The holiday season is just around the corner, and Downtown Orillia is ready to bring the magic! From twinkling lights and festive markets to candlelight parades, Christmas shopping, and a visit from the big guy in red himself, there’s plenty of holiday cheer coming your way!

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, because Downtown Orillia is transforming into a festive wonderland filled with holiday traditions, local shopping, delicious treats, and magical memories for the whole family.

Grab your mittens, bundle up, and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

Shop, Sip & Savour at Delicious Days of Christmas!

Friday, November 27 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

What’s better than Christmas shopping? Christmas shopping with delicious food, festive treats, and a little holiday magic!

The team behind the wildly popular Delicious Days of Summer is back with Delicious Days of Christmas, bringing a festive outdoor market to Mississaga Street, across from the Orillia Opera House.

Explore a wonderful selection of food and Christmas-themed vendors, indulge in seasonal favourites, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a bite before the tree lighting or enjoying a festive stroll afterward, this is one holiday stop you won’t want to miss. And guess what? Santa will be stopping by for photos! 🎅

Discover Local Treasures at the Orillia Christmas Market!

Friday, November 27 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 28 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Looking for that perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas gift? We’ve got just the place!

Head indoors to Creative Nomad Studios at 23 Mississaga Street West for the annual Orillia Christmas Market, featuring an incredible collection of talented artisans and local vendors from across the region.

From handcrafted treasures to thoughtful gifts, this festive market is the perfect opportunity to check a few names off your Christmas list while supporting local makers.

Learn more at www.orilliachristmasmarket.ca.

Light Up the Night at the Children’s Candlelight Parade!

Friday, November 27 | 7 p.m. sharp

There’s something truly magical about seeing Downtown Orillia glowing with candlelight!

One of our most cherished holiday traditions, the Children’s Candlelight Parade, invites children of all ages and their families to join in a heartwarming celebration of the season.

Meet at the corner of Mississaga Street and Front Street, where the Downtown Orillia BIA will provide candles to participants. At 7 p.m. sharp, the Orillia Fire Department will lead the glowing procession west along Mississaga Street, finishing at the steps of the Orillia Opera House.

A special thank-you to the Orillia Fire Department and the Salvation Army for helping make this beloved tradition possible!

Let There Be Lights! The Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting!

Friday, November 27 | Just after 7 p.m.

Get ready for that magical moment when Downtown Orillia officially lights up for the holidays!

Immediately following the Children’s Candlelight Parade, gather outside the Orillia Opera House for our traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. With special guests, festive excitement, and a little help from Santa himself, we’ll count down together as our beautiful downtown Christmas tree comes to life in a dazzling display of holiday lights. It’s a picture-perfect moment you won’t want to miss!

A big thank-you to Woodland Tree Service for helping our downtown tree shine bright this holiday season!

Make Your List, Check It Twice & Shop Downtown!

Friday, November 27 | Late-Night Christmas Shopping

Who says the holiday fun has to end after the tree lighting?

Keep the festive spirit going with a little late-night Christmas shopping! A variety of Downtown Orillia businesses will be keeping their doors open later, offering special promotions, discounts, giveaways, and plenty of gift-giving inspiration.

From unique boutiques and specialty shops to cozy cafés and local favourites, Downtown Orillia is the perfect place to find something special for everyone on your list. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Additional late-night shopping evenings are planned for December 4 and December 18.

Follow Downtown Orillia BIA on Facebook and Instagram for updates on participating businesses and festive offers!

Here Comes Santa Claus! The Orillia Santa Claus Parade!

Saturday, November 28 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

You didn’t think we’d celebrate Christmas without a parade, did you?

Wrap up our Festive Holiday Weekend with one of Orillia’s most anticipated holiday traditions — the Orillia Santa Claus Parade!

Organized by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, this beloved annual celebration brings thousands of smiling faces downtown to enjoy an evening of spectacular floats, marching bands, festive music, and holiday cheer. With more than 100 floats, bands, and vehicles often taking part, there’s always something exciting around the corner. And of course, the grand finale features everyone’s favourite holiday visitor — Santa Claus! Bundle up, find your favourite viewing spot along Mississaga Street, and get ready to wave hello to the man in red.

For more information, visit www.orillia.com/santa.

The Holiday Magic Continues with 12 Days of Giving!

December 8 – 19, 2026

We love our downtown shoppers, and this holiday season, we’re spreading a little extra cheer!

Our 12 Days of Giving promotion is back, and the Downtown Orillia BIA elves will be out and about, keeping their eyes peeled for people supporting our amazing downtown businesses. Get caught shopping local, and you might just be surprised with a $25 downtown gift card!

But wait, there’s more!

On Saturday, December 19, we’ll also be holding four random draws for $100 gift cards! Keep an eye out for our festive BIA elves and be sure to ask them for a ballot for your chance to win.

Shopping local has never felt so merry!

Celebrate the Season, Support Local & Make Memories Downtown!

The holidays are about more than gifts and decorations. They’re about coming together, celebrating traditions, making memories, and enjoying everything that makes our community special.

We’re incredibly grateful to the wonderful community partners, local businesses, volunteers, and organizations who help bring these festive celebrations to life. Whether you’re joining us for a candlelight stroll, searching for the perfect gift, enjoying a delicious holiday treat, or watching your little ones light up at the sight of Santa, there’s no place quite like Downtown Orillia during the holidays.

So gather your family, invite your friends, and come experience the magic of the season with us. We’ll see you downtown — where the holiday magic happens!

Stay connected! Follow the Downtown Orillia BIA on Facebook and Instagram for festive updates, event reminders, shopping specials, and more holiday surprises.