A Guide to the Best Christmas Events in Toronto

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, there’s no better place than Toronto. Every year, this vibrant and cosmopolitan city comes alive with festive cheer and plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the holiday season. From the classic attractions of a Santa Claus parade to the unique sights of a skating rink adorned with Christmas lights, Toronto has something for everyone who’s looking to get into the Christmas spirit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best Christmas events happening in Toronto this year.

About Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s most populous city and the provincial capital of Ontario. Located on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario, this vibrant metropolitan area is home to a diverse population of over 2.7 million people, making it one of the largest cities in North America. The city is known for its many cultural attractions, including a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class restaurants, and plenty of exciting events throughout the year.

Toronto is also renowned for its beautiful parks and gardens, which come alive in winter with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of outdoor activities. From the iconic Christmas tree at Nathan Phillips Square to the dazzling holiday displays at Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto has something for everyone during the festive season. And with plenty of festive markets, craft fairs, and winter wonderlands to explore, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in this amazing city.

Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade is one of Toronto’s most beloved holiday traditions. Every year on the Sunday before Christmas, the city comes alive with the sights and sounds of marching bands, twinkling lights, and festive floats. The parade has been a beloved part of Toronto’s holiday celebrations since 1913 and is now one of Canada’s largest parades, drawing over half a million spectators each year.

The parade route starts on Bloor Street West at Christie Street and makes its way to St. Lawrence Market, where it turns east on Front Street before finishing in the heart of downtown Toronto. Along the way, there are plenty of exciting attractions for families to enjoy, including marching bands, floats featuring beloved characters from popular children’s movies, and even a special appearance from Santa himself. It’s a tradition that shouldn’t be missed!

Cavalcade of Lights

The Cavalcade of Lights is an annual event that marks the start of the holiday season in Toronto. Held at Nathan Phillips Square, this one-of-a-kind event features an amazing light show with over 100,000 individual lights that transform the popular downtown square into a winter wonderland. The event also includes a dazzling fireworks display and a performance by local artists.

The Cavalcade of Lights is held on the first Saturday of December and serves as a kick-off for the city’s holiday festivities. After the light show and fireworks display, visitors can enjoy the many activities that take place in Nathan Phillips Square including ice skating, live music, a Christmas market, and plenty of seasonal treats. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Christmas Markets

Toronto is home to several festive markets throughout the holiday season. From artisanal gifts and unique holiday decorations to traditional European-style treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, these markets are sure to get you in the festive spirit. Some of the city’s most popular markets include The Distillery District Christmas Market, Evergreen Brickworks Winter Village, and Yorkville Village Holiday Market.

The Distillery District Christmas Market is one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets. Held in the historic Distillery District, it features over 100 vendors offering unique handmade gifts, artisanal food items, and seasonal treats. From handcrafted jewelry and pottery to gourmet chocolates and jams, there’s something for everyone at this festive market.

Casa Loma Holiday Evening Tours

Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and it really comes alive during the holiday season with its Holiday Evening Tours. Located in midtown Toronto, this majestic castle is home to an enchanting array of decorations, lights, and activities that make it a must-visit during the festive season. This year’s events include a gingerbread village display, music performances by local choirs, a festive market with unique handmade gifts, and even a visit from Santa himself!

WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is one of Toronto’s top attractions during the holiday season. Throughout December and January, this popular theme park transforms into a winter wonderland with bright lights, festive decorations, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The park features special attractions such as an outdoor skating rink adorned with Christmas lights, live music performances, visits from Santa Claus, traditional holiday foods like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and much more. It’s one of Toronto’s most unique holiday experiences!

Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village is an educational living history museum located in north Toronto that offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century life in rural Ontario. During the holidays, this unique attraction comes alive with special events such as candlelight tours, caroling performances by local choirs, interactive demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts like wreath-making, candle-dipping and 19th-century games for kids. There are also plenty of festive treats like hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts to enjoy!

Book an Experience

Toronto is an amazing city to explore during the holidays and these are just some of the amazing experiences that you can enjoy during your stay in this vibrant city. If you’re looking for an activity to round off your trip or something special to do on Christmas day, there are plenty of options available. Luckily for visitors looking for ways to make their trip extra special, both Viator and GetYourGuide offer a wide selection of experiences that can be booked online in advance. Below are two popular tours that you can book on either platform:

Viator – Private Sightseeing Tour with Dinner Cruise

Explore Toronto in style with this private sightseeing tour that includes a romantic dinner cruise on Lake Ontario. This experience offers guests an unforgettable way to explore Toronto’s major attractions such as CN Tower, Kensington Market, Downtown Core, Niagara Falls and much more. The tour includes pick up from your hotel or specified location as well as access to professional guides who will share fascinating stories about Toronto’s history as you visit its many attractions. The tour culminates in an exquisite three-course dinner cruise on Lake Ontario for an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget. To book this tour click here.

GetYourGuide – Private City Tour with Local Guide

Discover all that Toronto has to offer with this private city tour that includes a knowledgeable local guide who will help you explore this vibrant city like never before. This tour offers guests a personalised experience where you can explore all the major attractions such as CN Tower, Casa Loma, Harbourfront Centre and more at your own pace. This tour also includes access to exclusive venues such as underground shopping malls as well as a visit to some off-the-beaten-path neighbourhoods where you can get an authentic feel for local life in Toronto. To book this tour click here.

Conclusion

Toronto is an amazing destination any time of year but it really comes alive during the festive season with its many unique Christmas events and activities. From classic attractions like Santa Claus parades and Cavalcades of Lights to unique experiences like dinner cruises on Lake Ontario or visiting historic pioneer villages – there are plenty of ways to make your holiday season extra special in this vibrant city!