November in Toronto is a month of magical transition. The final, crisp days of autumn give way to the first sparkling lights of the holiday season, and the city’s energy shifts from outdoor patios to the warmth of cozy concert halls, the festive bustle of world-renowned markets, and the buzzing arenas of professional sports.
Whether you’re on the hunt for holiday spirit, cultural enrichment, or just something out of the ordinary to keep you entertained, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best things to do this November in Toronto:
1. Get in the holiday spirit at The Distillery Winter Village
Toronto’s iconic Winter Village at the Distillery District returns this November, an event previously ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the world. The historic cobblestone laneways are transformed into a festive wonderland, centered around a magnificent 15-metre-tall White Spruce Christmas tree. Visitors can warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate before exploring the vendor cabins for unique gifts, catching live performances by roaming carolers, or visiting the new Narnia-inspired Santa’s Village.
When: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: Distillery District – 55 Mill St, Toronto
2. Witness the dazzling Cavalcade of Lights
Marking the official start of Toronto’s holiday season since 1967, the Cavalcade of Lights is a beloved free festival that transforms Nathan Phillips Square into a glittering wonderland. The opening night celebration is a spectacular affair, featuring the lighting of the city’s official 58-foot Christmas tree, live musical and cultural performances, and a stunning fireworks display. For the rest of the season, the square remains illuminated nightly, offering one of the city’s most iconic ice skating experiences.
When: Estimated to return November 29, 2025 – January 2026
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
3. Step into an immersive light show at Eonarium
Eonarium, the creators of stunning immersive light shows across Europe, are bringing their mesmerizing experience to Canada for the first time starting in Toronto this November. The Eonarium: Enlightenment Immersive Light Show will transform the historic Knox Presbyterian Church into a radiant world of color, sound, and motion. Featuring breathtaking projections set to music, the experience invites guests to step inside a kaleidoscope of light and art. Grab your tickets in advance here!
When: Various dates from November 14, 2025
Where: Knox Presbyterian Church – 630 Spadina Ave., Toronto
4. Experience a magical Candlelight Concert
This November, keep cozy at an enchanting Candlelight Concert in Toronto, where a brilliant string quartet plays tributes to some of your favourite artists! From covering Céline Dion to The Weeknd, you’ll be treated to a magical evening surrounded by the soft flicker of candles set within an iconic Toronto building, like The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Grab your tickets here!
When: Various dates
Where: Various venues
5. Enter a fantastical world at Bubble Planet
Toronto’s Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience invites guests to step into a whimsical, pastel-filled world of bubbles, color, and imagination. This limited-time adventure features 11 themed rooms, from dreamy cloudscapes and giant balloon installations to a VR journey inside a bubble and even a hot air balloon flight simulator. Each space is designed to spark joy and creativity, offering endless photo-worthy moments. The 60–90 minute journey promises to leave you floating on Cloud 9 – grab your tickets today!
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
6. Embrace the magic of The Original Santa Claus Parade
A Toronto tradition for over 120 years, the Original Santa Claus Parade is one of the largest in the world, attracting an estimated 800,000 spectators to the city’s streets. The 121st edition will once again delight families with a procession of incredible floats, lively marching bands, the famous Celebrity Clowns, and, of course, the grand arrival of Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. This free event is a cherished kick-off to the holiday season for generations of Torontonians.
When: November 23, 2025
Where: Parade route
7. Step into a winter wonderland at Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The sprawling theme park undergoes a breathtaking transformation for WinterFest, becoming an immersive holiday spectacle. The park is covered with millions of twinkling lights, elaborate festive décor, and multiple themed areas. Visitors can enjoy ice skating on Snow Flake Lake in front of the iconic Wonder Mountain, watch spectacular live shows, indulge in holiday-themed treats, and meet festive characters, including Santa Claus. A selection of rides will also remain open.
When: Select nights from November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
8. Find the perfect gift at the One of a Kind Christmas Show
As Canada’s largest and most celebrated craft show, the One Of A Kind Show is the ultimate destination for finding unique, handmade gifts from hundreds of Canadian artisans. The vast show floor at the Enercare Centre is filled with an incredible array of goods, including clothing, jewelry, home décor, ceramics, gourmet foods, and original art. It offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the makers, hear their stories, and support the national craft community just in time for the holidays.
When: November 27 to December 7, 2025
Where: Enercare Centre – 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
9. Enjoy a sustainable shopping day at the Holiday EcoMarket
For a more relaxed and nature-inspired shopping experience, the Toronto Botanical Garden will once again host its annual Holiday EcoMarket for two back-to-back weekends this November. This free-admission event features over 80 local vendors showcasing planet-friendly and botanically inspired products. The atmosphere is cozy and festive, with bonfires for roasting free marshmallows, live music, family-friendly craft activities, and expert gardening advice clinics.
When: November 21-23 and 28-30, 2025
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden – 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
10. Witness the enchanting tree lighting ceremony at the Fairmont Royal York
Fairmont Royal York, where Toronto’s holiday magic has sparkled since 1929, is once again transforming into a festive wonderland this season. The city’s most iconic holiday tradition returns with elegant décor, a Jo Malone London-inspired Festive Afternoon Tea, seasonal cocktails, delightful experiences for Little Royals, and exquisite dining at REIGN Toronto. The celebrations kick off on November 19 at 5 p.m. with the hotel’s beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony, marking the start of a truly enchanting holiday season at one of Toronto’s most timeless landmarks. This year, you’ll also be able to reserve balcony seats overlooking the lobby tree lighting in advance.
When: November 19, 2025
Where: Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W, Toronto
11. Welcome the return of Bloor-Yorkville’s Holiday Magic with a free concert
Every November, Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood transforms into a magical community full of twinkling lights, festive music, and so much more during Holiday Magic. To kick off this year’s holiday season, they’ll be celebrating with a free outdoor concert and lighting ceremony taking place on Cumberland Street and the Village of Yorkville Park on Saturday, November 22 from 5 – 7 p.m. Catch an exciting live performance by multi-platinum singer songwriter Shawn Hook, along with special guest Storry. The event is free to attend in support of Second Harvest.
When: November 22, 2025
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – (Cumberland St. and Bellair St.), Toronto
12. Catch an intimate show at Massey Hall
The beautifully restored Massey Hall, renowned for its acoustics and historic charm, hosts an exceptional lineup of artists in November. The month features performances from electrifying bassist Thundercat (November 1), Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (November 5), beloved Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan (November 8), and rock icon Robert Plant with his Saving Grace project (November 10). Additionally, the Classic Albums Live series presents a note-for-note performance of Madonna’s iconic album The Immaculate Collection on November 21. See their full line-up of events on their website.
When: Various dates throughout November 2025
Where: Massey Hall – 178 Victoria St, Toronto
13. Experience a concert tour at Scotiabank Arena
For those seeking the grand scale and electrifying energy of a major arena show, Scotiabank Arena is the place to be. November’s schedule includes major tours from some of music’s biggest names. Canadian rockers The Beaches bring their “No Hard Feelings Tour” on November 6, followed by pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter for two nights on November 10 and 11. Music legend Stevie Nicks will also play a rescheduled concert for fans on November 15.
When: Various dates throughout November 2025
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St, Toronto
14. Take in a grand Mirvish production
Toronto’s premier theatre company, Mirvish Productions, launches its holiday season in November with a slate of spectacular shows. The timeless classic The Sound of Music begins its run at the Princess of Wales Theatre on November 25. For rock fans, the Queen musical We Will Rock You opens at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre on November 28. For the entire month, the intimate CAA Theatre hosts Ava: The Secret Conversations, a play exploring the tumultuous life of Hollywood legend Ava Gardner.
When: Various dates
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, CAA Theatre
15. Laugh out loud at a comedy show
For a night of laughs and good times, Toronto’s comedy scene delivers. This November, legendary Second City launches its holiday-themed sketch and improv shows, offering a hilarious and irreverent take on the season. November premieres include Rizz the Season (starting November 18), Let it Snowball (starting November 20), and the family-friendly matinee Rudolph Runs Wild (starting November 29). For stand-up fans, Yuk Yuk’s downtown club features the Toronto Comedy All Stars showcase on November 7, highlighting top talent from the city’s world-class comedy scene.
When: Various dates throughout November 2025
Where: The Second City (1 York St) and Yuk Yuk’s (224 Richmond St W)
16. Immerse yourself in The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
A Toronto institution for over a century, The Royal is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition. Held over 10 days at Exhibition Place, this family-friendly event celebrates the best in Canadian agriculture, local food, and equestrian sport. Visitors can marvel at incredible butter sculptures, see prize-winning livestock, sample artisan cheeses and local produce, and watch the thrilling Royal Horse Show, which features Olympic-level athletes, the Royal Rodeo, and the popular K9-Equine Challenge.
When: November 7-16, 2025
Where: Exhibition Place – 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
17. Sip and swirl at Wine Fest Toronto
Wine Fest Toronto returns this November with its Holiday Edition, bringing the perfect day out for oenophiles and casual sippers alike. Held at the historic Heritage Court, this event operates on an “all-you-can-taste” model, where one ticket provides unlimited samples of over 100 wines and beverages from around the world, with no drink tokens required. The festival also includes complimentary educational seminars with wine professionals.
When: November 21-23, 2025
Where: Heritage Court, Exhibition Place – 19 Nunavut Rd, Toronto
18. Shop and stroll at the Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Marketplace
Combine a family day out with some early holiday shopping at the Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Marketplace. This two-day indoor/outdoor market is included with regular zoo admission and features over 40 local artisans and producers. It’s a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy festive photo opportunities, and purchase holiday-inspired food and drinks, all while exploring the zoo’s extensive grounds and visiting its animal residents.
When: November 15-16, 2025
Where: Toronto Zoo – 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto
19. See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the ROM
A perennial favourite, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition returns to the ROM, showcasing a collection of the world’s most breathtaking nature photography. Direct from London’s Natural History Museum, the exhibit features extraordinary images of animal behaviour, spectacular landscapes, and poignant photojournalism. The powerful visuals and compelling stories behind each shot make this one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year.
When: Opens November 8, 2025
Where: Royal Ontario Museum – 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
20. Celebrate photography at the AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) delves into the world of photography with its new major exhibition, Collective Visions: Celebrating 25 Years of Photography. This show is a must-see for anyone interested in the medium. While there, visitors can also experience some of the AGO’s celebrated long-term exhibitions, including the mesmerizing Yayoi Kusama’s INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM – LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER and Painted Presence: Rembrandt and his Peers, which features masterpieces of Dutch Golden Age painting.
When: Collective Visions opens November 7, 2025. Other exhibitions are ongoing.
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario – 317 Dundas St W, Toronto
21. Catch the Maple Leafs on home ice
The energy at a Toronto Maple Leafs home game is electric, and November offers a couple of chances to be part of the action at Scotiabank Arena. The team faces off against the Los Angeles Kings on November 13 and the St. Louis Blues on November 18. Tickets are always in high demand, so booking in advance is essential. Alternatively, rally with other fans at Maple Leaf Square at a free tailgate party.
When: November 13 and 18, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St, Toronto
22. Cheer on the Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors and their passionate “We The North” fanbase create one of the best atmospheres in the NBA. This November, fans can catch the team in action against several Eastern Conference rivals. The Raptors will host the Washington Wizards on November 21, the Brooklyn Nets on November 23, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 24, promising a week of fast-paced basketball.
When: November 21, 23, and 24, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St, Toronto
23. Catch the last glimpse of autumn foliage
While the peak fall colour season is in October, early November often provides a final, beautiful display of autumn foliage, particularly from resilient trees like red oaks and maples. Parks such as High Park, the Don Valley Brick Works, and the Glen Stewart Ravine offer peaceful, less-crowded opportunities for a late-autumn walk. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to see fall foliage in and around Toronto here.
When: Early November 2025
Where: Various parks in Toronto
24. See the magical CPKC Holiday Train in Toronto
The CPKC Holiday Train returns this season, bringing an enchanting display of holiday cheer to Toronto on November 29 at 750 Runnymede Rd. Watch as the 1,000-foot train adorned in thousands of lights transforms into a glowing stage for a free concert by Canadian country stars Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse. Guests are encouraged to bring food or cash donations for local food banks. The train will also visit Oshawa, Vaughan, Milton, Hamilton, and Cambridge on its holiday journey.
When: November 29, 2025
Where: 750 Runnymede Rd, Toronto
25. Celebrate life at the Good Mourning Festival
The vibrant Good Mourning Festival returns to Toronto this fall, transforming Evergreen Brick Works into a colourful celebration of life inspired by Día de los Muertos. This free two-day event features live performances by Mexicans Folk Ballet and Mariachi México Amigo, a Day of the Dead Parade, interactive art installations like Space for Grief, creative workshops, children’s activities, and a Mercado showcasing Mexican and Latinx artisans.
When: November 1–2, 2025
Where: Evergreen Brick Works – 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
26. Shop local at the Toronto Art Crawl’s Christmas Market
The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market returns for its 11th year, bringing holiday cheer to Toronto’s King West neighbourhood. This free outdoor market features over 140 local artists and artisans selling one-of-a-kind creations, from art and jewellery to fashion, home décor, and skincare. Enjoy festive vibes with delicious food vendors and live music from DJ Kid Artik.
When: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: The Bentway – 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
27. Lace up your skates at an outdoor rink
A quintessential Toronto winter experience is skating on an outdoor rink, and the season typically kicks off in late November. The most famous of these is the rink at Nathan Phillips Square, which traditionally opens in conjunction with the Cavalcade of Lights. Skating here means gliding under the arches of City Hall, beside the glowing “TORONTO” sign, and surrounded by the festive holiday lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
When: Late November 2025 (Nathan Phillips Square likely opens Nov 29)
Where: Nathan Phillips Square and other select city rinks
28. Broaden your mind at a museum
When it’s just too chilly outside, bring things indoors and expand your knowledge at one of the city’s many fantastic museums. You could spend days exploring the ROM’s 13 million artworks and artifacts, or stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCa) to see everything from enthralling installations of large-scale sculptural works to politically-charged murals. Check out our list of Toronto’s most magnificent museums to visit this fall and winter.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
29. Treat yourself at a relaxing spa
Amidst the hectic rush of holiday season, take some time for much-needed rest and relaxation at one of Toronto’s fantastic spas. From Turkish baths to honey-infused facials, we’ve rounded up eight of the best spas in Toronto to pamper yourself at.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
30. Take a walk on the spooky side
For those not quite ready to let go of the spooky season, a few of Toronto’s best ghost tours extend their seasons into the very beginning of November. The Original Haunted Walk of Toronto and the Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour both offer their final tours of the year until November 2. These lantern-lit strolls explore the city’s dark history, sharing chilling tales of graveyards, hangings, and haunted buildings for one last thrill.
When: Until November 2, 2025
Where: Downtown Toronto and the Distillery District
31. Escape the city with a romantic getaway
We love Toronto, but it’s always nice to take a little getaway from the hustle and bustle. Check out these eight romantic Ontario escapes, from countryside spa resorts to a boutique hotel with your own private in-room spa retreat.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations