Who doesn’t love Christmas in Toronto? From searching the Hudson Bay Christmas home windows to ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto transforms right into a winter wonderland throughout the vacation season. Now that we’ve moved out of town, we love going into city much more to rejoice every thing town provides throughout the Christmas season.
Christmas in Toronto
There are so many Christmas occasions in Toronto that you may spend each weekend main as much as the vacations doing one thing totally different. We’ve booked our annual Christmas present, made our buying record, and booked our lodge to spend an evening in city for some vacation enjoyable. From historic markets to dazzling gentle shows, town is brimming with festivities that cater to all ages. Here’s a complete information to the 30 finest Christmas occasions in Toronto.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is likely one of the hottest Christmas occasions in Toronto, attracting households from throughout the GTA and past. People come into town for this annual parade that has been going for 119 years! The Santa Claus Parade is the official begin of the vacation season in Toronto, and the streets are full of revelers. The Santa Claus parade begins at Christie Pitts at Christie & Bloor at 12:30 tomorrow, November 25, 2023.
The Santa Claus Parade web site claims that a whole bunch of hundreds of individuals hit the streets and hundreds of thousands extra watch at house. We’ve watched many a Santa Claus Parade in Toronto and at house, so we consider it! The parade weaves by means of downtown by way of University to Wellington and ends on the St. Lawrence Market, the place you may store for some Christmas timber!
The Distillery Winter Village (Formerly Toronto Christmas Market)
I feel when the Distillery first started its Toronto Christmas Market custom, it was the primary place in town that jogged my memory of the Christmas Markets in Europe. During the vacation season, the Distillery Winter Village transforms the cobblestone streets of the previous Distillery district into a blinding winter wonderland of Christmas Markets and outside enjoyable.
The Toronto Christmas Market is likely one of the hottest Christmas occasions in Toronto and may get very crowded, particularly on Friday nights by means of to Sunday, so we suggest going throughout the week earlier than 4 pm. Enjoy vacation spirits like mulled wine and scrumptious meals as you benefit from the festive cheer.
There is loads of buying on your vacation season presents, and with microbreweries, eating places, and an attractive setting, this is likely one of the not-to-miss Christmas Events in Toronto. The Distillery Winter Village is greater than only a market; it’s a festive vacation spot the place the spirit of Christmas in Toronto comes alive, bringing individuals collectively for the vacation season.
The large Christmas tree at Trinity Square is adorned with hundreds of lights. Live music and performances add to the vigorous ambiance, making the Distillery Winter Village a Christmas Market you don’t need to miss.
The Village options an array of charming picket cabins providing distinctive crafts, artisanal presents, and scrumptious culinary delights, making it an ideal spot for vacation buying and eating. And you may catch a present on the Soulpepper Theatre.
Distillery Winter Village particulars
When: December 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (Closed Christmas Day) Opening hours from 10 am Ticketed entry after 4 pm
Casa Loma’s Christmas on the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour
Before transferring out of town, Dave and I lived a hop, skip, and bounce from the beloved Casa Loma. Dave used to work often in Casa Loma in Toronto’s movie trade and infrequently turned that stunning fortress into a vacation scene. I even took half in a vacation present at Casa Loma as a music theatre performer again in the day. But that’s one other story.
Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma is a gothic-style fortress constructed in the early twentieth century by Sir Henry Pellatt. This majestic fortress has lengthy been a Toronto landmark with its towering spires and stylish gardens, and throughout the Christmas season, they go all out. Castle Loma’s Christmas in the Castle is a fascinating place throughout the vacation season. With dwell music, carolers, and holiday-themed reveals, an evening at Casa Loma will fulfill your Christmas goals.
During the Holiday Lights Tour, the fortress and its grounds are illuminated with hundreds of colourful lights. One of the tour’s highlights is being greeted in the Great Hall by its large Christmas tree. Kids can go to Santa Claus and the fortress workshop to create arts and crafts. Casa Loma’s vacation spirit continues with superbly embellished rooms and halls with eight different Christmas timber moreover the 40-foot-tall tree in the Great Hall. The vacation decor, garlands, and lights replicate the grandeur of the early twentieth century and supply a glimpse into the fortress’s previous celebrations.
Casa Loma’s Christmas on the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour Details
When: December 2nd, 2023 – January sixth, 2024 9.30 am – 5 pm (final admission at 4.30 pm)
Nathan Phillips Square Cavalcade of Lights
When I consider Christmas in Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square will at all times be on the high of my thoughts till it opens up; the Christmas season hasn’t really begun. Natha. Phillips Square is Toronto’s reply to the Rockefeller in New York, the place town’s official Christmas tree resides, and ice skaters benefit from the outside skating rink.
Throughout the vacation season, Nathan Phillips Square buzzes with many Toronto Christmas occasions and actions, together with the well-known Cavalcade of Lights, which marks the official begin of the vacation season in Toronto. This yr, the Nathan Phillips Square Cavalcade of Lights begins on November 25, 2023 (Tonight) and runs till January 7. Plus, it’s a free occasion! It has dwell musical performances and a tree lighting ceremony kicking off the vacation occasions across the metropolis.
The ice skating, the array of occasions, and the seasonal decorations make Nathan Phillips Square the right place to kick of your Christmas season in Toronto.
Nathan Phillips Square Cavalcade of Lights Details
When: November 25, 2023 – January 7 Location: Nathan Phillips Square Highlights: Cavalcade of Lights, ice skating, Christmas market
Holiday Fair in the Square
Formerly positioned at Nathan Philips Square, the Holiday Fair in the Square is occurring at Mel Lastman Square throughout the festive season. It’s becoming the Christmas occasions in Toronto have moved uptown. More and extra persons are residing north of the 401.
The Holiday Fair In the Square is returning to Mel Lastman Square in North York, and each nook is crammed with vacation cheer and festive surprises.
This yr, the Holiday Fair is bursting with distinctive choices, from artisan and meals distributors presenting their one-of-a-kind creations to the spirited Polar Point Bar, set outdoor for that excellent winter contact. Treat your self to seasonal favorites like Mulled Wine, Hot Apple Cider, and wealthy, creamy Hot Chocolate, excellent for these crisp winter evenings.
The entire household will love the roaming performers and a comfortable fireplace lounge that invitations you to unwind and soak in the festive ambiance. Plus, a go to to Santa’s Village is a should.
Holiday Fair in the Square particulars
When: December 1 to December 23 (closed on Mondays) Location: Mel Lastman Square Highlights: Pop up bar, Santa’s Village, Christmas market
The Christmas Tree at CF Toronto the Eaton Centre
No Christmas in Toronto can be full with out Christmas buying on the Eaton Centre. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre at Dundas Square is Toronto’s premier buying vacation spot. It is the epicenter of Toronto Holiday Events with outside performances and vacation decorations. But nothing compares to the large Christmas tree on the mall’s middle. After taking a yr off, Canada’s tallest Christmas tree has returned. There are every day gentle reveals from November sixteenth – December 31, full with music and snow!
Walking by means of the Eaton Centre immediately places you in the vacation temper with Christmas decorations and Christmas gentle shows. Besides the Christmas tree, there may be additionally an enormous reindeer to admire. So put in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater or Santa Hat and make your to the mall, hanging out on the Eaton Centre actually is a lot enjoyable!
Holiday Magic in Bloor-Yorkville
Speaking of Christmas Shopping, Bloor-Yorkville is the very best. We used to dwell in Yorkville and have watched it remodel all through the years. In one in every of Toronto’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Yorkville does its vacation decorations proper, with Christmas lights adorning the streets and remodeling the world right into a luminous winter paradise; Christmas in Toronto in Yorkville is Euro-chic.
Renowned for its upscale boutiques and high-end retailers, the neighborhood provides a novel vacation buying expertise enhanced by festive decorations and a cheerful vacation ambiance. Adding to the attract, the world hosts varied seasonal occasions and performances, making it a hub for each luxurious buying and cultural festivities. We cherished taking a night stroll throughout the Christmas season to benefit from the neighborhood’s vacation lights.
Location: Bloor-Yorkville. November twenty fifth is the official opening and tree. The occasion is Free! Highlights: Christmas decorations, illuminated timber alongside Bloor Street Why Visit: A stylish and stylish Christmas expertise with upscale buying.
Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel is the Grand Dame of Toronto Hotels, and anybody can go inside for a glance. Connected to the PATH, it’s straightforward to get to. Plus, it provides an array of pop-up occasions and beautiful decorations, making it a must-visit vacation vacation spot. These embrace festive afternoon teas, the place patrons can indulge in seasonal treats and teas in a lavishly embellished setting. The pop-up occasions typically characteristic distinctive themes, showcasing the artistic spirit of the vacation season.
Upon coming into the Fairmont Royal York, the foyer turns into a spectacle of vacation splendor with a towering Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and stylish ornaments.
In maintaining with the season of giving, the Fairmont Royal York typically hosts vacation markets that includes native artisans. These markets are an excellent alternative for visitors to seek out distinctive presents and assist native companies, including appeal to the lodge’s Christmas choices.
Pop Up Bars
Speaking of pop-up Christmas occasions, when the vacation season comes round, so do the vacation pop-up bars, the place eating places and bars remodel their venues to holiday-themed bars. From themed Christmas drinks to superbly embellished venues, these pop-up bars are excellent Christmas occasions in Toronto for adults. Enjoy festive cocktails surrounded by Christmas cheer together with your finest associates.
Popular pop-up bars occurring in Toronto for 2023 embrace:
Miracle Toronto, positioned at 875 Bloor St. W, Little Sister‘s Java Jingle Holiday Bar – 102 Portland St. and 2031 Yonge St. The Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel Project Gigglewater Holiday bar
Candlelight Concerts in Toronto
One of the coolest things to do in at Christmas in Toronto is to find one of the Candlelight Concerts around the city. Candlelight concerts are in 100 cities worldwide, and during the holiday season, Toronto’s Candlelight live shows tackle a festive theme with varied live shows, together with Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nutcracker, and extra. Do one thing distinctive this vacation season and take a look at one in every of these Toronto Christmas occasions on their web site. Toronto Candlelight Christmas occasions.
Location: Various venues Highlights: Themed performances by classically-trained musicians Why Visit: Enjoy the heat of candlelit live shows, providing a serene musical retreat.
Stackt Market Holiday Hills
Stackt Market in Toronto provides a definite taste to town’s Christmas vacation season, inviting guests to expertise the vacations in North America’s largest transport container market. Get into the festive spirit from November 17 – December 31. Holiday Hills creates a magical night for the winter season with festive meals and festive cocktails. There is the Disco Mistletoe, hearth pits, s’mores kits and scorching chocolate, warming huts, and a 20 foot tall Christmas tree.
Stackt Market provides a up to date twist on conventional Christmas markets just like the Distillery Winter Village, making it a must-visit vacation spot in Toronto’s Christmas season.
When: November 17 – December 31 Location: Bathurst and Front Why Visit:
Catch a Holiday Musical
Toronto has a incredible music theater scene, and all the vacation productions are in full swing. Several venues round Toronto have particular vacation performances. Check out Roy Thompson Hall for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra taking part in Holiday on the Pops. The Princess of Wales Theater has holiday-themed performances. We are heading into Toronto subsequent week to see The Illusionists. Scotia Bank Theatre has the annual efficiency of the Trans Siberian Orchestra taking part in. This yr it’s the Ghosts of Christmas Eve.
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
Oh, The Nutcracker. It has been a staple of Toronto Christmas Events for so long as I can bear in mind. My household used to go on a regular basis and right this moment it continues as an enchanted Christmas custom for the subsequent era. It actually is an excellent present! The National Ballet of Canada has a few of the best dancers on earth and this can be a great introduction for teenagers with its non cease dancing, magical costumes and staging and festive spirit.
Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Highlights: Iconic Christmas ballet efficiency Why Visit: Experience a timeless vacation custom by means of breathtaking dance.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts
I was an usher at Roy Thompson Hall and the Christmas Season was at all times my favorite as a result of the vacation live shows started. This yr there are some enjoyable live shows from Sleeping Beauty to Home Alone in Concert. The Toronto Christmas Events preserve going by means of to the vacations with The Messiah, The Tenors, The TSO Holiday Pops, and an Andrean Christmas the place the scholars of St. Andrew’s College current a magical night of leisure. Nothing says Christmas like going to a Christmas live performance.
Location: Roy Thomson Hall Highlights: Festive music performances Why Visit: Enjoy traditional vacation tunes carried out by world-class musicians.
Lace on the Skates
Nothing says vacation enjoyable like ice skating and there are many outside arenas in Toronto. Everyone is aware of that Nathan Phillips Square is the ice skating rink for vacationers throughout the Christmas season in Toronto. It’s central, it’s straightforward, there are skate leases, at night time, there are lovely gentle shows. But it may well get crowded. So try a couple of different incredible locations.
The Bentway
The Bentway is a 220 meter lengthy skating that’s positioned underneath the Gardiner Expressway. There is a bar to seize some scorching chocolate and skate leases can be found.
Evergreen Brickworks
Located simply off the DVP, the Evergreen Brickworks is a good place for the vacations, plus there may be an outside skating rink.
Union Station
Make your approach to Union Station for a Toronto Christmas skate outdoors. Skate in the center of the motion and it’s free! There can also be a free skate rental program and loads of locations for foods and drinks. You may even rejoice some festive nights with its DJ skate nights.
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park
Located proper downtown a cease at College Park not solely is a should for Toronto Christmas buying and eating, however there’s a incredible skate path that’s formed in an oval. For non-Canadians, Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail was a darling of Canada throughout the 1948 Olympics when she received gold in determine skating.
Toronto Christmas Events Outside the City
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Did I ever let you know I labored at Canada’s Wonderland for 4 years? It will not be positioned in Toronto correct, however Canada’s Wonderland has upped the ante in relation to discovering issues to do at Christmas in Toronto. During the festive season,
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is a seasonal extravaganza that transforms one in every of Toronto’s hottest amusement parks into a wide ranging winter paradise, highlighting town’s Christmas occasions. As guests enter this magical realm, they’re surrounded by hundreds of thousands of shimmering lights and beautiful vacation shows, setting the scene for an unforgettable festive journey. The park provides an array of points of interest, together with ice skating on Snowflake Lake, dwell vacation reveals, and interactive household actions, all underneath the mesmerizing glow of Christmas lights.
With its uniquely themed areas, every nook of WinterFest presents a brand new and enchanting expertise, from the charming Christmas village to the exhilarating holiday-themed rides. Visitors can even indulge in seasonal treats and heat drinks, including to the comfy and merry ambiance.
Location: Canada’s Wonderland Highlights: Theme park remodeled with lights, skating rinks, festive actions Why Visit: A distinctive theme park expertise with a vacation twist.
Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas by Lamplight
Black Creek Pioneer Village is positioned an hour outdoors of Toronto and is a Christmas vacation spot that may take you again in time to Nineteenth-century Canadian life,
Its meticulously restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive workshops make it a enjoyable place for the entire household. There are loads of Christmas actions happening in this winter wonderland of festive enjoyable. From December 2 to December 23, youngsters can go to Santa in the Village on Saturdays and Sundays. Families can even take pleasure in Festive Nights on the village throughout the Christmas season with dwell leisure, vacation treats, {and professional} storytelling.
Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village Highlights: Historical Christmas expertise, lamplight excursions Why Visit: Step again and luxuriate in Christmas in a Nineteenth-century setting.
York Durham Heritage Railway
Located in Uxbridge, the York Durham Heritage Railway is a should for households. Take the children to this annual occasion, the place you’ll hop aboard a superbly embellished practice to the North Pole! There are conductor Elves, taking you to satisfy Santa Claus.
You’ll have the ability to decide up some final minute Christmas buying and luxuriate in some scorching chocolate whereas moving into the festive spirit.
Date: November twenty fifth – December twenty first Location: York-Durham Heritage Railway, Uxbridge
Merry Christmas
There are so many occasions occurring in Toronto; we may go on and on, and, hey, as we discover out extra, we simply may! Check again to see what’s new as we proceed by means of the vacation season. The Christmas season is simply starting!
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