Thrilled about holiday festivities in Toronto? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it anew, our guide reveals the best of Toronto's holidays.
Get into the holiday spirit at the enchanting Toronto Christmas Market, where you can shop for unique gifts and savor seasonal treats. Enjoy Toronto's skyline illuminated by sparkling lights and festive displays during the Cavalcade of Lights, which presents mesmerizing fireworks and a giant Christmas tree. And WinterFest at Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering holiday-themed shows and ice-skating adventures. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Toronto
- Toronto Christmas Market
- Cavalcade of Lights
- Christmas at Casa Loma
- Holiday Fair in the Square
- Santa Claus Parade
- Glow Toronto
- Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
- Miracle on Queen Street
- Allan Gardens Conservatory Christmas Flower Show
- The Nutcracker Ballet
Toronto Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular light show at Nathan Phillips Square
Description:
The Cavalcade of Lights illuminates Nathan Phillips Square with a dazzling display of over 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights. Visitors can glide across the outdoor ice rink beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. The event showcases Toronto's diverse musical talent with live performances on the square's stage. This annual tradition began in 1967 to celebrate Canada's centennial year and has evolved into a cherished holiday spectacle that marks the official start of the holiday season in Toronto.
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Christmas at Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations in a historic castle setting
Description:
Christmas at Casa Loma adorns the grand halls of Toronto's iconic castle with lavish holiday decor. Visitors can explore the elaborately decorated rooms, each showcasing a different holiday theme. The castle's Great Hall hosts a towering Christmas tree, reminiscent of the opulent celebrations held by Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 20th century. You'll discover hidden tunnels and secret passages decked out for the season. This event offers a unique blend of historical grandeur and holiday cheer in one of Toronto's most distinctive landmarks.
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Glow Toronto
What to Expect:
Indoor light garden and market with interactive light sculptures
Description:
Glow Toronto creates an immersive world of light within a sprawling indoor venue. Visitors can wander through illuminated tunnels and interact with massive light sculptures. The event features a globetrotting theme, showcasing holiday traditions from around the world through its light displays. You'll have the chance to decorate your own virtual Christmas tree using augmented reality technology. Glow Toronto combines cutting-edge light technology with traditional holiday cheer, offering a unique indoor experience that's weather-proof and family-friendly.
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Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Upscale neighborhood transformed with elegant holiday decor
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic adorns the chic shopping district with sophisticated holiday decorations. Visitors can admire the stylish light displays while exploring high-end boutiques and galleries. The event kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony featuring live musical performances. You'll experience the neighborhood's blend of historic charm and modern luxury, decorated for the season. This annual celebration reflects Bloor-Yorkville's status as a premier shopping and cultural destination in Toronto, offering a refined take on holiday festivities.
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Kew Gardens Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting ceremony in a historic beachfront park
Description:
The Kew Gardens Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates the heart of Toronto's Beach neighborhood. Residents gather to witness the lighting of a towering evergreen, accompanied by carolers and local musicians. The event features hot chocolate stations and children's activities. You'll experience the strong sense of community that defines this historic Toronto neighborhood. This annual tradition, dating back several decades, marks the beginning of the holiday season in the Beaches area, showcasing the neighborhood's small-town charm within the big city.
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Kew Gardens Christmas Tree Lighting
Toronto Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
European-inspired outdoor market with artisanal goods
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market transforms the Distillery District into a bustling European-style holiday bazaar. Visitors can stroll cobblestone streets lined with Victorian-era architecture while browsing handcrafted goods from local artisans. The air fills with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. You'll have the opportunity to ride a vintage carousel, a nod to the area's 19th-century industrial heritage. This market has been a Toronto tradition since 2010, quickly becoming one of the city's most beloved winter attractions.
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Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Outdoor market and carnival in the heart of downtown
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square brings together a traditional Christmas market with carnival rides and games in Nathan Phillips Square. Visitors can shop for unique gifts from local vendors while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The event features an artisanal food market showcasing Toronto's diverse culinary scene. You'll find a mix of old and new traditions, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. This fair, which began in 2016, has quickly become a staple of Toronto's holiday season, offering a vibrant outdoor experience in the city center.
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Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
What to Expect:
Holiday market set against the backdrop of a zoo
Description:
The Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace offers a unique shopping experience amidst the animal habitats. Visitors can browse local vendors' stalls while catching glimpses of exotic wildlife. The event supports conservation efforts, with a portion of proceeds going towards the zoo's animal care and protection programs. You'll have the opportunity to create enrichment gifts for the zoo's residents, providing a hands-on way to connect with wildlife during the holiday season. This marketplace combines holiday shopping with wildlife education, creating a distinctive experience for animal lovers.
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Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
Evergreen’s Winter Village
What to Expect:
Sustainable holiday market in a historic brick works
Description:
Evergreen's Winter Village transforms the historic Don Valley Brick Works into a sustainable holiday marketplace. Visitors can shop for eco-friendly gifts while exploring the repurposed industrial site. The event features workshops on sustainable living and holiday crafts using natural materials. You'll have the opportunity to skate on a picturesque outdoor rink nestled among the old brick factory buildings. This village celebrates Toronto's commitment to environmental sustainability, offering a green alternative to traditional holiday consumerism in a unique urban setting.
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One of a Kind Winter Show
What to Expect:
Massive artisan market featuring Canadian-made products
Description:
The One of a Kind Winter Show brings together hundreds of Canadian artisans and designers under one roof. Visitors can browse and purchase unique, handcrafted items ranging from fashion to home decor. The event showcases live demonstrations by skilled craftspeople, offering insight into various artistic techniques. You'll discover emerging trends in Canadian design and support local makers directly. This show has been promoting Canadian creativity since 1975, growing into one of the largest and most anticipated craft shows in North America.
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Swedish Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Scandinavian holiday market with authentic Swedish goods and traditions
Description:
The Swedish Christmas Fair brings a taste of Scandinavian yuletide to Toronto. Visitors can sample traditional Swedish holiday treats like glögg and pepparkakor. The event showcases authentic Swedish crafts, including hand-carved Dala horses and woven textiles. You'll learn about unique Swedish holiday traditions such as St. Lucia Day celebrations. This fair, organized by the Swedish Women's Educational Association, has been introducing Torontonians to Swedish culture for over 30 years, reflecting the city's multicultural fabric.
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Toronto Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
The National Ballet of Canada's production of The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky's beloved holiday tale to life on stage. Audiences are transported to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers through exquisite choreography and stunning set designs. The performance features a cast of over 100 dancers, including students from Canada's National Ballet School. You'll marvel at the intricate costumes, each handcrafted in the company's wardrobe department. This annual production has been a Toronto holiday tradition since 1995, captivating audiences with its blend of classical ballet and holiday magic.
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Ross Petty's Holiday Pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive family theater with a modern twist on fairy tales
Description:
Ross Petty's Holiday Pantomime presents a comedic, musical retelling of classic fairy tales with a contemporary Canadian flair. Audiences participate in the show, cheering for heroes and booing villains in true pantomime tradition. The performance incorporates current pop culture references and local Toronto humor. You'll enjoy original songs and dance numbers performed by a talented cast of Canadian actors. This annual production has been a Toronto holiday staple since 1996, blending British pantomime traditions with Canadian theater to create a unique family entertainment experience.
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Ross Petty's Holiday Pantomime
Toronto Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Classical and popular holiday music performed by a world-class orchestra
Description:
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert delivers a mix of beloved carols and contemporary holiday hits. Audiences are treated to the rich, full sound of a professional orchestra performing seasonal favorites. The program often includes guest appearances by local choirs and vocalists, adding depth to the musical experience. You'll hear unique arrangements of classic holiday tunes, showcasing the orchestra's versatility. This annual concert series has been a highlight of Toronto's cultural calendar for decades, reflecting the city's appreciation for high-quality musical performances during the holiday season.
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Toronto Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
Toronto Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
One of the oldest and largest Santa Claus parades in the world
Description:
The Santa Claus Parade winds through downtown Toronto, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed performers. Spectators line the streets to catch a glimpse of the jolly man in red. The parade includes over 25 animated floats, each telling a unique holiday story. This Toronto tradition dates back to 1905, making it one of the oldest Santa Claus parades in the world. You'll experience a sense of community as Torontonians of all ages come together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
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Miracle on Queen Street
What to Expect:
Pop-up Christmas cocktail bar with over-the-top decorations
Description:
Miracle on Queen Street transforms a local bar into an exuberant holiday-themed cocktail destination. Visitors can sip on creative, holiday-inspired drinks served in whimsical glassware. The bar is adorned floor-to-ceiling with kitschy Christmas decorations, creating an immersive atmosphere. You'll find nods to classic holiday films and pop culture references throughout the decor. This event is part of a global pop-up phenomenon that began in New York City in 2014, bringing a touch of playful holiday spirit to Toronto's nightlife scene.
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Allan Gardens Conservatory Christmas Flower Show
What to Expect:
Botanical display of holiday-themed plants and flowers
Description:
The Allan Gardens Conservatory Christmas Flower Show showcases a stunning array of seasonal plants and floral arrangements. Visitors can stroll through six greenhouses filled with thousands of blooming plants, including rare and exotic species. The centerpiece of the show is a massive poinsettia tree, surrounded by creative holiday-themed botanical displays. You'll learn about the horticultural significance of various holiday plants. This annual tradition dates back to 1910, making it one of Toronto's longest-running holiday events and a testament to the city's love of nature and horticulture.
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Allan Gardens Conservatory Christmas Flower Show
Aurora Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive winter wonderland with themed worlds
Description:
The Aurora Winter Festival creates a captivating winter experience with themed worlds, ice skating, and light displays. Visitors can explore mystical lands populated by mythical creatures and interactive light features. The festival includes a tube park for exhilarating downhill rides on snow tubes. You'll have the chance to meet characters from various winter tales and legends. This event draws inspiration from the diverse cultural traditions that make up Toronto's multicultural landscape, offering a unique blend of holiday celebrations from around the world.
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Polar Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Arctic-themed winter festival with ice sculptures and snow activities
Description:
The Polar Winter Festival creates a frosty wonderland filled with ice sculptures and snow-based attractions. Visitors can marvel at intricate ice carvings created by international artists. The event features a polar-themed light show, illuminating the icy landscape. You'll have the chance to try your hand at ice fishing or snowshoeing. This festival draws inspiration from Canada's northern territories, bringing a taste of Arctic life to Toronto and highlighting the country's diverse geography and winter traditions.
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Christmas by Lamplight
What to Expect:
Evening tours of a historic site illuminated by lamplight
Description:
Christmas by Lamplight at Black Creek Pioneer Village offers an intimate glimpse into 19th-century holiday celebrations. Visitors explore the village by the warm glow of oil lamps and candles. The event features traditional music performances and storytelling sessions in historic buildings. You'll have the chance to participate in period-appropriate holiday crafts and games. This atmospheric experience transports guests back in time, highlighting the simpler pleasures of historical holiday celebrations and offering a stark contrast to modern festivities.
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Nearby Events
WinterFest (Vaughan)
What to Expect:
Immersive winter-themed attractions at Canada's Wonderland
Description:
WinterFest transforms Canada's Wonderland into a frosty paradise with ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday-themed areas. Visitors can embark on a thrilling toboggan run down Snow Peak Mountain. The event features towering ice sculptures crafted by skilled artisans. WinterFest pays homage to Canadian winter traditions, incorporating elements of the country's diverse cultural heritage into its attractions and performances. This relatively new addition to the park's calendar has quickly become a highlight of the Greater Toronto Area's winter season.
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Toronto Christmas Pet Show (Mississauga)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed pet expo with activities for animals and owners
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Pet Show caters to animal lovers with a festive twist. Visitors can shop for pet-related products and participate in pet-friendly activities. The event features agility demonstrations and costume contests for furry companions. You'll have the opportunity to meet rare and exotic pets, learning about responsible pet ownership. This show celebrates the bond between humans and animals during the holiday season, reflecting Toronto's status as a pet-friendly city and promoting animal welfare.
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Country Christmas (Vaughan)
What to Expect:
Rural-themed holiday celebration at a historic village
Description:
Country Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village recreates a 19th-century Ontario holiday celebration. Visitors can experience traditional crafts, music, and foods from the 1800s. The event features costumed interpreters demonstrating historical holiday preparations. You'll have the opportunity to take a lantern-lit evening stroll through the village. This immersive experience transports guests back in time, offering insight into the holiday traditions of early Canadian settlers and highlighting the region's rural heritage.
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City of Burlington Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail (Burlington)
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light experience in a suburban setting
Description:
Burlington's Santa's Holiday Magic Trail offers a twinkling journey through festive light displays. Families can enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own vehicles. The trail features themed sections, each telling a different holiday story through lights and decorations. You'll spot Santa and his reindeer among the illuminated scenes. This event, relatively new to the Greater Toronto Area's holiday offerings, provides a safe and accessible way for suburban residents to experience holiday cheer.
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City of Burlington Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail
Uxbridge Christmas Trail (Uxbridge)
What to Expect:
Self-guided holiday light tour through a small town
Description:
The Uxbridge Christmas Trail winds through the charming streets of this historic Ontario town. Visitors can follow a map to discover elaborately decorated homes and businesses. The trail includes interactive elements like QR codes revealing holiday trivia and local history. You'll experience the warmth of small-town hospitality as residents showcase their holiday spirit. This community-driven event, started in recent years, has quickly become a beloved tradition, highlighting Uxbridge's close-knit community and picturesque setting.
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Milton HolidayFest Market (Milton)
What to Expect:
Small-town holiday market with a focus on local artisans
Description:
The Milton HolidayFest Market brings together local craftspeople and food producers in a cozy small-town setting. Visitors can browse handmade gifts and sample artisanal treats from the Milton area. The event features live performances by local musicians and dance troupes. You'll have the opportunity to meet the makers behind the products, learning about their crafts firsthand. This market celebrates Milton's rich agricultural heritage and growing arts community, offering a more intimate alternative to larger city markets.
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Collingwood Christmas Market (Collingwood)
What to Expect:
Alpine-inspired holiday market in a ski resort town
Description:
The Collingwood Christmas Market transforms the town into a charming Alpine village. Visitors can shop for unique gifts while enjoying the backdrop of the Blue Mountains. The event features demonstrations of traditional European crafts like glass-blowing and wood carving. You'll have the chance to try seasonal treats inspired by European mountain cuisine. This market pays homage to Collingwood's status as a premier ski destination, blending local traditions with Alpine holiday charm to create a unique experience just outside the Greater Toronto Area.
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Brampton Winter Wonderland Market (Brampton)
What to Expect:
Fusion of Canadian and international holiday traditions
Description:
Brampton's Winter Market transforms the city center into a vibrant hub of cultural fusion. This unique event blends Canadian holiday customs with international traditions, reflecting Brampton's diverse population. Visitors can explore stalls showcasing handcrafted goods from around the world, each telling a story of heritage and craftsmanship. The air is filled with the aroma of global cuisines, tempting you to sample flavors from distant lands. Try your hand at traditional ice sculpting, a skill that harks back to the 19th-century ice harvesting industry in Ontario. The market stands as a testament to Brampton's evolution from a small agricultural town to a multicultural metropolis.
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Brampton Winter Wonderland Market