There are always plenty of things for visitors to do and see in Stratford in every season of the year.
Here’s a curated list of things that you can enjoy as you are planning your trip to our enchanted city.
Lights On Stratford
The award-winning winter festival of light returns, transforming downtown Stratford and the park system into a free, luminous light trail. Read our full Guide to Lights On Stratford 2026/27 – and use code LIGHTS2026 for 15% off a December or January stay at Henry House.
Date: December 18, 2026 – January 10, 2027, Thursdays to Sundays, 5 – 10 pm
Website: Lights On Stratford
Walking Time from Henry House: Various locations, 1 – 10 minFreedom Train at The Hall
Southern Ontario rock band Freedom Train kicks off the holiday season with a Friday night of live music at The Hall. Tickets are also sold in person at Needles Home Appliance Centre, 144 Erie St. 19+.
Date: Friday, December 4, 2026 · Doors 7:15 pm, show 8:30 pm · $30
Venue: The Hall, 15 Church St
Website: TicketScene
Walking Time from Henry House: 8 minAn Intimate Christmas Concert with JULES
Hosted by Julia Simmons, this two-act afternoon of Christmas music starts quiet and reflective – including JULES’ solo piano “Ave Maria” – then moves into the holiday classics and family favourites everyone knows. Admission is free with donations going to the Local Community Food Centre; seating is limited, so reserve ahead.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Venue: Falstaff Family Centre, 35 Waterloo St N
Website: Humanitix
Walking Time from Henry House: 2 minNight of Laughs - Comedy Night Showdown
The Party Plot brings the rival stars of TV’s Kenny vs. Spenny to Stratford, joined by Sam Tarasco of Trailer Park Boys and a lineup of local comics. A big Saturday night of stand-up in a converted mill on Erie Street.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:00 – 10:00 pm · $43 – $95
Venue: Grayson Mills, 114 Erie St
Website: Ticketbud
Walking Time from Henry House: 9 minHere For Now Theatre - The Gift Exchange
The world premiere of Meghan Gardiner’s holiday comedy, directed by Sara-Jeanne Hosie – the perfect festive night out.
Date: December 9 – 23, 2026 (opening December 11)
Website: Here For Now Theatre
Walking Time from Henry House: 10 minHandel’s Messiah - Stratford Symphony Orchestra and Stratford Concert Choir
A much-loved holiday tradition: the Stratford Symphony Orchestra and Stratford Concert Choir join forces under conductor Alexander Cann for Handel’s Messiah, with soloists Allana Stevenson, Celine Cascanette, Marcel van Helden and Alasdair Campbell. Expect the big choruses – “Hallelujah!” included – with the full power of the orchestra behind them.
Date: Friday, December 11, 2026 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 3:00 pm · Adults $50 – $60, students $25, kids under 12 free
Venue: Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave
Website: Stratford Symphony OrchestraA Stratford Christmas - Stratford Arts and Culture Collective
The fourth annual holiday concert on the Festival Theatre stage, hosted by David Rogers and Sheila McCarthy. Local and visiting musicians perform seasonal favourites and classic pieces, with a few surprises along the way – a family-friendly afternoon that runs about 2 hours 20 minutes with an intermission. Children under 12 are half price, and parking is free.
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 2:00 pm · $52 – $75
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: Stratford Arts and Culture Collective
Walking Time from Henry House: 11 minRod Beattie - A Christmas Carol
Iconic Canadian actor Rod Beattie (of Wingfield Farm fame) performs his one-man adaptation of the Dickens classic in the intimate Co-operators Performance Theatre at the Stratford Perth Museum.
Date: Usually the week before Christmas (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Venue: Stratford Perth Museum
Website: Stratford Perth Museum
Walking Time from Henry House: About a 10 min driveLive Music at The Starlight
Listen to local talent of all genres, sing your heart out at the monthly karaoke night - there is always something happening at The Starlight.
Date: Live music most weekends and more
Website: The Starlight
Walking Time from Henry House: 8 minLive Music and Comedy at The Bunker
The Bunker is one of Stratford’s favourite downtown cocktail lounges, serving up craft beer, signature cocktails, live music and comedy.
Date: Live music every Saturday night and more
Website: The Bunker
Walking Time from Henry House: 10 min
Next Steps? Book a Stay with Henry House.
We hope you found this information helpful in planning your next stay in our enchanting city of Stratford, Ontario.
If you want to be located within a 6 min stroll of most of the attractions, please consider staying with us at the Henry House.
Imagine a Stay in Stratford
Take two minutes to see Henry House and the Stratford around it – the river, the theatres and the restaurants, all just a short walk from our door.
