesday to Sunday.
2. Stop for lunch or dinner in Downtown Whitby
Whitby’s food scene is thriving! Whether you’re craving tacos, pizza, or something more upscale, you’re sure to find it in Downtown Whitby. Here are some picks to get you started:
KB Food
Where: 120 Brock St N, Whitby, ON (View map)
KB is a fresh, playful, and innovative dining option in Whitby. The menu is a market-driven daily creation that is informed by the seasons and showcases the best in local, sustainable ingredients. You’ll find wines by the glass and fresh, local beers on tap. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
12welve Bistro
Where: 244 Brock St S, Whitby, ON (View map)
12welve Bistro is an upscale pub and bistro in downtown Whitby. The menu features classic dishes such as steak, seafood, pasta and pub fare. 12welve Bistro shares a space with Brock Street Brewing Company and you can find their beers on tap. Enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere from Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Surf Kitchen
Where: 116 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON (View map)
Winter weather got you down? Step into Surf Kitchen and soak up the SoCal vibes! Snack on small plates, tacos and craft cocktails in a bright and funky space. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
Lloyd’s Lunchbox
Where: 111 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON (View map)
Lloyd’s is a fun twist on a classic diner located right in the heart of downtown Whitby! Inside, the decor is a quirky blend of vintage lunchboxes and 80’s VHS movies playing in the background. On the menu, you’ll find cold and hot sandwiches to please everyone in your group. Lloyd’s is known for their Chicago beef dip sandwich made entirely from scratch (including the giardiniera pickles!). Make it a combo with a classic pickled egg for the perfect midday break. Open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday.
Antonio’s Italian Deli & Grocery
Where: 105 Byron St S, Whitby, ON (View map)
Antonio’s is an old-school Italian deli: think hot veal sandwiches, lasagna, and espresso served in tiny ceramic cups. Stock up on heat-and-serve dishes to get you through the holidays, or shop for Italian classics like panettone and cannoli. Antonio’s also offers catering trays, making this the perfect stop if you’re in charge of the office holiday party! Closed on Sundays.
Tuscan Wolf Pizzeria
Where: 110 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON (View map)
Tuscan Wolf Pizzeria serves classic pies dreamed up by Founder & Chef Marco Caveglia, who grew up in the Tuscany region of Italy and has been honing his craft from an early age. Try one of their many delicious pizzas or opt for the Olimpo, a half-pizza, half-calzone creation that is as delicious as it is unique! Open daily.
Portobello Road
Where: 118 Athol St, Whitby, ON (View map)
Portobello Road is a plant-based fine dining establishment located just two blocks east of Brock & Dundas in Downtown Whitby. They focus on community, sustainability and culinary excellence in everything they do. Portobello Road offers à la carte dining, prepared meals for pick-up in store, sourdough pizza nights, and intimate supper club experiences on a rotating basis. Hours and availability shift from week to week, so the best thing to do is to check their Instagram to avoid missing out. (Hint: If the mushroom light in the window is on, they have tables available!)
3. Enjoy festive events & shopping galore
Looking for some activities to round out your day in Whitby? Here are some holiday events to add to your calendar:
The Downtown Whitby BIA’s Annual Christmas Market
When: Friday, November 15 from 5-10pm and Saturday, November 16 from 10am-8pm
Where: Celebration Square (outside the Whitby Public Library), 405 Dundas St. W., Whitby ON (View map)
This event is perfect for friends and families to come together and celebrate the holiday spirit. Walk through the brightly-lit market with great local vendors, enjoy tasty food from the best in the Durham Region, take photos with Santa, and join in on all the fun holiday activities! This event is free and open to all ages. Bring a reusable bag for your purchases.
Can’t make it to the market? Not to worry — the holiday tree and lights at Celebration Square are available to enjoy throughout the season.
Whitby Lights the Night
When: Friday November 22, 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Whitby Civic Park (just a short drive from Downtown Whitby), 555 Rossland Road East, Whitby ON (View map)
Spectacular illuminations transform Whitby Civic Park as the town kicks off the festive season! Shop the Holiday Market, enjoy live music and activities including cookie decorating, maple taffy, seasonal photo ops, a trolley ride, jugglers, Santa and more. Food vendors will be on site for a quick bite, or you can visit one of Whitby’s great restaurants before attending.
Downtown Whitby will also be hosting various seasonal events, like Breakfast with Santa at local restaurants and holiday workshops through the month of November. Check out the Events Calendar to see what’s on!
Holiday Shopping in Downtown Whitby
Looking for unique gifts? Check out the clothing and accessories at Vintage 905 or stop by Words on Wood and B/A Vintage for one-of-a-kind home decor pieces, or visit Unique Town Boutique to choose the perfect gift from over 70 makers and other great shops at the Promenade of Whitby. For the beer lover on your holiday shopping list, don’t miss the Brock Street Brewery tasting room and store, which is full of great gifts and beer advent calendars.
Holiday Fun in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Peterborough & the Kawarthas is an exciting region to visit during the holiday season! Peterborough is a vibrant yet laid-back city with a bustling food scene, while the surrounding area is known as the Kawarthas, a biodiverse region rife with forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes that serves at the gateway to Ontario’s cottage country. The rich agricultural lands in the county are a key ingredient in the region’s local food scene, and it’s the perfect way to get a taste of place this holiday season.
This region makes for a weekend getaway from Toronto or Ottawa. Ready to get on the road? Here are some stops for your itinerary:
1. Warm up with coffee and treats
The holiday season calls for a warm beverage and a sweet treat, and these spots have you covered:
Dreams of Beans
Where: 141 Charlotte St, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Dreams of Beans is a community-focused cafe that has recently relocated to a bigger space in downtown Peterborough. The cafe is in the process of getting certified as a living wage employer and the team gives back to the neighborhood through different initiatives, including a pay-it-forward program. Check their Instagram for menu updates and upcoming events!
The Silver Bean Cafe
Where: 2077 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Silver Bean Cafe’s waterfront location in Millennium Park closes after Thanksgiving, but their new location in the Canadian Canoe Museum is open year-round (no admission fee required!). Stop in for brunch or lunch, and don’t forget to order a butter tart for a little sweet treat before heading out for more festive fun!
Hard Winter Bakery
Where: 133 Hunter St E, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Hard Winter Bakery is a neighbourhood sourdough bakery located in East City Peterborough. Owners Jess & Graham and their dedicated team of bakers turn out 100% sourdough loaves that have been fermented for 24 hours to develop the flavour. Their laminated pastries are made from scratch using all butter and house-made creams and fillings. The shop is full of treats and goods that are perfect for gifting, including jams, cookbooks, biscotti, and lots more.
2. Enjoy a cozy meal with friends
Tis the season for catching up with friends and loved ones. Here are a few great places to do just that:
Love You, Mean It
Where: 135 Hunter St W, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Nestled in the heart of downtown Peterborough, Love You, Mean It offers a dining experience that blends the casual comfort of a neighbourhood eatery with the refined elegance of a fine dining establishment. On the menu, you’ll find lots of interesting dishes that are perfect for sharing, like gochujang chicken wings and duck pastrami. Don’t skip the focaccia from Hard Winter Bakery – you might need a second order to keep everyone happy!
Soupcon
Where: 187 Charlotte St, Peterborough, ON (View map)
The weather is getting colder and, as George Costanza might say, we’re shifting into soup mode. With a rotating menu of soups on offer every day, Soupcon is the perfect place to warm up during a weekday shopping trip. Note: this spot is open Monday-Friday and it’s cash only.
La Mesita
Where: 247 George St N, Peterborough, ON (View map)
La Mesita is bringing the flavours of Mexico to Peterborough! The chef uses local ingredients and Mexican spices and salsas to craft classic tacos, fajitas, and more. Feeling adventurous? Grab a few friends and order the taco roulette platter, where one of the tacos is topped with Chef Martin’s Inferno Salsa.
Kettle Drums
Where: 224 Hunter St W, Peterborough, ON (View map)
You’ll find a mix of classic and modern dishes on offer at Kettle Drums, an upscale spot in downtown Peterborough. They work with fresh, local ingredients to prepare a menu that is chock full of crowd-pleasing favourites like seafood chowder, pasta, burgers and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
3. Do some holiday shopping
Got a few names left on your holiday shopping list? Check out these great shops in Peterborough:
The Canadian Canoe Museum Gift Shop
Where: 2077 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough, ON (View map)
The Canadian Canoe Museum stewards the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft – they have more than 600 items in their collection! They recently reopened the museum in a beautiful new facility on the Peterborough waterfront. When you’re done touring the exhibits, head to the gift shop to check out the range of clothing, books, and unique creations by local, Canadian, and Indigenous artists. Can’t make it in-person? The shop is also available online.
The Neighbourhood Vintage
Where: 391 Water St, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Established in 2022, The Neighbourhood Vintage carries cool, high-quality vintage gems sourced by their collective of local vendors. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a trendy friend or want to wow your colleagues at this year’s holiday party, you’re sure to find a new treasure to take home! Closed on Mondays.
Cozy | Home, Lifestyle + Gift Shoppe
Where: 183 Charlotte St, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Cozy stocks a range of handmade, repurposed, and new home decor and goods to suit everyone’s style! It’s the perfect place to find a few unique gifts or stocking stuffers for your favourite people.
Living Local Marketplace
Where: 1179 Chemong Rd, Peterborough, ON (View map)
Living Local is a gift box business that showcases and supports artisans and small businesses in Peterborough & The Kawarthas. Stop by to choose your items from their selection of handmade, small-batch goods, then have the box shipped to the Canadian destination of your choice. This is a great way to create unique gifts that will surprise and delight your friends and loved ones.
Festive Days in 3 London Neighbourhoods
London is a large and vibrant metropolitan area in Southwestern Ontario that is known for its beautiful parks and walkable neighbourhoods. During the holiday season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with lots to see and do!
Here are a few perfect ways to spend a day in some of London’s well-known neighborhoods:
Old East Village
Visit the Merry Market at 100 Kellogg Lane
Where: 100 Kellogg Lane, London, ON (View map)
Now in its 5th year, the Merry Market is a classic holiday market where you can shop for gifts, listen to festive music, and explore the holiday decor throughout 100 Kellogg Lane (the old Kellogg’s factory)! You’ll find gifts and goodies from unique small businesses so you can successfully finish (or start) your holiday shopping.
On the second floor, the Eat, Drink and Be Merry Food + Wine Show (19+) is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of food, baked goodies, beverages, and other samples. Check out the live demos and learn how to build your own charcuterie board! The market takes place from Thursday to Sundays in November and December; see website for dates and hours.
Still hungry? 100 Kellogg Lane is home to a number of spots to cozy up for a holiday meal and perhaps a tipple too. The Beer Kitchen offers old-world German-style eats and tank-to-glass beer. The Clubhouse serves up over-the-top pub food and cocktails as you enjoy sport simulator fun and Papi’s Steakhouse is a speakeasy located in the on-site butcher’s walk in freezer (shh, our secret) serving up high-end dinners.
Stock up at the Market at Western Fair District
Where: 900 King Street, London, ON (View map)
Located in the heart of Old East Village, the Market at Western Fair District is home to 100+ shops and food purveyors. The first floor is home to a wide range of produce, baked goods, butchers, artisan delicacies, cheeses, prepared foods and more!
On the second floor, you’ll find unique goods by local craftspeople and artisans, together with an eclectic roster of distinctive and locally handcrafted products, fine jewelry, collectibles and one-of-a-kind services. During the holiday season, you’re sure to find the market boosting with seasonal warm beverages and baked goods among the many other holiday goodies. Open Saturdays from 8am-3pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm.
Experience Unique Dining at Yaya’s Kitchen
Where: 630 Dundas St, London, ON (View map)
Yaya’s Kitchen Pop-up and Supper Club began in owners Maryam & Malvin’s backyard in 2017 and slowly spilled over into the kitchen and dining room. Today, they host weekly pop-ups and supper club events featuring the foods from Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region, with the goal of telling the story of the Black Experience through food.
Yaya’s Kitchen’s Sahel to Soul: A Culinary Experience was also recently added as one of Ontario’s Southwest Signature Experience, a list of one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experiences that showcase all the goodness to be found in the region. Want to get in on the fun? Click here for more information on Yaya’s upcoming events.
Warm up at Unique Food Attitudes
Where: 697 Dundas St, London, ON (View Map)
Old East Village is famous for its Dumpling Trail, a self-guided tour featuring 8 tasty spots, including Unique Food Attitudes. For a great wintertime meal, try their savoury pierogies and other Polish favourites. The Polish poutine, which features pierogies topped with goulash sauce, is a fun Polish-Canadian mashup. They even have a strawberry pierogi plate for dessert!
Wortley Village
Enjoy Christmas in the Village
Where: 179 Wortley Road, London, ON (View map)
Each December, the Old South Community Organization (OSCO) and the Landon Library fill the ValuMart garden centre with more than 300 Christmas trees for sale. OSCO and Landon Library share the proceeds, providing valuable funds for community projects. Christmas in the Village also features festive activities, entertainment, and lots more! On top of that, Wortley’s restaurants and boutiques stay open a little later and go the extra mile to make your experience memorable- think homemade hot cider, live music and more.
The details are yet to be announced; keep an eye on the Old South Business Association/Wortley Village Facebook page for more information as we get closer to the date.
Grab a warm beverage at Sidetrack Cafe
Where: 136 Wortley Rd, London, ON (View map)
Sidetrack Café is a place for community, coffee, and conversation in the heart of Wortley Village. On the menu, you’ll find café classics alongside quirky creations like the Black and Cream, a latte crafted with espresso, 10% cream, and blackberry syrup. Bring an insulated mug to keep your drink hot as you explore the neighbourhood.
Pick up thoughtful gifts from local shops
Wortley Village is home to a number of great local shops, so you can do some holiday shopping and pick up unique goodies for everyone on your list. Try Featherfields for gardening supplies, home decor, and gifts for the bird fanatic in your life, then head to Flux Pottery next door for beautiful, functional pieces for the home and kitchen.
Down the street, Lofthouse Living offers neutral clothing and decor pieces. For a unique holiday party outfit, don’t miss Filthy Rebena, a sustainable clothing shop full of one-of-a-kind thrifted and vintage wardrobe staples.
End the day with a relaxed dinner
The food scene on Wortley Road is as vibrant as it is diverse, so all you need to do is decide what you’re craving! Sagi of Wortley features an Asian fusion menu crafted with local ingredients and served in a funky environment. The nearby Old South Village Pub serves delicious pub classics made fresh in-house with quality ingredients. Finally, Sweet Onion Bistro offers a menu of comforting classics designed to share with friends.
Downtown London
Get into the holiday spirit at Covent Garden’s Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Where: Covent Garden Market 130 King St, London, ON (View map)
The Holly Jolly Holiday Market is a festive extravaganza that takes place in November and December at London’s Covent Garden Market. The market includes food vendors, a Christmas cocktail garden, entertainment, fire pits, and lots more. This all-ages event is fun for the whole family!
For a foodie outing during the holiday season, a Forest City Culinary Experience is just the ticket! Their guided tours of the market allow guests to meet specialty food vendors, farmers and artisans and sample their wares. This is a great way to learn about the local culinary landscape and discover new market vendors.
Meet up with pals for holiday drinks
Beerlab! London (soon to be Supply & Demand Beer & Pizza)
Where: 420 Talbot St Unit 3, London, ON (View Map)
Beerlab! has been brewing up small-batch craft beer for over 5 years, and they’re currently in the process of expanding their operations to include a full-service restaurant dedicated to pizza! Until then, it’s a perfect place to enjoy freshly-brewed craft beer. Their offerings change with the seasons, so check out the tap list to see what’s available.
Fitzray’s Restaurant
Where: 110 Dundas St, London, ON (View map)
Located just around the corner from Covent Garden Market, Fitzray’s is a friendly spot for dinner and cocktails. Enjoy trivia nights, live music, and more in a quaint and casual atmosphere.
Catch up with friends over dinner
Pizzeria Madre
Where: 320 Thames St #106, London, ON (View map)
Located near London’s Ivey Park, Pizzeria Madre serves a menu of naturally-leavened pizzas available for dine-in or takeout. This upscale pizzeria is a great place to catch up with friends over a few pies. Check out their Instagram for mouthwatering weekly features and specials.
Abruzzi Ristorante
Where: 119 King St, London, ON (View map)
Abruzzi Ristorante serves Italian-inspired cuisine crafted with a commitment to using local and sustainable foods. They work with local farmers and growers to source products that highlight the bounty of Ontario’s Southwest. The wine list is ever-changing and features bottles from interesting newcomers, old-world classics, local wines from Niagara, and other small-production regions and winemakers from across the globe.
The Tasting Room
Where: 483 Richmond St, London, ON (View map)
The Tasting Room is a vibrant, low-lit bar and restaurant offering pasta, meat & seafood dishes, and lots of appetizers to share. Order wine by the glass or try their famous wine flight with four different wines so you can find your new favourite!
