Carleton Place
Escape the holiday hustle and discover the charm of Carleton Place. Just a short drive west of Ottawa, our town is the perfect backdrop for every kind of seasonal getaway—whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family outing, a festive girls’ trip, or a food-and-drink adventure. From cozy cafés and cheerful events to unique shops and historic streetscapes, Carleton Place delivers small-town magic with big holiday spirit.
Begin your visit at the Carleton Place Information Centre, located inside the historic Moore House. Pick up maps to guide your exploration, get personalized recommendations from our friendly staff, and browse a selection of locally branded gifts and keepsakes.
This season, we invite you to slow down, explore, and experience the true spirit of the holidays—through memorable meals, spirited shopping, rich heritage, and moments shared with the people you love.
and soak up the holiday atmosphere with bright displays, seasonal experiences, and plenty of places to unwind and enjoy the moment.
Downtown
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!
Winterfest
Carleton Place embraces every season with festivals! Join us on November 22nd from 4-8pm in downtown Carleton Place for Winterfest! This is a free, familyfriendly 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.
HolidayShopping yourway
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!
Starting Thursdays, November 27 and December 4, 11, and 18, downtown shops and restaurants will stay open until 8 p.m., creating a relaxed, stress-free evening atmosphere perfect for after-work visits, extended shopping, date nights, girls’ days out, or a spontaneous day trip that turns into an overnight stay.
Plan your shopping by accessing Downtown Carleton Place’s Winter Wish Book. Filled with fun gifts, toys and so much more! Share the Wish Book with friends and family, young and old, to help you shop! Just click here!
Experience the Arts
This holiday season, Carleton Place comes alive with arts, culture, and music experiences that make the perfect addition to any getaway. All these events can be found on our events page at the end of the this guide.
Enjoy live theatre with Annie, The Musical at the historic Town Hall, browse local creativity at the Arts Carleton Place Art Hub’s Twinkling Hearts exhibit, or explore handmade works during Christmas in the Gallery at S.M.art Gallery.
Music lovers can take in intimate performances like the Nathan Sloniowski Trio Benefit Concert, the uplifting Ringing in the Season Community Band Concert, or big-ticket shows through the Festival of Small Halls, featuring headliners like Corb Lund and The Once.
Creative spirits can join festive workshops such as Funky Holiday Card Creations, while
CarletonPlaceGallery
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, Wednesday through Saturday, 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!
Photography
Carleton Place has some lovely murals, historic architecture and natural views to capture! Tag @carletonplacetourism to be featured on our social media.
santa photos
Saturdays, Dec. 6 , 13 , 20 , stop by the Carleton Place Info Centre (170 Bridge St.) from 12:30–3:30 p.m. for FREE photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus—just bring your own camera or phone.
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.
Itinerary for the foodies
This season can be dangerously delicious for foodies! Bring a friend who appreciates fine flavors as much as you do and wander through the heart of Lanark County. Take a stroll up and down Bridge Street and let the aroma of roasted coffee and sizzling restaurant kitchens pull you in. Begin your culinary adventure at The Little German Bakery — recently featured in the Ottawa Citizen — then warm up in one of our cozy cafés before settling in for dinner at local favourites like The Black Tartan Kitchen or Boulton House. Prefer something more casual? Sample craft beer at Stalwart Brewing Co. or Braumeister Brewing Co., or pick up locally produced maple syrup, specialty food goods, and gift cards for cafés and restaurants — perfect for the foodie on Santa’s nice list!
itinerary for the shoppers
Enjoy an afternoon or a Hallmark-style weekend away by turning your holiday shopping into an experience, not an errand! Our historic downtown shopping and dining district offers a curated mix of boutiques, makers, and specialty shops— perfect for finding gifts, treasures, and winter staples. Discover iconic favourites like The Real Wool Shop, browse new arrivals at Palomino Boutique and Acquisti Life, or explore one-of-a-kind finds at A Bunch of Whimsy and other charming retailers. Plan your visit around one of our seasonal events, then treat yourself to a well-deserved manicure or pedicure at one of our relaxing local spas. Cozy cafés and restaurants await you afterward, making it easy to unwind and enjoy the moment.
Click here to access our Downtown Shopping & Dining Guide for more options!
Seasonal Events
Arts Carleton Place Art Hub Presents: Twinkling Hearts
November 15-December 24 - 127 Bridge Street
Winterfest
November 22, 4-8pm - Downtown Carleton Place & Market Square Pavilion
Festival of Small Halls Concerts: Corb Lund
November 22, 7pm, November 23, 2:30pm - Carleton Place Arena
Amethyst Christmas Open House
December 6, 11am-5pm, Amethyst
Christmas in the Gallery
December 6, 11am-10pm, December 7, 11am-5pm, S.M.art Gallery
Downtown Carleton Place Presents: Shop Late | Shop Local
November 27, December 4, 11, 18 - Downtown Carleton Place
Stores and restaurants open until 8pm
Reiki Sound Bath (By Donation Only)
November 28, Amethyst
Annie, The Musical
November 28-30, December 4-7, Carleton Place Town Hall
Funky Holiday Card Creations
November 28, 7-9pm - 155 Industrial Avenue
Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade
November 29, 5-6:30pm - Downtown Carleton Place
3 Annual Carleton Place Christmas Market rd
November 29, 5-6:30pm - Carleton Place Arena
Cooking With Fire (Findlay Foundry Exhibit)
November 29, 12 and 2pm - Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum
Ringing in The Season - Community Band Concert
November 30, 2pm - Zion Memorial Church
The Granary’s Annual Chocolate Party
Dec. 5-6, 9am-5pm - 107 Bridge Street
FREE Santa & Mrs. Claus Photos
December 6, 13, 20, 12:30-3:30pm - 170 Bridge Street
Festival of Small Halls - The Once
December 5, 7pm - Carleton Place Arena
Nathan Sloniowski Trio Benefit Concert
December 6, 6:30pm - Carleton Place Gallery
Yuk Yuk’s Carleton Place Presents: Bobby Knauff
December 20, 7pm - Final Score Sports Bar
New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks
December 31, 4-7pm - Beckwith Park
vendor MARKET | HORSE DRAWN WAGON RIDES | Live Music
Tree Lighting | Find the Grinch |caroling| Shop late| Food Trucks
Featured Performers: Small Town Socials, Luv2Groove Dance & Busker shows
Thank
Kick of the Holiday Season in Carleton Place!
Saturday, November 22nd - 4pm to 8pm
Market Square Pavilion- 7 Beckwith st
