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 30 delightful things to do in Toronto this December:
1. Welcome winter at the Cavalcade of Lights
Head to Nathan Phillips Square this December to experience the Cavalcade of Lights! The spectacular annual event kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree on November 30, but the magic continues all the way until January 7, 2025. Catch live performances, shop local vendors, and go ice skating under the twinkling lights for free.
When: November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
2. 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 Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky, along with modern favorites like Coldplay & Imagine Dragons. 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
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: Opens November 13, 2024
Where: Distillery District – 55 Mill St, Toronto
4. 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 20, the festivities will continue until the new year, featuring the lobby’s signature glamorous tree, decor, and the hotel’s brand new holiday pop-up bar, House of York.
When: All December long
Where: Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W, Toronto
5. Marvel at this year’s holiday windows at Hudson’s Bay
For over 100 years, Hudson’s Bay at Queen and Yonge showcases new, iconic storefront displays featuring beautiful holiday-themed scenes with moving figures, twinkling lights, and nostalgic winter charm. It’s the perfect stop while doing your Christmas shopping downtown, and it’s always exciting to see how they’ve incorporated modern technology to outdo the previous year.
When: All December long
Where: Hudson’s Bay – 176 Yonge St, Toronto
6. Check out National Geographic’s Spectacle Exhibition
The newly opened National Geographic exhibition, “Spectacle: Rare and Astonishing Photographs” showcases breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and awe-inspiring cultural moments – all captured by some of the world’s most talented photographers. Divided into four sections, the exhibit takes you through the beauty and diversity of our world in all its forms. Vibrant aurora borealis, a great wildebeest migration, neon-lit cityscapes, the artistry of a contortionist… Each image is inspiring, educational and visually stunning. Don’t miss this family-friendly experience at CF Sherway Gardens! Secure tickets to the experience here!
When: November 15, 2024 – January 31, 2025
Where: CF Sherway Gardens – 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
7. Embark on a hot chocolate crawl
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
8. Discover a pastel world at Bubble Planet
Spend an afternoon this December exploring the captivating world at the Bubble Planet Experience! Perfect for kids or your own inner child, the 11 themed rooms feature surreal landscapes which will appeal to all five of your senses. Tickets start at $26.90 for adults and $20.90 for children.
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
9. Shop The Great Hall’s Holiday Artisan Market
Stop by the Holiday Artisan Market this December 8, 2024 to find some incredible, unique gifts for your loved ones. Made by local creators, you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and accessories to prints and home goods.
When: December 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall – 1087 Queen St W, Toronto
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. Admire Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour
Toronto’s stunning castlewill soon be transformed into a magical, winter wonderland, bringing back their cheery Holiday Lights Tour! 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!
When: December 5, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
14. Thrift for treasure at The Hogtown Flea Holiday Market
Hogtown Flea will host their seasonal Holiday Market this December 14 and 15 at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse in the Distillery District. Sift through retro and vintage clothing, accessories, and handcrafted items at this beloved vintage market.
When: December 14 – 15, 2024
Where: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse – 106 Trinity St, Toronto
15. See the city’s tallest Christmas tree
The Eaton Centre is home to the tallest Christmas tree in the city, towering at nearly 114 feet tall! All month long, catch daily tree and light shows featuring synthetic indoor snow! Visit their website for the full calendar of events.
When: All December long
Where: CF Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St, Toronto
16. 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
17. 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 7, 2024 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 are priced at $66.60, naturally.
When: December 7, 2024
Where: Opera House – 735 Queen St E, Toronto
18. Dine at a romantic restaurant
There’s something so romantic about dining with your loved one at an intimate restaurant during the winter. From the dim mood lighting’s ambiance to sharing a delicious meal, here are some of the city’s most romantic spots to add to your December date night list.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
19. 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
20. 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, see new one-of-a-kind displays and festive lighting, including 60 benches resembling campfires that light up when in use.
When: November 23, 2024
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – (Cumberland St. and Bellair St.), Toronto
21. 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 including a massive tunnel of dazzling lights, a whiskey speakeasy, a champagne bar with gourmet smores, rotating small markets and makers to do your holiday shopping, and free live music Fridays. Holiday Hills will run from November 15 – December 31, 2024.
When: November 15 – December 31, 2024
Where: STACKT Market – 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
22. Shop eco-friendly gifts at Toronto Botanical Garden’s Holiday Market
Browse unique holiday gifts, enjoy outdoor campfires, and listen to live music at this festive market. Focusing on eco-minded and nature-inspired products, the annual Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market is completely free to attend! The market takes place over two weekends this year: November 22 – 24, and December 13 – 15.
When: November 22–24, 2024, and December 13–15, 2024
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden – 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
23. 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 16, 2024 through January 4, 2025.
When: November 16, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Where: Canada’s Wonderland – 9580 Jane St, Vaughan
24. Stop by Holiday Fair in the Square
Mel Lastman Square is bringing back their annual Holiday Fair in the Square to North York from December 6 – 23, 2024 this year, 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
25. Check out Holiday Nights of Lights
Holiday Nights of Lights is an enchanting immersive walk-through experience featuring over 1.5 million LED lights synchronized to holiday music. Returning for its fifth year, the event is expected to be even bigger and better than ever before, complete with giant ornaments, animated tunnels, and so much more. After your journey, fuel up at the delicious onsite food trucks and vendors.
When: Upper Canada Mall – 17600 Yonge St., Newmarket
Where: December 7, 2024 – January 4, 2025
26. 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 6 – 31, 2024.
When: December 6 – 31, 2024
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts – 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
27. Make memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hotel X
Stop by Hotel X Toronto this December to create some magical holiday memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Breakfast with Santa is a family-friendly event where guests are invited to join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a cozy meal, snap merry selfies, share Christmas wishes, and take part in festive activities. You can also book Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and gather ’round as they share timeless Christmas tales that both children and adults will love. The experience is complete with letter writing, festive treats, and quality time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Check out their website here for more info and to book!
When: Breakfast with Santa – December 14, 15, 21, 22 from 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus – December 15, 21, 22 from 1 – 2:15 p.m.
Where: Hotel X Toronto – 111 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
28. 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
29. 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
30. Attend a holiday-themed high tea experience
Pinkies up! Warm up this December with a seasonal, festive afternoon or high tea experience, offered by a number of Toronto destinations. Visit Holts Cafe this December for their Jo Malone London Holiday Afternoon Tea Experience inspired by their new and limited edition Fir & Artemisia fragrance, or feel like royalty at the Fairmont Royal York’s gourmet afternoon tea, complete with live music.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations