8 Ways to Celebrate Christmas & the Holidays in Gananoque
Published November 14th, 2026
By Jay Kana | Photos by the Downtown Gananoque BIA
Subscribe to the Modern Traveller Newsletter to get terrific travel articles like this one straight to your inbox!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, we’ll reinvest every penny on Canadian-owned businesses through the small commission received.
There’s something extra magical about experiencing Christmas and the Holidays in a small, Canadian town. In Gananoque for 2026, there’s plenty happening for kids, adults, families, friends and solo modern travellers.
It’s only a three-ish hour drive from the Toronto area and two-ish from the Montreal area.
Head out for a day trip or stay an extra day or few to enjoy the festive spirit here.
Christmas for Kids campaign
The yearly Christmas for Kids Gananoque Toy Drive helps to bring toys to families in in Gananoque, Lansdowne and surrounding areas. In 2025, 70 families and nearly 150 children had a brighter Christmas thanks to this long-standing community campaign.
Sure, it’s great to celebrate the season; it’s even better to support the community.
A European Christmas Market
On the evening of Friday, December 4th,2026, Gananoque will feature an excellent European Christmas Market from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There’ll be music, a festive spirit, open fires, local vendors and more. Save money on a flight and come to Gananoque instead!
Shop and Hop
Happening from November 27th to 29th, 2026, Shop and Hop returns for three days for superb shopping and loving local. Go with family, friends, make it a date or go solo!
There are 18 participating locations spread across Lyndhurst, Delta, Seeley’s Bay, Elgin, and Landsdowne. Enjoy a country drive, support local businesses and fire up that holiday spirit.
Breakfast with Santa at Laverne’s
Bring the kiddos to see the red-suited fellow on November 29th at Laverne’s. Enjoy breakfast, family time together and get some pictures with Santa between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Admire the local holiday decor
Plenty of local businesses will have their stores adorned in festive fashion in Gananoque and the surrounding areas. From window displays to sprinklings of Santa to all around holiday cheer, pop in to check out their creativity and of course, consider picking up a thing or few to support local.
King & William Christmas Market
Happening November 21st from noon until 6:00 pm, enjoy this outdoor market with vendors aplenty. You just might find your next favourite local business here!
South Alley Holiday Market
Also on November 21st, this time from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the alleyway between Charles and William streets transforms into the South Alley Holiday Market.
Nearly 30 local artisans and creatives will be there, along with a food truck, wonderful treats and live music.
Gananoque Festival of Lights
A local tradition continues with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, the opening of Candy Cane Lane. Enjoy free hot chocolate and candy canes, watch the Christmas tree come to life and have a full cup of festive fun in the community.
Be there on November 27th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Plus, there’s the Santa Claus parade happening on November 28th
Click here for a full list of Holiday events in Gananoque.
