Start sharpening your skates, Toronto – our city’s beloved tradition of welcoming the holidays returns this weekend!
The annual Cavalcade of Lights is set to transform Nathan Phillips Square into a dazzling winter wonderland on Saturday, November 29, 2025, kicking off the festive season with a massive opening night party that is completely free to attend.
For over 50 years, the Cavalcade of Lights has been the city’s signal that winter is here, bringing live music, fire performances, and the grand opening of Toronto’s most iconic outdoor skating rink.
Located in the heart of the city, the artificial rink at Nathan Phillips Square is one of the city’s most photographed destinations, especially in the winter with the illuminated ‘TORONTO’ sign and twinkling lights on the city’s official Christmas tree and glowing arches.
This year, the festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. on November 29 with DJ Classic Roots and Cree dancer Anthony Gladue.
The main event, of course, is the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree. This year’s 58-foot giant will be illuminated during a countdown at 6:30 p.m., bathed in the glow of over 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
A number of mesmerizing performances will follow, including a magical holiday-themed Candlelight Concert at 6:45 p.m., figure skating showcase at 7:40 p.m., and headline performance by Canadian pop star Tyler Shaw at 9:15 p.m.
The rink will be open for free public skating from 6 to 11 p.m. on launch night, letting you glide under the glowing arches and the massive tree.
Don’t have skates? No problem. Rentals will be available on-site priced around $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
Beyond the opening night, the square will remain illuminated nightly until January 7, 2026. You can wander through dazzling light tunnels and check out interactive art installations from the “Luminescence” and “Lux Array” series, which turn the square into a free open-air art gallery.