Make the Holidays Special in Carleton Place
Get in the Holiday Spirit!
Escape the holiday hustle and bustle and spend this busy season discovering the charm of Carleton Place. Just a short drive west of Ottawa, you’ll find yourself experiencing the perfect blend of festive cheer and small-town warmth. Carleton Place is also a lovely romantic getaway destination, filled with cozy nooks, cafes and unique retail stores for your holiday shopping needs!
Start your visit at the Carleton Place Information Centre, housed in the historic Moore House. Pick up maps to navigate the town, get local insights and recommendations from our friendly staff, and check out our seasonal ornaments, locally branded gifts and more.
We invite you to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the true spirit of the holidays in a setting where you’ll make memories with family and friends.
Winterfest
Join us on November 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Carleton Place for Winterfest — a free, family-friendly event for all ages to kick off the holiday season!
Enjoy roaming carolers and entertainers, horse-drawn wagon rides, sidewalk sales and a Night Market. Peruse pretty displays, shop holiday sales, and enjoy delicious seasonal treats and warm drinks with plenty of fun and games, all while basking in the warmth of the community.
Santa Claus Parade
One of the best night parades in the area! Downtown Carleton Place is the place to be on November 30. The parade starts at 5 p.m. at Carleton Place High School, travels down Lake Avenue, turns left onto Bridge Street, and ends at the Carambeck Community Centre.
Downtown Hallmark Movie Moments
Want your own Hallmark moment? Visit downtown Carleton Place, our historic shopping and dining district right on the Mississippi River. This holiday season, Bridge Street is tree-lined with twinkling lights, storefronts are decorated, and there are plenty of festive photo opportunities.
Walk up and down Bridge Street at your own pace, basking in the festive atmosphere — there’s a reason Hallmark movies are filmed here!
Holiday Shopping
Avoid the headaches of mall shopping and get your holiday shopping done in downtown Carleton Place. Stroll along Bridge Street with a warm drink in hand, shopping for that perfect holiday party outfit, or finding a treasure or stocking stuffer for a loved one.
From unique gift shops to thrift shops, trendy boutiques and stores for kids, you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Enjoy a relaxed, personalized shopping experience that supports local small businesses — some stores are even offering gift-wrapping services!
Visit with Santa
Don’t miss your chance to give the big guy your Christmas list in person! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be meeting with families at the Information Centre (170 Bridge Street):
- During Winterfest on November 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Take your own photos for free!
Craft Markets
Make holiday shopping special this season by finding unique gifts at our numerous craft markets. Shop for a wide variety of handmade crafts and holiday decorations, typically not found in larger retail stores — it’s the perfect way to enjoy the joyful atmosphere while supporting local makers.
Head downtown to any of our small retail businesses to cross off any final items on your shopping list — and don’t forget to treat yourself too!
