5 Winter Things To Do In Vaughan – Covid Safe

Vaughan is not only a beautiful place to live in the Spring and Summer, but it is also a bustling community during the Winter months with activities for the whole family. 

It is always good to know what activities are available for you and your family during the Winter season, especially during these unprecedented times impacted with special regulations in the midst of a pandemic.

So what can you do in Vaughan during this winter holiday season? Here are 5 ideas that you may enjoy!

#1 The Holiday Nights of Lights – Holiday Lights Spectacular Event. 

Every year during the Christmas Season, Vaughan has some gorgeous light displays on private homes and buildings around the city and surrounding areas. But one of the newer attractions is put on by a private organization with multiple partners featuring a 1 Million led light display that will provide memorable eye candy for all who visit.

The colorful light extravaganza includes animated lights and synchronized music presented in a drive-thru format lasting approximately 30 minutes depending on the pace of the vehicle.  The experience is truly immersive and fun for the whole family. This year it runs from November 20 to January 7, 2021.  

Don’t have a car? No need to worry, Nights of Lights has partnered with Facedrive to allow the eco-friendly ride share option to allow visitors to still enjoy the event even without your own vehicle. Read more about the Holiday Nights of Lights event. https://www.nightsoflights.ca/index.html 

#2 Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Vaughan has some great outdoor activities for all seasons. But when the snow begins to fall, some of the most amazing activities come alive in gorgeous settings.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two great experiences for families, and others that love physical activity outside in the fresh air. 

In the Vaughan area there are several great locations to strap on your snowshoes or cross country skis and take to the snow. These include the Kortright Center for conservation located on Pine Valley Drive, https://trca.ca/parks/kortright-centre-for-conservation/, and another is the Boyd Conservation Area with the Humber River valley https://trca.ca/parks/boyd-conservation-area/ portions of this conservation area are closed, so a phone call will help to provide direction on open areas.

What if you have never been snowshoeing before? A quick Google search provides lots of great options for equipment and lessons in the area. 

#3 The City of Vaughan Toy Drive 2020

A great way to celebrate the holidays, is to bless others with the blessings you have received. One opportunity that occurs yearly in Vaughan is the City of Vaughan Toy Drive.  https://www.vaughan.ca/events/festive_celebrations/General%20Documents/Toy%20Drive_Poster%202020_8.5×11.pdf

Though this is less of a physical activity, the experience of helping others can be truly rewarding and helpful to those that just can’t provide for their children the way they desire this season. Donations of new unwrapped toys for children under 18 years old are accepted at locations across the city including all community centers, fire halls, and public libraries. 

#4 Outdoor Skating Rinks In Various Vaughan Locations

Skating is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Outdoor skating adds the benefit of fresh cool air, quaint evening lighting, open space with good social distancing, and the desiderated sips of a warm cup of hot chocolate to complete the experience. 

There are many options available for outdoor skating rinks including those run by the City of Vaughan:

• Chancellor Community Centre

• Dufferin Clarke Community Centre

• Father E. Bulfon Community Centre

• Garnet Williams Community Centre

• Vellore Village Community Centre

Outdoor skating normally runs from December to mid-March each year.

#5 Christmas at Kortright

Kortright is a conservation centre with beautiful treed grounds that come to life during the Holiday Season. The forest is lit up with magnificent colorful lights, and there are friendly elves to greet you. The experience is for all ages. https://www.todocanada.ca/christmas-kortright/ 

In the late Winter, the Kortright Conservation Centre also runs a maple syrup festival with pancakes, maple syrup, and a historical tour https://maplesyrupfest.com/kortright/.