Last updated: November 11, 2024
Thrilled about the holidays in Vaughan? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! From Vaughan residents to holiday tourists, our guide showcases the city's festive highlights.
One notable attraction is WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland, where visitors can enjoy elaborate light displays and seasonal activities. With a charming atmosphere, the Toronto Christmas Market offers unique handmade gifts and delightful treats that embody the spirit of the season. And the Cavalcade of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring spectacular light displays and live performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Vaughan Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Annual lighting of the city's official Christmas tree with live performances.
- Description
- The Cavalcade of Lights is a 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
Vaughan Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday market with international vendors and live entertainment.
- Description
- The Toronto Christmas Market is an annual holiday event held in the Distillery District, featuring a unique selection of handcrafted items, sweets, and treats from international vendors. The market includes ongoing entertainment on the main stage, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands. Visitors can explore the charming food cabins offering a variety of global cuisine and warm up with beverages like mulled wine or hot cocoa.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
- What to Expect
- Artisan marketplace with Santa visit and festive drinks.
- Description
- The Holiday Fair in the Square is an artisan marketplace in Mel Lastman Square, North York, featuring unique vendors, a Fireside Lounge, and a visit with Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and s'mores while browsing 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 gathering where attendees can shop from over 60 local vendors, enjoy diverse food options, and participate in engaging activities like cooking workshops and children's crafts. The event fosters community connection and supports local businesses.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- The Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace offers free admission with zoo admission, featuring a variety of seasonal items and gifts. Visitors can explore the market while enjoying the zoo's diverse animal exhibits.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Marketplace
We Love Willowdale Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday market with 60+ artisan vendors and live entertainment.
- Description
- Join We Love Willowdale Christmas Market at Mel Lastman Square for an afternoon of artisan vendors, live music, and festive activities. Enjoy Tiny Tom Donuts, hot chocolate, and family-friendly fun with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event also features a Cram A Cruiser Food Drive to support local families.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : We Love Willowdale Christmas Market
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 one-day outdoor event featuring over 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans showcasing unique, handmade 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
Junction Triangle Craft Show: Holiday Show
- What to Expect
- Showcase of local artisans and handmade crafts.
- Description
- The Junction Triangle Craft Show: Holiday Show is a vibrant event featuring local artisans showcasing handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal items in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Junction Triangle Craft Show: Holiday Show
Toronto Botanical Gardens Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local vendors and nature-inspired products.
- Description
- The Toronto Botanical Gardens Holiday Market is an eco-minded, nature-inspired shopping experience featuring over 60 local vendors showcasing planet-friendly and botanically-themed products, including holiday home decor, nature-based gifts, fine chocolates, and fresh seasonal greens.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Botanical Gardens Holiday Market
New Toronto Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and seasonal treats in a serene garden setting.
- Description
- The Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market is an eco-minded, nature-inspired shopping experience featuring over 60 local vendors showcasing planet-friendly and botanically-themed products. The event includes a Garden Shop with holiday home decor, nature-based gifts for kids, fine chocolates, and fresh seasonal greens. Local eats are available from onsite food trucks and indoor vendors. Enjoy live music, outdoor campfires, and festive workshops.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : New Toronto Holiday Market
A Very Merry Market
- What to Expect
- Artisan vendors and festive lighting.
- Description
- Step into a winter wonderland at Richmond Green Park, where thousands of lights illuminate daily until 10 p.m. Discover unique gifts from artisan vendors and cozy up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Create memorable holiday memories with kids and adults alike.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : A Very Merry Market
Holly Berry Fair
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday market with handmade crafts and baked goods.
- Description
- The Holly Berry Fair at Rosedale United Church features a book sale, Fran's Diner, knitting handicrafts, and a bake table with delicious home-baked goods.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Holly Berry Fair
Riverside Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Free holiday shopping with 20 local vendors.
- Description
- Join the Riverside Holiday Market at Riverside Common Park for a day of holiday shopping, live music, and family-friendly activities. Meet local vendors, take photos with Santa, and enjoy holiday-themed crafts and treats.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Riverside Holiday Market
Toronto Vegan Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Vegan holiday market with gourmet food and outerwear.
- Description
- The March de Nol Vgane 2024 Vegan Christmas Market in Montreal offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of vegan products, including gourmet food and outerwear. The event takes place at a new beautiful venue, 200 Sherbrooke Street West, within a 5-minute walk from Place-des-Arts metro.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Toronto Vegan Holiday Market
Vaughan Holiday Shows and Entertainment
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with ice-skating and live shows.
- Description
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is an immersive holiday experience featuring ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, and millions of spectacular lights. The event includes hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot trees on International Street. Explore larger-than-life themed areas, enjoy festive food, and shop seasonal merchandise.
- Where
- Vaughan | More Info : WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
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's Christmas at the Castle features elegant holiday decorations, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. The event includes live theatrical performances, festive arts and crafts, and visits to Santa's workshop. Guests can also explore the castle's historic gardens and tunnels adorned with holiday lights and live performances.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Christmas at the Castle in Casa Loma
The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's famous score. It features magnificent sets and costumes, introducing 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.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada
Santa Claus Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade featuring giant balloons, creative floats, and festive performances.
- 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, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Santa Claus Parade
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
- What to Expect
- Live performance by JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk.
- Description
- Join Chantal Kreviazuk and Traci Melchor for a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony in Bloor-Yorkville. Enjoy hits from Kreviazuk's latest album and festive singles from her holiday album, accompanied by complimentary refreshments and stunning holiday lights.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Vaughan Other Holiday Activities
Festivities at Black Creek Pioneer Village
- What to Expect
- Historic reenactments and interactive exhibits in a 19th-century setting.
- Description
- Festivities at Black Creek Pioneer Village feature historic buildings, rare heritage breed animals, and interactive exhibits that step into the past, offering a unique blend of history and community.
- Where
- Toronto | More Info : Festivities at Black Creek Pioneer Village