It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Toronto!
While Christmas itself is still over a month away, festive pop-up bars, twinkling decor, and cheery music have already begun to take over. One of the best ways to kick off the season is at one of the city’s various tree lighting ceremonies, and there are plenty to attend this year, beginning as early as tonight!
Here are 4 of the most popular tree lighting ceremonies in Toronto:
1. Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery District is once again transforming into a magical Winter Village, with the grand opening happening today on November 13, 2024. The highlight is the lighting of a 55-foot-tall silver fir Christmas tree, accompanied by live music, carolers, and festive food vendors.
The Winter Village has consistently been ranked one of the best Christmas markets in the world, making it one of the most anticipated holiday events in the city. Tickets are being sold for the tree lighting ceremony, with 100% of the profits from ticket sales going to support local charities and community initiatives.
When: November 13, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Where: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
2. Toronto Eaton Centre Tree Lighting
Home to the tallest indoor Christmas tree in North America, the Toronto Eaton Centre’s annual tree lighting ceremony also takes place tonight on November 13, 2024 at 6 p.m. The event will include a special musical performance by the Toronto Children’s Chorus, a visit from Santa, and magical indoor snow show!
The Eaton Centre tree lighting is free to attend, just keep in mind it will be busy and there may be wait periods to access certain entrances.
When: November 13, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Where: CF Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St, Toronto
3. Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s historic Fairmont Royal York will host their annual tree lighting and Front Street window display ceremony on November 20, with festivities beginning at 4:30 p.m. Featuring a stunningly ornate holiday tree within the hotel lobby, the event will feature guest appearances from Santa, the Candy Cane Carolers, and award-winning jazz vocalist Matt Dusk.
Afterwards, be sure to check out their brand new House of York holiday-themed pop-up bar for a festive cocktail. Inspired by nostalgic Canadian winters, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a cozy cabin retreat.
When: November 20, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W, Toronto
4. Cavalcade of Lights
One of the city’s signature holiday events, this year’s Cavalcade of Lights will kick off on November 30, 2024 at Nathan Phillips Square. The event features a stunning tree lighting ceremony at 6:40 p.m., along with live performances, winter solstice celebrations, fire and light festivals, and ice skating.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own skates, or rent them on site. The event is free to attend, and the Cavalcade of Lights will run until January 7, 2024.
When: November 30, 2024 at 6:40 p.m.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto