December in Toronto is an enchanting time, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and making the most of winter in the city! From mesmerizing Candlelight Concerts to immersive winter light shows and Christmas markets, the options are endless.
Here’s a list of 25+ delightful things to do in Toronto this December:
1. Welcome winter at the Cavalcade of Lights
Since 1967, the Cavalcade of Lights has kicked off Toronto’s holiday season in dazzling style. Each year, Nathan Phillips Square transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, with opening night bringing an unforgettable celebration. The spectacular annual event kicks off with the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree on November 29, but the magic continues all the way until January 6, 2026. Catch live performances, shop local vendors, and go ice skating under the twinkling lights for free.
When: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
2. Marvel at an immersive light show at Eonarium
Eonarium, the masterminds behind some of Europe’s most breathtaking immersive light shows, are making their Canadian debut this November right here in Toronto. The Eonarium: Enlightenment Immersive Light Show will transform the historic Knox Presbyterian Church into a glowing sanctuary of color, sound, and motion. With stunning projections choreographed to music, guests are invited to step inside a living, breathing work of art. Reserve your tickets now and experience the magic firsthand.
Enlightenment: An Immersive Vivaldi Light Show - 4.44 · 117 reviews
When: Various dates from November 14, 2025
Where: Knox Presbyterian Church – 630 Spadina Ave., Toronto
3. Stroll through the Distillery Winter Village
Toronto’s beloved Winter Village at the historic Distillery District is back for another year, transformed into a winter wonderland with European-style Christmas stalls selling gifts, ornaments, and seasonal foods like mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. Don’t miss a visit to the all-new Santa’s Village this year, where kids can meet Santa and write their wish lists to the North Pole.
When: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: Distillery District – 55 Mill St, Toronto
4. Experience a cozy Candlelight Concert
Warm up this December at an intimate Candlelight Concert, where a talented string quartet will play mesmerizing tributes to classical legends like Mozart and Bach, along with modern favorites like Taylor Swift. Set within a striking Toronto venue, such as The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, the concert will be one you won’t soon forget! Grab your tickets here!
When:Various dates
Where: Various venues
5. Revel in holiday magic at the Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s historic Fairmont Royal York is one of the most festive places to be this December, celebrating 95 years of holiday magic. While the annual tree lighting ceremony and Front Street window reveal takes place on November 19, the festivities will continue until the new year, featuring the lobby’s signature glamorous tree, decor, and the hotel’s cozy Canadian cabin-inspired bar, House of York.
When: All December long
Where: Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W, Toronto
6. Discover a pastel world at Bubble Planet
Toronto’s Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience invites you to step into a dreamy, pastel universe where bubbles, color, and imagination collide. This limited-time adventure features 11 fantastical rooms, from ethereal cloudscapes and larger-than-life balloon installations to a VR journey inside a bubble and even a hot air balloon flight simulator. Every corner is designed to spark wonder (and deliver the perfect photo op). The 60 – 90 minute experience promises pure joy and a dose of childlike magic — grab your tickets now and get ready to float on Cloud 9!
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
7. Sip cocktails at a holiday-themed pop-up bar
Toronto is really embracing the holidays this year, and new holiday-themed cocktail bars seem to be popping up all over the city. Grab a seasonal beverage of your choice while admiring the decorated setting, all while your favourite Christmas tunes play in the background. We’ve rounded up this year’s must visit locations to add to your list here!
When: All December long
Where: Various locations
8. Admire Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour
Toronto’s stunning Casa Loma will soon be transformed into a magical, winter wonderland, and is expected to bring back their festive Holiday Lights Tour! Guests will be able to wander through the castle’s gardens and tunnels decked out in decor for Christmas on this self-guided walk. There will also be live performances to enjoy, as well as Santa’s castle workshop for the kids to visit! Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced, but stay tuned!
When: Dates for 2025 TBD
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
9. See the city’s tallest Christmas tree
The Eaton Centre is typically home to the tallest Christmas tree in the city, towering at nearly 108 feet tall! All month long, you’ll be able to catch daily tree and light shows featuring synthetic indoor snow! This year’s official tree lighting ceremony and dates are still to be determined, but expected to run through December as usual.
When: All December long
Where: CF Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St, Toronto
10. Try the city’s best hot chocolate
Set out to find your favourite hot chocolate in the city this December, whether you prefer it classic, loaded with marshmallows, or a unique spiced twist. We’ve rounded up 6 of our favourite destinations here, but let us know what to add to our list!
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
11. Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs Game
Hockey season is back in Toronto, and cheering on the Maple Leafs is always a good time! Check out the NHL website for their full schedule of upcoming games.
When: Various dates throughout December
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St., Toronto
12. Go tobogganing at Riverdale Park East
Weather permitting, dust off that sled this December and head to Riverdale Park East, one of Toronto’s best tobogganing hills. Home to incredible city skyline views, this hill dips into the Don Valley Ravine from Broadview Avenue. Prepare for a workout trekking back up after your ride!
When: Any time
Where: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto
13. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink
Most of Toronto’s outdoor ice rinks are expected to open in late November, and what’s more quintessentially Canadian than going for a skate in the city? If you don’t own your own equipment, you can rent skates from many of the City of Toronto rinks onsite.
When: Opening dates TBD
Where: Various locations
14. Celebrate the dark side of the holidays at the Krampus Ball
Toronto’s alternative Christmas costume party is back this December, and if you’re looking for something a little different to do this December, how does dressing up in your best devil-inspired attire for an elaborate evening ball sound? The annual Krampus Ball returns December 6, 2025 to the Opera House, and encourages attendees to dress up in their best festive attire, from demon-wear as an homage to Krampus himself, or other holiday-inspired outfits. Tickets will go on sale on November 1.
When: December 6, 2025
Where: Opera House – 735 Queen St E, Toronto
15. Find the best Christmas lights in Toronto
You can’t have Christmas without twinkling lights, and there are a number of places to find dazzling displays throughout the city. Check out our round-up of some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Toronto here!
When: All December long
Where: Various locations
16. See Bloor-Yorkville lit up for Holiday Magic
In between Christmas shopping in Toronto’s ritzy Yorkville neighbourhood, discover this year’s twinkling display of colourful lights for their seasonal Holiday Magic event. Running all November and December, you’ll be able to see new one-of-a-kind displays and festive lighting.
When: November 22 – December 31, 2025
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – (Cumberland St. and Bellair St.), Toronto
17. Get festive at STACKT Market’s Holiday Hills
Toronto’s most innovative market bringing back their annual Holiday Hills experience, featuring 6 weeks of holiday festivities. With more details coming soon, we know for now that Holiday Hills will run from November 14 – December 28, 2025.
When: November 14 – December 28, 2025
Where: STACKT Market – 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
18. Go to WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland will turn into a festive winter paradise with their annual WinterFest event, complete with millions of lights, live entertainment, ice skating, and holiday-themed food and drinks. The family-friendly experience runs on select dates from November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026.
When: Select nights from November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
19. Stop by Holiday Fair in the Square
While dates for 2025 have yet to be announced, it is expected that Mel Lastman Square will be bringing back their annual Holiday Fair in the Square this December, complete with a cozy fire pit, artisan marketplace, 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
20. Watch “The Nutcracker” by the National Ballet of Canada
A holiday tradition, The Nutcracker is a must-see for those who love the arts. The magical adaptation by James Kudelka features enchanting choreography, stunning costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. This year, the ballet show dates run from December 5 – 31, 2025.
When: December 5 – 31, 2025
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts – 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
21. Relax and recharge at a wellness hub
The holidays can be a stressful time of year, so it’s important to make a little time for yourself this December! Book yourself a solo journey through hot and cold therapy at Trove Wellbeing, take a dip in Tonic Spa’s 50-foot saltwater lap pool, or get a dose of essential vitamins with an IV drip at Lemon Water Wellness Clinic. See our list of some of the city’s best wellness spaces here.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
22. Seek out your perfect Christmas tree
If you prefer a real Christmas tree over fake, there are a number of places in Toronto to find your perfect tree. See our round-up of 8 destinations to get one in the city here!
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
23. Find the perfect gift at the One of a Kind Christmas Show
Canada’s largest craft show, the One Of A Kind Show, returns to the Enercare Centre from November 27 through December 7 this year, and is the perfect destination to find unique, handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays made by Canadian artisans. You’ll be able to find everything from clothing and jewelry to ceramics, art, and gourmet foods.
When: November 27 to December 7, 2025
Where: Enercare Centre – 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
24. Watch the Toronto Raptors
If basketball is more your speed, grab tickets to see the Toronto Raptors. Fresh into their 2025-26 season, the energy from the “We The North” fanbase is unmatched. It’s a fantastic, high-energy way to spend a cold December evening.
When: Home games on Dec 2, 4, 5, 7, 20, 28, 29, 31, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St, Toronto
25. Skate Under the Gardiner at The Bentway
One of the city’s most unique winter experiences, The Bentway transforms the area under the Gardiner Expressway into a 220-metre figure-eight skate trail. Glide along the trail, enjoy DJ nights, and grab a hot beverage. Skate and helmet rentals are available.
When: Rink typically opens mid-December
Where: The Bentway – 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto