Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get set for a holiday adventure in South Parkdale with our guide. Discover all the top festive events. Whether you're deeply connected to South Parkdale or just making connections, this guide enhances your holiday adventure.
One highlight of the season is the Cavalcade of Lights, where dazzling displays illuminate Nathan Phillips Square, creating a magical atmosphere. The Toronto Christmas Market adds a unique charm with its artisan vendors and festive food offerings nestled in the historic Distillery District. And the Holiday Fair in the Square is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a lively mix of shopping, entertainment, and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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South Parkdale Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Annual lighting of the city's official Christmas tree.
- Description
- The Cavalcade of Lights is a glittering winter festival that has brought holiday cheer to Torontonians since 1967. It features an unforgettable opening night celebration with live performances and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree. The event offers nightly ice skating and festive light installations throughout the holiday season.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Cavalcade of Lights
Holiday Nights of Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive light show with giant ornaments and animated tunnels.
- Description
- Holiday Nights of Lights is an immersive walk-through experience featuring over 1.5 million LED lights, synchronized to everyone's favorite holiday tunes. Patrons can walk through giant ornaments and animated tunnels, and upon exiting, enter a market filled with delicious food trucks and vendors.
- Where
- Scarborough | More Info : Holiday Nights of Lights
South Parkdale Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping and dining in a historic cobblestone district.
- Description
- The Toronto Christmas Market is a holiday event held in the Distillery District, featuring unique handcrafted items, artisan vendors, and a variety of international cuisine. The market offers ongoing entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands, and provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
- What to Expect
- Artisan marketplace with Santa visits and festive drinks.
- Description
- Holiday Fair in the Square is a holiday tradition at Mel Lastman Square, featuring an artisan marketplace, warm Fireside Lounge, and visits with Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine while strolling through the stalls.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holiday Fair in the Square
Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
- What to Expect
- Community-driven market with diverse local vendors and activities.
- Description
- The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works is a vibrant event featuring over 60 vendors offering diverse selections of local goods, artisanal items, and mouth-watering food. Attendees can enjoy interactive workshops, children's activities, and live performances amidst a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Riverside Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping and activities for all ages.
- Description
- Join the Riverside Holiday Market at Riverside Common for a day of holiday shopping, kids' crafts, photos with Santa, and live music. Enjoy activities presented by the Riverside BIA, including holiday shopping from 20 local vendors, free meet-and-greets with Santa, and free live music and holiday carollers.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Riverside Holiday Market
One of a Kind Winter Show
- What to Expect
- Largest craft show in North America celebrating Canadian handmade and artisanal objects.
- Description
- The One of a Kind Winter Show is a premier event showcasing over 500 Canadian artisans and makers, featuring handmade crafts, artisanal objects, and unique creations in art, apparel, food, and furniture.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : One of a Kind Winter Show
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with live entertainment and local artisans.
- Description
- The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market is a free, one-day outdoor event featuring over 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans showcasing unique items such as jewelry, fashion, home decor, and skin care products. The market also includes live artist demonstrations, food vendors, and a live DJ.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
Holly Berry Fair Rosedale
- What to Expect
- Community-driven event with local vendors and activities.
- Description
- The Holly Berry Fair at Rosedale United Church is a community event featuring baking, knitting, lunch, books, and various vendors. It is a celebration of community spirit and local talent.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holly Berry Fair Rosedale
Toronto Dark Arts Market - Krampus Mart
- What to Expect
- Unique artisanal gifts and a Krampus Costume Contest.
- Description
- The Toronto Dark Arts Market - Krampus Mart is an artisan marketplace featuring 35+ vendors selling unique, weird, and wonderful wares. The event includes a Krampus Costume Contest with a $100 prize for the best costume. The venue is fully accessible, has an ATM on site, and is close to parking and transit. It is mostly family-friendly, with a bar open for customers to enjoy beverages while shopping. Admission is free.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Dark Arts Market - Krampus Mart
Holiday Market at Yonge Eglinton Centre
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local vendors.
- Description
- The Holiday Market at Yonge Eglinton Centre offers a vibrant shopping experience with local vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items. Enjoy a variety of goods, from handmade crafts to gourmet treats, in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holiday Market at Yonge Eglinton Centre
South Parkdale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with extensive light displays and live entertainment.
- Description
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland offers a comprehensive holiday experience with ice-skating, live shows, exciting rides, and millions of spectacular lights. The event features hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees, including two 50-foot trees on International Street. Explore larger-than-life themed areas, participate in holiday activities, enjoy festive food, and shop seasonal merchandise.
- Where
- Vaughan | More Info : WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Santa Claus Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade with over 119 years of tradition.
- Description
- The Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season with colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Santa Claus Parade
Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a historic castle with elaborate decorations and live performances.
- Description
- Casa Loma transforms into a holiday spectacle with a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. The event features live theatrical performances, festive arts and crafts, and visits with Santa in his castle workshop.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production set to Tchaikovsky's famous score. It follows siblings Marie and Misha as they embark on a fantastical journey from a Christmas Eve party in a 19th-century barn to the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Featuring magnificent sets and costumes, this ballet is an unforgettable tribute to the imagination.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
Santa at the Village
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade with giant balloons, creative floats, and festive performances.
- Description
- The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that has been kicking off the Christmas season since 1905. It brings people together, celebrating hope, family, and love, with over 26 colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Santa at the Village
Holiday at The Well
- What to Expect
- Chic and modern holiday celebration with ice skating and live performances.
- Description
- At Holiday at The Well, immerse yourself in a Nordic-inspired holiday experience featuring festive cocktails, ice skating, and live entertainment amidst a stunning, sparkly backdrop. Enjoy gourmet food, mixology, and interactive activities that create a memorable seasonal outing.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holiday at The Well