Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the charm of the season in Toronto with our comprehensive guide. From Toronto locals to international travelers, our guide is your key to seasonal celebrations.
A highlight of the festive calendar is the Cavalcade of Lights, where the city comes alive with stunning light displays and live performances. The Toronto Christmas Market captivates visitors with its quaint atmosphere, featuring local artisans and seasonal treats. And the Holiday Fair in the Square is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vibrant mix of amusement rides and holiday shopping options. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Toronto Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Live performances and lighting of the city's official Christmas tree.
- Description
- 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
Toronto Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping and entertainment in a historic cobblestone district.
- Description
- The Toronto Christmas Market is a holiday event held in the Distillery Historic District, featuring unique handcrafted items, artisan vendors, and a variety of festive food options. The market offers ongoing entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands, and is accessible with mobility-friendly parking and facilities.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
- What to Expect
- Artisan marketplace with Santa visits and festive drinks.
- Description
- The Holiday Fair in the Square at Mel Lastman Square in North York offers a holiday tradition with an artisan marketplace, warm Fireside Lounge, and visits to Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and s'mores while shopping for unique gifts.
- Where
- North York | More Info : Holiday Fair in the Square
Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
- What to Expect
- Community-driven market with a pay-what-you-can model.
- Description
- The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works is a vibrant event featuring local artisans, vintage markets, and a variety of food options. Attendees can explore diverse vendors offering handmade goods, jewelry, and seasonal treats while enjoying children's activities and live performances.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Holiday shopping in a zoo setting
- Description
- The Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace offers a variety of seasonal items and gifts, providing an opportunity to shop while enjoying the zoo's unique environment.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-Up
- What to Expect
- One-day outdoor market with diverse local art and live entertainment.
- Description
- Shop directly from 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans at the 10th Annual Christmas Market, featuring a variety of handmade items, live DJ, and food vendors.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-Up
Riverside Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Free holiday-themed activities and shopping with local artisans.
- Description
- The Riverside Holiday Market at Riverside Common Park features 20 local vendors offering holiday shopping, free meet-and-greets with Santa, live music, holiday carollers, and kids' crafts.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Riverside Holiday Market
Holly Berry Fair
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday market with diverse vendors and activities.
- Description
- The Holly Berry Fair at Rosedale United Church features home baking, handmade knitting, a silent auction, thrift shoppe, and Santa's interactive workshop with over 30 unique vendors.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holly Berry Fair
A Very Merry Market
- What to Expect
- Artisan vendors and festive lighting.
- Description
- The Merry Marketplace is a holiday event at Richmond Green Park featuring artisan vendors, hot chocolate, and thousands of twinkling lights. It offers a cozy atmosphere where kids and adults can create memorable holiday memories together.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : A Very Merry Market
Toronto Holiday Shows and Entertainment
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with live shows and festive activities.
- Description
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park.
- Where
- Vaughan | More Info : WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Santa Claus Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade featuring hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators.
- 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
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
- What to Expect
- Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic holiday ballet.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production set to Tchaikovsky's famous score. It introduces siblings Marie and Misha to delights beyond their wildest dreams, from magical creatures to savoury treats and 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
Christmas at Casa Loma
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a historic castle setting.
- Description
- Casa Loma transforms into a holiday wonderland with a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. Activities include visiting Santa, festive arts and crafts, and live performances.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Christmas at Casa Loma
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
- What to Expect
- Free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony with a Juno Award-winning performer.
- Description
- Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony featuring a Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter, Chantal Kreviazuk, and hosted by Etalk host Traci Melchor. The event includes complimentary refreshments and a community celebration to see the holiday lights at The Village of Yorkville Park and along Bloor Street.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic