November 28, 2025 | Community
Things to do in Guelph This Winter
This is the time to take advantage of the beautiful community we call home. As the winter weather settles in, you might find yourself looking for activities to celebrate the holiday cheer. With the advice of our local Realtors, our team has put together a comprehensive list of the best activities happening before and after Christmas that you are sure to love all winter long!
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing, a catch-up with an old friend or the perfect Friday night date spot, follow along to learn some of the best places to check out in Guelph this winter!
Christmas Markets in Guelph
Check out Guelph’s Farmers Market, open November 30th through December 21st! This is the perfect place to explore local vendors, small businesses and artisans.
Give back to our community by choosing to shop local this season and support those who work in your own backyard. With a variety of different openings, from fresh produce, baked foods, maple syrup, clothing, accessories, collectables, art and more, the Guelph Farmers Market is the perfect place to shop for the holiday season.
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Explore Downtown Guelph
Celebrate the Christmas season and enjoy the ambiance Downtown Guelph has to offer. We recommend stopping by The Red Brick Cafe for a hot chocolate and then meandering downtown to check out some of the best shops and restaurants in the area. Enjoy a cozy bowl of ramen at Crafty Ramen or opt for a more formal dining experience at Buon Gusto.
Old Quebec St Market
Happening on the weekends from November 23rd until December 22nd, enjoy the limited-time European-style market square hosted on Quebec St! This is the perfect date destination if you are looking to grab a warm drink and take a stroll through the holiday ambiance. With over 5,000 exterior lights, lighting the way, enjoy the best of the Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas Mass
A variety of Churches across Guelph offer Christmas services during this time of year. However, a classic and memorable service happening in December celebrates Our Lady Basilica. Join in on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Advent services happening December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd. This is the perfect time to create quiet moments of reflection heading into the new year and celebrate the power of community and love all around.
Catch a Show!
Tune into the River Run Centre for some of the best Christmas musical performances. This is the perfect setting for date night or a formal get-together! Purchase tickets to the Jann Arden Christmas Tour or Serena Ryder and her Merry Myths Christmas Show.
Sparkles in the Park
Guelph is home to some of the best winter activities, and one of these is the Sparkles in the Park display happening in Riverside Park from December 13th through to the 31st. This is the perfect place to enjoy a festive date night, a scenic walk with friends and family or some peaceful alone time amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
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Go For a Winter Stroll
The Eramosa walking trail is the perfect place to head on a walk this Christmas and enjoy time with your family, friends and pets. The holidays can feel rushed and chaotic, and sometimes it is important to take a moment and get away from it all in nature. This beautiful walk is situated around a bush and is the perfect place to take a breather from it all.
We recommend bringing a camera if you enjoy photography and capturing the beautiful ambience around you! On the other hand, a warm drink always adds a cozy feel to your winter walks– consider stopping by a local business and indulging in a holiday drink to celebrate the season.
Fun Things To Do in Guelph With Kids
The skating rink in Market Square is a fantastic place to find yourself this holiday season. This family-friendly outing is perfect for the daytime and nighttime, and with the rink opening to the public in the coming weeks once the ice has frozen over, you can step out into the community and enjoy a day/evening of ice skating fun!
If your kids are not fond of the winter weather, consider checking out Funvilla here in Guelph for the best indoor playtime. For interactive activities, games, a playzone and more, this is the perfect indoor environment if you are looking for an activity that is outside of the cold. The indoor trampoline park sets the scene for a fun and interactive environment for kids and pre-teens to play.
Date Night Ideas in Guelph
Cox Creek Cellars is the perfect spot for a Friday night date night. Enjoy a beverage by the fire and the beautiful atmosphere around you. Cox Creek offers various outdoor fire tables, perfect for a moody evening vibe. Outfitted for comfortable Muskoka chairs and benches, this is the perfect place for a date/small gathering with tables for up to six people.
Book a private picnic spot and visit the Elliot Tree Farm all year long. Cozy up with friends, family or your partner and bring your own picnic to have fireside. You can also enjoy various other activities on site, including the walking trails (leashed dogs allowed) and photo opportunities along the way. If you are looking for a simple activity this winter just outside of Guelph, this is a great place to check out!
Have you ever thought of going snowshoeing? If you are in search of a not-so-niche Christmas event… this is the place for you! Bundle up and get ready to snowshoe across this scenic Elora farm property. Then, cozy up for marshmallows and hot chocolate by an outdoor campfire (this activity is snow dependent and spots are limited– call to reserve today).
Arts & Culture in Guelph
If you are not a huge fan of the colder weather but love the ambiance of winter, then an indoor option is always a great pick! Luckily enough, Guelph is full of history and charm. Consider exploring the Guelph Civic Museum if you have kids and are looking for an engaging weekend activity.
Another great local Museum to choose from is the Art Gallery of Guelph, which offers rotating exhibits leading up to Christmas and is the perfect place to experience local art and culture.
Support the Storm
Consider heading to downtown Guelph at the Sleeman Centre and supporting our local OHL hockey team, the Guelph Storm. The atmosphere and energy in the area are the perfect place to find yourself for a fun Guelph experience.
Winter Events in Elora, Ontario
The Elora Christmas Market features over 88,000 twinkling lights, extended local shoppe hours and an outdoor Christmas market with a communal firepit/gathering area. Each year, this market attracts thousands of visitors to the city and creates a lively, happy atmosphere. Running Wednesdays through Sundays from November 14th until December 25th, check out the charming cobblestone streets of Elora.
Stay Up to Date
Get the most out of Guelph and the winter events our community has to offer this winter! For more information about all things local, check out the City of Guelph’s event page and keep updated on our Instagram for future events and local spots!
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