Makethe holidaysspecial in Carleton Place
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.
Get in the holiday spirit
and join us while we celebrate the season’s magic with festive events, Christmas decorations and lights, numerous craft markets, live concerts, and of course, cozy comfort food!
Winterfest
Carleton Place embraces every season with festivals! Join us on November 23rd from 4-8pm in downtown Carleton Place for Winterfest! This is 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! Enjoy the vibrant hometown atmosphere and bask in the warmth of the community as you persue pretty displays, shop holiday sales, enjoy delicious seasonal treats and warm drinks with plenty of fun and games.
Live Music
Throughout the holiday season, various live music concerts will be in full swing! From settings like a local art gallery, to beautiful churches and even our historic Town Hall, get in a cheerful mood or just let the music soothe your soul!
Want your own Hallmark moment?
Visit downtown Carleton Place, our historic shopping & dining district right on the Mississippi River! This holiday season, Bridge Street is tree-lined with twinkling lights, business 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 why Hallmark movies are filmed here!
Craft Markets Downtown
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! Don’t forget to treat yourself too!
HolidayShoppingyourway
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, and finding that 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, and personalized shopping experience, that’s meaningful and supports local small businesses. Some stores are even offering gift-wrapping services!
Plan your shopping by accessing Downtown Carleton Place’s Winter Wishbook, filled with fun gifts, toys and so much more! Share the wishbook with friends and family, young and old, to help you shop! Click here for the Winter Wishbook!
A BIG TASTE OF small town
The holiday season isn’t just about shopping, it’s also about taking the time to enjoy those special moments! What better way to soak in those moments than surrounded by seasonal comfort foods and specialty drinks!
For a small town, our vibrant culinary scene will surprise you this holiday season! Indulge in a delightful array of dining options to enjoy with your spouse and close friends or warm up at our charming cafes. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the local donut shops featuring seasonal tastes.
Every sip and bite is a celebration of locally crafted flavours and festive spirit! All while supporting our community’s talented chefs and artisans!
Follow Carleton Place Tourism on Facebook and Instagram for our Foodie Friday features, sharing the hidden gems people travel from afar to indulge in.
Click here for our downtown dining
explore
Parks & Trails
Explore the numerous parks and trails located within Carleton Place. We recommend trying the scenic Mississippi RiverWalk or Roy Brown Park Trail.
Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum
Learn about Carleton Place’s rich history by visiting our local Museum at 267 Edmund Street, ThursdaySaturday, 10am-4pm.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Free self-guided walking tour maps are available at the Information Centre, sharing the history and architecture of the buildings throughout Town!
Arts
Visit the Carleton Place Gallery, and Arts Carleton Place Arts Hub to immerse yourself in local and regional art, often hosting workshops and events.
Photography
Carleton Place has some lovely murals, historic architecture and natural views to capture! Tag @carletonplacetourism to be featured on our social media.
Bird Watching
Find water birds, Trumpeter swans, warblers, cardinals and more along our waterfront trails! Birdwatching maps available at the Information Centre.
Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers
The Wool Growers, established in 1918, gives guided tours of their facility. Call 613-257-2704 ext. 4 to book a tour! The Real Wool Shop is open next door.
Comedy
The holiday season can be a stressful time of year! Enjoy comedy at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy in Carleton Place, located at the Final Score Sports Bar.
Carleton Place Gallery
Itinerary for the family
Enjoy this holiday season by making special memories, because time spent with the family is a precious gift in itself! Pack the family up in the car and join us on Saturday, November 23rd for Winterfest, with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy from 4-8pm. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Carleton Place, its parks and trails, go bowling at Chasin’ Turkeys, or just cozy up with hot chocolate, and sweet treats from downtown donut shops! Capture your visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus photos from 4:30-7:30pm at the Information Centre. Extend your stay by staying at The Comfort Inn & Suites, with continental breakfast and a pool for the family to splash in!
On Saturday, November 30th, at 5pm, join us downtown for the largest and most popular Santa Claus parade in the Ottawa Valley!
Itinerary for the foodies itinerary
This season can be dangerously delicious for foodies! Bring a friend who appreciates food as much as you do and experience the seasonal tastes of Lanark County. Walk up and down Bridge Street and let the scents of roasted coffee and restaurants pull you in. Purchase locally produced maple syrup, craft beer from our breweries, specialty food products, or gift cards for cafes and restaurants, perfect for anyone on Santa’s nice list!
for the shoppers
Enjoy an afternoon or weekend away, Hallmark style! Call up your friends and make holiday shopping more than just an errand! Our historic downtown shopping & dining district has a variety of retail options, and you can plan your visit during any of our craft fairs and bazaars to find unique treasures. Don’t miss visiting The Real Wool Shop, or booking a well-deserved manicure or pedicure at one of our relaxing local spas. Quant cafes and restaurants await you afterward!
Seasonal Events
Christmas Crafts & So Much More Bazaar
November 16, 9:30am-3pm - Navy League of Canada
Christmas Bazaar
November 16, 10am-2pm - Zion Memorial Church
The BEST Holiday Market
November 16, 10am-4pm - 2022 Beckwith Park Lane
Sip n Shop Christmas Market
November 23, 9am-3pm - Army Navy Air Force Club
Art for Aid Big Christmas Sale
November 23, 11am-6pm - Carleton Place Gallery (supporting remote Indigenous schools)
Children’s Holiday Market
November 23, 1-5pm - Zion Memorial Church
Carleton Place Winterfest
November 23, 4-8pm - Carleton Place Market Square
Santa & Mrs. Claus Photos at Information Centre
November 23 4:30-7:30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21st, 1:30-3:30pm - 170 Bridge Street
Seasons of Love, Mississippi Mudds Showcase
November 29-30, 7:30pm - Carleton Place Town Hall
Christmas Market
November 30, 11am-4pm - Carleton Place Arena
Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
mber 30, 5-6pm - Bridge Street, downtown Carleton Place
Tis the Season with London Trio Plus
November 30, 7:30-10pm - St. James Anglican Church
Ringing in The Season - Community Band Concert
December 1, 2-3:30pm - Zion Memorial Church
Art House Music Series: Yavor Kresic
December 5, 7-9pm - Carleton Place Gallery
The Granary’s Chocolate Party
Dec. 6-7, 10am-4pm
Festival of Small Halls - The East Pointers
December 6, 7-10pm - Carleton Place Arena
Carleton Place Town Singers
December 8 & 10, 7pm - Zion United Church
New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks
December 31 - Beckwith Park
