Better known as Ontario's most beautiful village, the charming town of Elora is only about 90 minutes away from Toronto, making it the perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of daily life. What makes the town so special, you ask? The town bursts with artistic wonder that perfectly blends natural beauty with rich history.
After working long hours for the past few weeks, with little to no days off, an escape to Elora was just what I needed. I have been to Elora in the summer in previous years, and fell in love with the town, but I had never visited in the winter months. After hearing that it has transformed into a snow-kissed winter wonderland, where you can experience the spectacular après ski-themed village, I knew I had to go!
The Elora Village of Lights Festival is free to attend and is currently taking place now, until March 16 2025. The event runs on Fridays to Sundays, from 12-8 pm, and allows you to experience the captivating light festival that illuminates the town with over 100,000 energy-efficient twinkling lights. It honestly brought me back to my favourite time of the year (December) and brought the joy of the holiday season back, despite it being February.
In addition to the light "switch-on" ceremonies that take place at 5:55 pm sharp, you can find beautiful installations all over town to explore and a free pop-up skating rink (bring your own skates) with free hot chocolate for kids under 8 years old. You can watch live performances, of the bagpipe bands, figure skaters and Highland dancers. The festival is perfect for all. You can enjoy free movie showings at The Gorge Cinema, to indoor live band concerts by Canadian artists. The live music performances enhances the festive spirit and invites everyone to celebrate joy and togetherness. Bundle up and get cozy around one of the public fire tables or outdoor heaters, while sipping on a hot drink.
One of my favourite things about the village is being able to support so many local businesses. On our visit, we unfortunately were not able to stay at one of the boutique hotels since they were full, but we managed to try some of the restaurants and cafes, and loved every bite! There are plenty of accommodation options though, with the Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo area being only a short drive away.
For lunch, we tried The Royal Room, Elora's Distilling Co's cocktail lounge. The lounge, inspired by the golden age of cocktails (1920s-60s), is adorned with antiques, classic movie posters and elegant furniture. The reception-style lounge, influenced by hotel lobby bars from around the world is stylish and comfortable, with friendly, welcoming staff.
As we don't drink alcohol, we opted for the lavender-lemonade mocktail, which was a nice and refreshing. The grapefruit mocktail (Miss Shirley) was my favourite though, despite not usually being a fan of grapefruit. I loved the unique selection of food, and got the opportunity to try both their three-course prix-fixe menu (with the exception of the dessert, as it contained alcohol) and unique dishes, such as a maple hummus, Rockefeller oyster, beet and barley risotto and an apple cheesecake.
After lunch, we explored the village and local shops, and I loved coming across many vintage home decor. There are a selection of shops, with natural and organic products as well, and slow fashion pieces. We then stopped by Cafe Creperie to warm up with a hot drink. They are better known for their selection of savoury and sweet crepes.
We spent some time admiring the beautiful installations around the village, taking lots of pictures and checking out the shops. We went to Elora Mill to relax. Elora Mill is a historic gem in town, and was reopened as a hotel and spa property in 2018. Dining at their on-site restaurant allows you to experience riverside dining, overlooking the Elora Gorge, one of the most spectacular natural areas in the Grand River valley.
We made our way back to the park for the lighting ceremony at 5:55 pm. You can miss the light turning on in the blink of an eye, but seeing the village come alive at night is a magical experience, where every corner and shop glows with festive brilliance. The lights decorate the trees in the park, the shops around town and public spaces.
The snow from the past two snow storms in the past week was still around, creating a picturesque landscape. Seeing the festive space and the decor around town with the carefully selected vintage après-ski pieces created an inviting atmosphere to the stunning winter wonderland with festive vibes. I loved the rustic wooden chalet installation and being able to come across the food stalls that offer the perfect variety of winter comfort food and drinks. Seeing kids enjoying the snow and creating lasting memories also made the scene feel straight out of a storybook.
We concluded our day with dinner at another one of the local restaurants, the Handsome Devil Bistro, where we indulged on a creamy feta honey dip, their rich mac and cheese, and pasta al dente. Dinner ended on a sweet note with their white chocolate bread pudding. Every dish we ordered was delicious, including their daily specials, such as the cauliflower soup.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore winter activities, a foodie eager to savor local cuisine, or simply in need of a cozy retreat, I feel that Elora in winter has something for everyone and I am glad I visited this season. The vintage après-ski-themed village and light festival encapsulate the town's charm, offering you a unique and memorable experience.
As you plan your winter getaway, make sure to include a visit to Elora's Village of Lights Festival in your itinerary. It's the perfect event for all who seek to celebrate the warmth of the season, no matter the chill in the air. So bundle up, grab your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder that Elora has to offer!
Have you been to Elora? Let me know!
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