Brianna Harrison10 Must-Attend Christmas Events in Toronto
Toronto is home to Canada's largest Christmas tree, which is located at Nathan Phillips Square. The tree is over 200 feet tall and is decorated with over 20,000 lights.
Besides this tree, the city offers other holiday sights and activities. The most popular ones include Christmas markets and Christmas concerts and plays.
Learn about Toronto’s famous Christmas attractions and why people love them every year!
10 Must-Attend Christmas Events in Toronto
The Toronto Christmas Market
Website: http://www.torontochristmasmarket.com
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Contact details: +1 416-364-1177
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Toronto Christmas Market is a magical outdoor market held in the Distillery District every year from late November to early December. The market features dozens of vendors selling various holiday goods such as food, drinks, and crafts.
The event also features live music and entertainment for the shoppers to enjoy while they browse the stalls to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. You can also try Christmas-themed treats like eggnog, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread cookies.
Pro tip:
The market gets crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Arriving early allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the market at your own pace.
Holiday Hills at Stackt Market
Website: https://stacktmarket.com
Address: 28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 0C6
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Holiday Hills is a free outdoor winter celebration that transforms Stackt Market into a festive destination for visitors of all ages. Expect giant inflatables and magical winter wonderland installations perfect for a quick Christmas photoshoot.
Holiday Hills hosts community-led events, workshops, and family programs like live music, dance classes, and holiday crafts. It also features a pop-up bar in a cozy yurt, a heated patio, and an outdoor food court.
Pro tip:
Holiday Hills hosts several events throughout the season, so check the website in advance for the latest schedule.
The Cavalcade of Lights
— From: @MWilsonMedia
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours: Open 24 hours daily
The Cavalcade of Lights is an annual event in Toronto that marks the official start of the holiday season. The event features a parade of floats decorated with lights, marching
bands, dancers, and other performers.
The event was created in 1967 to showcase the city’s newly built city hall and Nathan Phillips Square.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on sitting down to watch the parade, it’s a good idea to bring a blanket or a foldable chair.
Holiday Fair in the Square
— From: @MichaelKirkby
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours: Open 24 hours daily
As part of Nathan Phillips Square’s Christmas festivities, a holiday fair is also held every year, featuring features food and artisan vendors that sell unique gifts and handcrafted goods. Live music, dance performances, and other wondrous acts are also expected each day.
There’s also a free outdoor ice skating rink and other family-friendly activities like face-painting and parlour games. You can visit the event on different days, and you’ll always find something new to try out.
Pro tip:
You will be doing a lot of walking, and seating might be limited due to the number of attendees, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle
— From: @seesnappost74
Website: https://casaloma.ca
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8
Contact details: +1 416-923-1171
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle is a magical holiday experience that transforms Toronto’s historic castle into a winter wonderland. Visitors can tour the castle as it’s decked out in festive decor.
There are various holiday performances throughout the season including choir concerts, magic shows, and puppet shows. Children can visit Santa Claus for a quick wish and a photo.
Pro tip:
Purchase your tickets in advance through their website to avoid waiting in line at the venue.
Christmas at the Black Creek Pioneer Village
Website: https://blackcreek.ca
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3
Contact details: +1 416-736-1733
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Monday & Tuesday – Closed
During the holiday season, the Black Creek Pioneer Village offers a glimpse of what Christmas was like in the 19th century. It’s an open-air heritage museum that allows guests to be fully immersed in traditional festivities.
You can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the village and enjoy the winter scenery or try homemade Christmas treats that are tasty and nostalgic. It’s a great way to learn about history while enjoying classic holiday activities.
Pro tip:
It takes about 2 hours to explore every area of the museum, so schedule your visit in advance to avoid missing anything.
Holiday Magic at Yorkville Village
— From: @ycaspov
Website: https://www.bloor-yorkville.com
Address: Yorkville Village, Toronto
Contact details: +1 416-928-3553
Holiday Magic at Yorkville Village is an annual holiday event featuring various activities and attractions like the tree lighting ceremony, holiday boutiques, and live performances.
Strolling carolers dressed in Victorian-era costumes perform throughout the neighbourhood, which is decorated with thousands of lights to create a magical winter wonderland.
Pro tip:
The Bloor Street sidewalks are lined with uniquely designed Urban Campfire Benches that light up when in use. Try them out for yourself!
Glow Toronto
Website: https://www.glowgardens.com
Address: 1020 Martin Grove Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 4W1
Contact details: +1 905-899-3455
Glow Toronto is an indoor Christmas light festival and market, and it’s truly glowing, with its famous light tunnel having over 200,000 twinkling lights!
Glow Toronto features a variety of festive installations, such as a giant Christmas tree, a gingerbread house, and a reindeer herd. It also hosts vendors selling holiday gifts such as toys, ornaments, and clothing.
Pro tip:
Bring a camera. The festival features several holiday installations that are perfect for taking photos.
The Santa Claus Parade
Website: https://thesantaclausparade.com
Address: Streets of Toronto
Contact details: +1 416-249-7833
First held in 1905, the Santa Claus parade in Toronto is one of the largest parade productions in North America and the oldest Santa Claus parade in the world. Its route is almost 5.6 kilometres long, running from Christie Pits to St. Lawrence Market.
The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and other performers, all of whom are dressed in festive costumes. The highlight of the parade is Santa Claus’s arrival at the end.
Pro tip:
Find a good elevated spot so you can comfortably watch the parade without getting blocked.
The One of A Kind Christmas Show and Sale
— From: @TimberworksWood
Website: https://oneofakindshow.com
Address: 20 Eglinton Ave W #1200, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8
Contact details: +1 416-945-0386
The One of A Kind Christmas Show and Sale is an annual event that features over 200 exhibiting companies from across Canada and the United States, showcasing a wide variety of unique and handcrafted holiday gifts.
Find charming jewellery and home decor while indulging in tasty holiday snacks from various local vendors. You can also participate in demonstrations and workshops where you can learn to make Christmas treats and souvenirs.
Pro tip:
You may be tempted to shop a lot, so it’s a good idea to bring a large reusable bag with you.
The National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker
— From: @etherealdior
Website: https://national.ballet.ca
Address: 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1
Contact details: +1 416-345-9595
The National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker is a magical holiday production that tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll from her godfather on Christmas Eve.
The nutcracker comes to life and takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, and other fantastical characters. The show is known for its stunning choreography, lavish costumes, and beautiful sets.
Pro tip:
The ballet is performed in a large theatre, so it’s important to dress warmly, especially if you’re sitting on the upper levels.
