This is your guide to Belleville Ontario at Christmas. Located just 2 hours from Toronto and 1 hour from Kingston, Belleville is a charming destination along the Bay of Quinte that comes alive during the holiday season. While it’s known for its vibrant downtown and scenic waterfront, did you know that Belleville transforms into a festive wonderland every Christmas? This curated guide features my top picks for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay to help you plan the perfect holiday getaway.
Looking for the perfect place to experience the magic of the holidays? Belleville, Ontario, transforms into a winter wonderland every Christmas season, offering something special for everyone. From twinkling lights and charming holiday markets to cozy cafes and festive events, this picturesque city along the Bay of Quinte is the ultimate destination for a Christmas getaway. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a day trip, Belleville is packed with holiday cheer, making it an unforgettable stop on your holiday itinerary.
Keep reading for the best things to do in Belleville at Christmas, including must-see events, local eatery, and top places to stay during the holiday season. Plan your festive adventure today and make this holiday one to remember!
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR VISITING BELLEVILLE ONTARIO AT CHRISTMAS
What to know before visiting Belleville
- Belleville is situated along the Bay of Quinte on the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario. With a population of approximately 55,000 residents, it serves as a key hub for the Quinte region.
- Established in 1816, Belleville was named after Lady Arabella Gore, wife of Sir Francis Gore, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada at the time. Its early history was shaped by Loyalist settlers and its strategic location as a trading post.
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Belleville was known as the “Cheese Capital of Canada,” with several cheese factories operating in the area. Today, the city celebrates this heritage with local dairies and specialty shops offering artisanal cheeses.
- Belleville’s waterfront offers stunning views and access to the Bay of Quinte, a renowned spot for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The bay is famous for its walleye fishing, attracting anglers from across North America.
Top Activities in Belleville Ontario at Christmas
Step Back in Time at Glanmore House
Experience the warmth and elegance of a Victorian Christmas at the historic Glanmore National Historic Site, one of Belleville’s architectural treasures. Built in 1882, Glanmore House was originally the residence of wealthy businessman William H. Gibson and his family. The house’s unique architecture combines elements of the Second Empire style with intricate Victorian detailing, making it one of the finest examples of 19th-century design in Ontario.
Glanmore House’s history is just as captivating as its architecture. After serving as a private residence for several decades, it was turned into a museum in 1976, preserving the building’s heritage and making it a valuable part of Belleville’s cultural landscape. Seasonal exhibits at the museum provide fascinating insights into the origins of Christmas traditions, and visitors can enjoy a stroll through the rooms, imagining what life was like in the late 1800s.
During the holiday season, the house is beautifully decorated to reflect how Christmas would have been celebrated during the Victorian era. Visitors can marvel at the period-specific decorations, from garlands and ribbons to the towering Christmas tree, which is a centerpiece of the seasonal display. The mansion’s interior showcases antique furniture, original artwork, and elegant touches that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the affluent families who once called it home.
Read More // For a deeper dive into the fascinating history and holiday magic of Glanmore House, check out my blog post on everything you need to know about this stunning Victorian-era landmark.
THE DETAILS
Price | 8$ per adult, 6.50$ for adults over 55 and students, 4.50$ for children from 10 to 5, and free for children under 5)
When | Open every day expect on Mondays. Check their website to see the hours of operations.
Website | You can check their website here.
Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Enchanted Holiday Market
Located in the heart of downtown Belleville, the Enchanted Holiday Market is a festive experience that brings the community together and offers unique holiday shopping. Running until December 15th, 2024 this outdoor market features a charming collection of local vendors offering everything from handmade gifts to seasonal treats.
Throughout the weekends, carolers can also be found spreading holiday cheer around the downtown core, singing festive songs and creating a joyful atmosphere. Their renditions of classic Christmas carols add a special touch to the market and make strolling through downtown feel even more magical.
One of the highlights of the market is the free horse-drawn carriage rides that take visitors on a magical tour of downtown Belleville. As you glide through the streets, you’ll be immersed in the holiday spirit, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. It’s a perfect way to see the sights and enjoy the charm of Belleville’s historic downtown.
And what would a Christmas market be without a visit from Santa Claus? He can often be found at the Enchanted Holiday Market, ready to hear the holiday wishes of children (and adults!) alike. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the jolly old man himself for a keepsake of your visit.
THE DETAILS
Price | Free
When | The market is open on select evenings and weekends, with events like the carriage rides and carolers taking place on weekends. Check the city’s events page for exact times.
Website | You can check all the details here.
Marvel at the Festival of Lights
No Christmas visit to Belleville would be complete without a trip to Jane Forrester Park for the Festival of Lights. This beloved annual tradition transforms the park into a dazzling wonderland with over 60 holiday-themed displays illuminated by thousands of lights. From whimsical scenes featuring Santa and his reindeer to festive snowflakes and glowing trees, the displays are a feast for the eyes.
The Festival of Lights officially kicks off in late November with a lighting ceremony, complete with music and community festivities. Visitors can drive through the park for a leisurely tour or park and explore on foot for a closer look at the intricate displays. The scenic waterfront location adds to the magic, with the shimmering Bay of Quinte as a backdrop.
Grab a Coffee at Benji’s Coffee Bar
After strolling through the Enchanted Holiday Market and enjoying the festive atmosphere, take a moment to warm up at Benji’s Coffee Bar, a cozy and popular spot in downtown Belleville. During the Christmas season, Benji’s is beautifully decked out with seasonal décor, transforming it into a festive haven perfect for enjoying a hot beverage.
Whether you’re craving a classic coffee, a warm spiced holiday drink, or a decadent hot chocolate, Benji’s has you covered. Their friendly staff serves up locally roasted coffee in a welcoming environment, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the season. It’s also a great spot to recharge before continuing your exploration of downtown Belleville’s holiday festivities.
THE DETAILS
Details | Benji’s Coffee Bar is located in downtown Belleville just behind City Hall in the Market Area and is open daily, with special holiday drinks available throughout the season
Website | You can find them here.
Other Things to Do Around Belleville
Go for a nature walk at H.R. Frink Conservation Area
Located just outside of Belleville, H.R. Frink Conservation Area is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 200 acres, this scenic conservation area is managed by the Quinte Conservation Authority and offers a diverse landscape that includes forests, wetlands, and meadows—making it an ideal destination for year-round outdoor activities.
The conservation area is named after H.R. Frink, a local businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the region’s environmental preservation. The property was originally purchased in the early 1970s by the Quinte Conservation Authority as part of a larger initiative to protect the area’s natural habitats and provide recreational opportunities to the public. Over the years, the area has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat from the city.
The well-marked trails offer various levels of difficulty, making it a great place for both beginners and more experienced outdoor adventurers. In addition to winter activities, the conservation area is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and other small mammals, making it an excellent spot for nature photography and birdwatching.
THE DETAILS
Price | 6$ per car for the parking.
Details | The park is open year-round, and parking is available on-site. Trails are typically well-maintained, though it’s always a good idea to check the conditions before heading out in winter.
Website | You can find all the information here.
Where to Eat in Belleville?
Benji’s Coffee Bar | A cozy spot in downtown Belleville, perfect for sipping handcrafted coffee in a festive atmosphere.
Tropical Blend | A vibrant, Caribbean-inspired café serving up fresh smoothies, wraps, and coffee with a tropical twist.
The Kafana | A unique Balkan-inspired eatery offering hearty dishes and warm hospitality in a relaxed, intimate setting.
The Lark | A charming restaurant with a focus on farm-to-table dining, offering creative dishes made with local ingredients.
Read More // Craving some delicious local bites? Head over to my blog post for the ultimate guide on where to eat in Belleville, featuring the best spots to satisfy every craving!
Where to stay in Belleville?
You know I love to find the most unique and beautiful stays for your visits across Ontario, and Belleville did not disapoint.
For a truly unique and stylish stay in Belleville, Loft on St. Paul is the perfect option. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, this boutique loft offers modern comfort with historic charm. Located in the heart of downtown Belleville, it provides easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
The building, formerly St. Paul’s Anglican Church, was constructed in 1878 and has been beautifully transformed into a stunning loft space. The church was repurposed into an Airbnb after being closed in 2017, maintaining its rich history while incorporating new elements like a grand piano and other design features inspired by its original purpose. Located in Belleville’s Foster Ward, the Loft on St. Paul provides guests with a one-of-a-kind experience, combining the charm of the old with the convenience of contemporary living. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of comfort and history, with close proximity to local attractions and the waterfront.
Inside, you will find a beautifully renovated kitchen with a large living room. The center piece for this space is the grand piano located on the stage. This space is perfect for musicians and music lovers. When it is not rented as an Airbnb, the Loft is often used as a concert venue. Upstairs, you’ll find the Loft with a queen bed and a view that overlooks the whole place.
The Loft also offer a complete indoor-outdoor experience with large patio doors that leads to a beautiful private backyards with a large dinning table, an outdoor kitchen, a jacuzzi and a private second bedroom with bunk beds.
Read More // Read the full review of my stay at the Loft on St Paul here.
THE DETAILS
* P.S. This adventure was part of a collab with Bay of Quinte Tourism and Loft on St Paul but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine! For more ideas of thing to do in the Bay of Quinte this Winter right here!
READ MORE OF MY ONTARIO WINTER GUIDES HERE!
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For over a hundred years, the men who lived in this house woke up, looked at the lake, and went to work captaining the Wolfe Island ferry. Three generations of them. Same water, same crossing, every day.
I thought about that a lot during my stay at @themullinhouse_ (mainly from the bathtub, because the tub faces the lake and once you’re in it there’s no reason to be anywhere else.)
The Mullin House just opened as a stay, and those who brought it back to life did it in the best way that possible. Keeping the soul of the place.Places with an actual story make my job as a photographer easy. I just have to pay attention.
And if you want to stay here too: It’s a free 20-minute ferry from Kingston, 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10. So this is your sign to plan the group trip you keep talking about.
Save this for when you book it, and be honest, would you make it out of that bathtub by checkout?
Thank you to @themullinhouse_ for having me!
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#wolfeisland #kingstonontario #thousandislands #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I grew up an hour from the Bay of Fundy. And every few years, my school would pile us onto a bus and take us to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park. And every single time, as a kid, I thought : ‘okay, cool. Rocks. Trees. Can we go home now?’
I had absolutely no idea what I was standing next to.
It took me leaving New Brunswick, travelling across the country before I came back to the Bay of Fundy as an adult and genuinely had my breath taken away. I grew up next to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet and completely took it for granted. And I think a lot of Maritimers probably feel the same way.
This carousel is my attempt to fix that, for myself, and for anyone who’s never made the trip. Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d plan a road trip along the New Brunswick side, from the tidal flats to the coastal cliffs to the little fishing towns that feel completely frozen in time.
And if you have extra days to spare, Saint John is absolutely worth a stop, underrated city, great food scene, and it sits right on the bay.
I’m also heading back this summer to try a stay I’ve had my eye on for a while, I genuinely cannot wait to tell you all about it. 👀
Save this for your New Brunswick road trip. 🙌
👇 Have you ever been to the Bay of Fundy? Were you as underwhelmed as I was at 10 years old? 😄
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#BayOfFundy #NewBrunswick #ExploreCanada #CanadaTravel #FundyNationalPark
I’ll be honest, when I pulled up to @whispering_springs I didn’t know what to expect. I’d seen the photos, I’d read the website, but nothing really prepares you for the moment you walk into your safari tent and realize this might actually be nicer than your apartment.
We’re talking a king bed, more space than I expected, and an actual bathtub, in a tent. I took a bath. In the woods. And I would do it again without hesitation.
Oh and the s’mores bar? Someone thought really hard about what would make people unreasonably happy at the end of a summer night and they nailed it.
Save this for your summer planning because at 90 minutes from Toronto there is really no reason to wait.
Now tell me have you ever gone glamping? If not, what are you waiting for!
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#OntarioGetaway #GlampingOntario #OntarioTravel #WeekendGetawayOntario
ExploreOntario
I have a theory about Ontarians. 🌲
We spend all year scrolling through photos of Tuscany villas and Bali resorts, convincing ourselves that a truly special stay requires a passport and a twelve-hour flight. And then we book a cookie-cutter hotel two hours from home and wonder why the trip felt a little flat.
Ontario has been quietly building some of the most creative, beautiful, and genuinely unexpected places to stay in the country. And most people have no idea they exist.
I’ve been collecting them for years. Some of them are deep in the woods. Some are closer than you’d think. Some will make you question why you ever booked anything else.
Scroll through and tell me which one is speaking to you, because I promise at least one of them is going to end up in your browser history before the day is over. 😄
Save this for your next Ontario getaway. 🙌
👇 Which one are you booking?
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#OntarioTravel #UniqueStays #OntarioGetaway #ExploreOntario #VisitOntario
I’ve been taking the ferry to Wolfe Island on day trips for years. It’s one of those Kingston locals things that never gets old. But this time was different. This time I actually stayed.
And I am genuinely mad at myself for waiting this long.
@themullinhouse_ is a brand new Airbnb, as in I was the very first guest to try it, and it is something special. Five beautifully decorated bedrooms, sleeps ten, and the kind of character you only find in a home that has actual history behind it. Also, can we talk about that bath! Perfect for a girls’ weekend, a family trip or any group that deserves a proper getaway.
The ferry from Kingston runs throughout the day, it’s completely free whether you walk on or bring your car, and it takes about twenty minutes. No excuses not to go. And once you see that private dock at sunset you will immediately start rearranging your schedule to stay longer.
Being the first to stay somewhere this special felt like a privilege. And now I’m passing it on to you.
Don’t forget to save this, I promise you’ll to book it!
Now be honest, did you know you could have an island getaway right here in Ontario?
Thank you to @themullinhouse_ for having me!
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#wolfeisland #kingstonontario #thousandislands #exploreontario #ontariotravel
