The holiday season is quickly approaching, and it’s one of the most magical times to be in the city!
From twinkling light trails and mesmerizing shows to Christmas-themed pop-up bars and the annual Santa Claus Parade, there’s no shortage of festivities to partake in.
Here are 22 festive things to do for the holidays in Toronto:
1. Distillery District’s Winter Village
A seasonal staple during Toronto’s holiday season is a visit to the iconic Winter Village at the Distillery District. Previously ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the world, the Winter Village is a wonderland complete with live performances, artisan stalls, and a glamorous 15 metre tall White Spruce Christmas tree at the heart of the village. Sip on spiced mulled wine or a decadent hot chocolate, shop for Christmas gifts, and enjoy the festive entertainment. Any Swifties in the house? Don’t miss the ‘Swiftie Holiday Hunt’ running from November 14 through 24, where you can win exclusive friendship bracelets, enjoy Taylor-themed cookies, and buy additional bracelets.
When: Opens November 13, 2024
Where: Distillery District – 55 Mill St, Toronto
2. Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Head down to at Nathan Phillips Square and witness Toronto’s official holiday celebration, the Cavalcade of Lights, featuring stunning light installations, ice skating, and musical performances. The annual winter festival kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony on November 30.
When: November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
3. Bloor-Yorkville’s Holiday Magic
Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood will once again transform into a festive village of twinkling lights, music, decor, and more this holiday season for their annual Holiday Magic experience. To welcome its return, they will be hosting a free outdoor concert and lighting ceremony taking place on Saturday, November 23 from 5 – 7 p.m. featuring a live performance by JUNO Award-winning artist Rêve, along with special guest Karolina.
When: November 23, 2024
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – (Cumberland St. and Bellair St.), Toronto
4. Toronto Santa Claus Parade
Returning for its 120th year, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade will once again bring together hundreds of thousands of people to witness colourful floats, marching bands, and of course, Kris Kringle himself. This year’s parade happens on Sunday, November 24 and begins at 12:30 p.m. Can’t make it? The event will also be streamed LIVE and on demand on YouTube!
When: November 24, 2024
Starts at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Starts at Bloor and Christie, ends at St. Lawrence Market
5. Christmas Candlelight concerts
This December, Candlelight invites you to a series of magical Christmas concerts dedicated to the most wonderful time of year. Twinkling candles set the scene for these enchanting evenings featuring soothing renditions of Christmas classics, from traditional carols to works in The Nutcracker and more. What’s more, there are even concerts that pay tribute to some of the iconic scores in our favourite festive films, including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Love Actually and Home Alone.
When: Selected dates in December
Where: Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto and Paradise Theatre
6. Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour
Toronto’s iconic castle will once again transform into a winter wonderland this December, where you can embark on their self-guided Holiday Lights Tour. Kids are also invited to visit with Santa in his castle workshop.
When: December 5, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
7. Fairmont Royal York’s annual tree lighting ceremony
Celebrate 95 years of holiday magic at the Fairmont Royal York, starting on November 20 with their annual tree lighting ceremony and Front Street window reveal. The Front Street window display will be revealed at 4:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the lobby’s opulent tree at 5 p.m. complete with guest appearances from Santa, the Candy Cane Carolers, and award-winning jazz vocalist Matt Dusk. Don’t miss their brand new pop-up bar House of York, perfect for a nightcap or festive cocktail.
When: November 20, 2024
Begins at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Royal York – 100 Front St W, Toronto
8. 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
9. The One Of A Kind Show
Pick up Christmas gifts early at the One Of A Kind Show, where you can shop for unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and art by local artisans. The event takes over the Enercare Centre from November 21 through December 1, and is the largest craft show in North America.
When: November 21–December 1, 2024
Where: Enercare Centre – Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
10. Ice skate at an outdoor rink
This season, glide on the ice at Nathan Phillips Square, Harbourfront Centre, or the picturesque Bentway Skate Trail under a canopy of holiday lights. If you don’t own your own equipment, you can rent skates from many of the City of Toronto rinks onsite. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate!
When: Most ice rinks will reopen late November
Where: Various locations
11. 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
12. 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
13. 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
14. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train
The magical CPKC train will be chugging through Toronto and surrounding cities for another holiday season this year, with thousands of dazzling lights and live performances, all for a good cause. Upon arriving, a stage door on a modified boxcar will open up, revealing a band who will perform a free show. Food and monetary donations will be collected prior to the end of the show, when the boxcar door closes and the train continues on to its next stop. The train arrives in Toronto on November 29, 2024 around 8:30 p.m. at the CPKC Yard Office parking lot at 750 Runnymede Rd., featuring with live performances by Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish.
When: November 29, 2024
Where: 750 Runnymede Rd., Toronto
15. Eaton Centre Christmas Tree
The Toronto Eaton Centre is known for its massive Christmas tree that spans several stories, and is the biggest one you’ll find in Toronto. While you shop, enjoy the beautiful holiday decorations and the hustle and bustle of the season. This year’s unveiling details are still TBD, but if it’s anything like previous years, you can anticipate live music and entertainment and even the return of fake snow falling from the ceiling!
When: Begins November 14, 2024
Where: Toronto Eaton Centre – 220 Yonge St, Toronto
16. Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Holiday-themed bars have already begun popping up all over the city, from the return of Miracle Bar to Ginger’s by Toronto bakery Le Dolci. Sip on festive drinks and indulge in themed treats while surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas decor.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
17. 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
18. “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 performance 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
19. Hudson’s Bay Holiday Windows
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
20. Harbourfront Winterfest
This December, Toronto’s Harbourfront is hosting a brand new holiday festival called Winterfest, reviving the iconic outdoor skating rink which was previously slated to permanently close last year. Winterfest will also include artisan markets, a Nordic-themed wine bar, fire pits, food trucks, and a 33-ft tall walk-in holiday tree. They will also be holding a number of events throughout the season, including a hot chocolate festival and fireworks for New Year’s Eve!
When: Fridays to Sundays, November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Where: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto
21. 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 just a short drive outside of the city, 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: December 7, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Where: Upper Canada Mall – 17600 Yonge St., Newmarket
22. See the city’s best Christmas trees
Marvel at some of Toronto’s most spectacular public Christmas trees. From the Distillery District’s glittering Dior-sponsored silver fir tree to Harbourfront’s towering faux tree you can actually walk into, check out our round-up of 7 of Toronto’s best here.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations