It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Toronto is full of Christmas spirit with so many festive things to do!
If you’re searching for the perfect photo op, the city is full of magically decorated destinations, from Christmas markets to joyous neighbourhoods.
Here are some of the best places to find Christmas lights in Toronto this year:
1. Distillery Winter Village
There’s no place quite like Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village during the holiday season, which has been repeatedly ranked as one of the top Christmas villages in the world. From its cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights and pop-up vendors to this year’s 56-foot tall Silver Fir Christmas tree, the market is a must-visit to see Christmas lights.
When: November 13, 2024, until January 5, 2025.
Where: The Distillery Historic District at 55 Mill Street, Toronto
2. Casa Loma
Toronto’s iconic castle-style mansion will soon transform into a winter wonderland, featuring light displays, activities, holiday decor, and even Santa himself. As of December 5, you can take a self-guided tour at Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights experience, which leads you along a trail illuminated with endless sparkling lights. Catch festive performances and activities at Christmas at the Castle, and don’t forget to visit Santa and his elves to give him your list!
When: December 5, 2024 to January 4, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
3. Nathan Phillips Square
The annual Cavalcade of Lights returns to the heart of downtown on November 30, 2024 with a huge celebration inspired by holiday festivals and cultures around the globe. See mesmerizing light installations, hand-crafted illuminated lanterns, performances, and Toronto’s official Christmas tree. You can also lace up and go ice skating at the public rink surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights.
When: November 30, 2024 to January 7, 2025
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
4. Bloor-Yorkville
Every year, Toronto’s ritzy neighbourhood of Bloor-Yorkville is illuminated with thousands of string lights during Holiday Magic, as well as a brilliant Christmas tree centerpiece. Marvel at the festive window displays of the high-end shops lining the streets, and have a seat on one of the Urban Campfire Benches that light up when used, resembling a campfire. The magic also continues indoors at Yorkville Village.
When: November 23 – December 31, 2024
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – (Cumberland St. and Bellair St.), Toronto
5. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland has said goodbye to Halloween Haunt and replaced it with a twinkling winter paradise in the form of their annual WinterFest! Visit the theme park this season to see millions of spectacular lights, over a dozen live shows and entertainment, ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, thrilling rides, and holiday-themed food and drinks. There’s also a towering 50-foot Christmas tree to see on International Street. The family-friendly experience runs on select dates from November 16, 2024 through January 4, 2025.
ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street.
When: November 16, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Where: Canada’s Wonderland – 9580 Jane St, Vaughan
6. Holiday Nights of Lights
If colourful light displays is what you’re after, look no further than Holiday Nights of Lights! The immersive walk-through experience has over 1.5 million LED lights synced to Christmas music, accent with gigantic ornaments, animated light tunnels, vendors, food trucks, and more. Dates for this season are still TBD, but will run in December through January.
When: TBD
Where: TBD
7. Holiday Fair in the Square
Holiday Fair in the Square is coming back to Mel Lastman Square in North York this December, running from the 6 – 23, 2024. There’s going to be a cozy fire pit to warm up at, artisan marketplace to shop for gifts, holiday treats like hot chocolate or mulled wine and a chance for a photo-op with Santa.
When: December 6 – 23, 2024
Where: Mel Lastman Square – 5100 Yonge St, Toronto
8. Harbourfront Winterfest
This December, Toronto’s Harbourfront is hosting a brand new holiday festival called Winterfest, reviving the iconic outdoor skating rink which was previously slated to permanently close last year. Winterfest will also include artisan markets, a Nordic-themed wine bar, fire pits, food trucks, and a 33-ft tall walk-in holiday tree. They will also be holding a number of events throughout the season, including a hot chocolate festival and fireworks for New Year’s Eve!
When: Fridays to Sundays, November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Where: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto