Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the holiday spirit in East End-Danforth! Discover all the exciting festive happenings with our guide. From lifelong residents to holiday visitors, our guide is your ticket to East End-Danforth's festive magic.
Popular events include the Distillery Winter Village, where charming market stalls and twinkling lights create a cozy atmosphere for all. Unique artisan crafts and delicious seasonal treats are showcased at the One of a Kind Winter Show, inviting visitors to explore and shop local. And the Toronto Botanical Gardens Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its stunning natural displays and community-focused festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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East End-Danforth Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Live tree lighting and nightly ice skating.
- Description
- The Cavalcade of Lights is a long-standing holiday event in Toronto, featuring live performances, the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree, and nightly ice skating with festive light installations.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Cavalcade of Lights
East End-Danforth Holiday Markets and Shopping
One of a Kind Winter Show
- What to Expect
- Showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects.
- Description
- The One of a Kind Winter Show is a premier showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects, featuring over 500 talented makers and artisans from across Canada. The event offers a diverse array of artistic expressions, including art, apparel, food, and furniture, all made with love and care. Visitors can explore special sections like the Creative Lounge, Fashion Shows, and Flavours section, and enjoy late-night shopping on Thursday, November 28.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : One of a Kind Winter Show
Toronto Botanical Gardens Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Eco-friendly holiday shopping with local artisans.
- Description
- The Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market is an eco-minded, nature-inspired shopping event featuring over 60 local vendors showcasing planet-friendly and botanically-themed products. The market includes a wide selection of holiday home decor, nature-based gifts for kids, fine chocolates, and fresh seasonal greens. Enjoy live music, winter workshops, and free family activities.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Botanical Gardens Holiday Market
The Bentway - Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with live artist demonstrations and DJ entertainment.
- Description
- The Bentway - Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market is a one-day outdoor event featuring 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans selling unique handmade items, including art, photography, sculptures, jewelry, fashion, home decor, and skin care products. The market also includes food vendors and live entertainment by DJ Kid Artik.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : The Bentway - Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping with local vendors and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- Join us at Riverside Common Park for the Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market, featuring holiday shopping from 20 local vendors, free meet-and-greets with Santa, live music, and holiday-themed kids' crafts and treats.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market
We Love Willowdale Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday market with live music and Santa Claus.
- Description
- Join We Love Willowdale Christmas Market at Mel Lastman Square for an afternoon of artisan vendors, live entertainment, and festive activities. Enjoy Tiny Tom Donuts, hot chocolate, and family photo booths while supporting local families through the food bank.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : We Love Willowdale Christmas Market
Weston Winterfest
- What to Expect
- Inclusive holiday event with illuminated ice sculptures and live musical performances.
- Description
- Weston Winterfest is an inclusive holiday-themed event featuring an indoor silent auction, holiday market, kids activities, and live musical performances. Enjoy illuminated ice sculptures, free hot chocolate, and vendors selling hot cider, soup, and treats. The event includes a pancake breakfast and offers a free toque or beverage sleeve to early guests.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Weston Winterfest
Christmas Market at WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Local artisan vendors selling unique holiday gifts.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland offers a variety of local artisan vendors selling unique holiday gifts and seasonal items, creating a festive atmosphere with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and millions of spectacular lights.
- Where
- Vaughan | More Info : Christmas Market at WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
East End-Danforth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Distillery Winter Village
- What to Expect
- Holiday carolers and Santa's Tower of Toys.
- Description
- The Distillery Winter Village is a festive celebration featuring holiday carolers, Santa's Tower of Toys, and a tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy holiday movies, hot chocolate, and seasonal activities in a beautifully decorated setting.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Distillery Winter Village
Santa Claus Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade with over 1,700 participants and 26 colorful floats.
- Description
- The Santa Claus Parade is a historic event in Toronto that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season with colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Santa Claus Parade
Christmas at the Castle - Casa Loma
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a historic castle setting.
- Description
- Casa Loma transforms into a holiday spectacle with a 40-foot tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. Guests can enjoy live performances, visit Santa's workshop, and participate in festive arts and crafts.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Christmas at the Castle - Casa Loma
Holiday Magic - Bloor-Yorkville
- What to Expect
- Live performance by JUNO Award-winning singer Chantal Kreviazuk.
- Description
- Chantal Kreviazuk headlines Holiday Magic in Bloor-Yorkville with a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony. The event features festive performances, complimentary refreshments, and holiday lights in Village of Yorkville Park and along Bloor Street.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holiday Magic - Bloor-Yorkville
Medieval Times Dinner Theatre
- What to Expect
- Interactive medieval-themed dinner and tournament with live sword fights and jousting.
- Description
- Medieval Times Dinner Theatre offers a family-friendly, immersive experience featuring a four-course banquet and a grand tournament with jousting, sword fights, and horsemanship, set in an 11th-century medieval setting.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Medieval Times Dinner Theatre
East End-Danforth Other Holiday Activities
Holiday at The Well
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a vibrant downtown Toronto community.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at The Well, where you can explore diverse culinary options, shop at curated retail stores, and enjoy design-forward indoor and outdoor spaces filled with entertainment and arts.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holiday at The Well
Sorauren Park’s Pumpkin Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven pumpkin carving display with organic disposal.
- Description
- Sorauren Park's Pumpkin Parade features over 1,500 creatively carved pumpkins lining the park path, creating a warm glow over the community. The event encourages participants to bring their own pumpkins, which are lit by candlelight, and provides organic disposal bins for post-event clean-up.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Sorauren Park’s Pumpkin Parade