Christmas in Toronto 2025: Best Things To Do This Holiday Season
Toronto flips the switch once November rolls in. Trees glow with lights, patios serve hot chocolate, and even the streetcars feel festive. Christmas in Toronto 2025 offers plenty of ways to celebrate across the city. Most events run from mid-November through early January, so be sure to check official sites for exact dates, tickets, or weather updates.
Christmas in Toronto 2025: 20+ Holiday Events You Can’t Miss
Cavalcade of Lights
The city’s holiday launch pad. Nathan Phillips Square transforms with thousands of lights, a tree lighting ceremony, skating, and rotating live performances on weekends.
Distillery Winter Village
Toronto’s most photogenic market is back with rows of vendor cabins, seasonal drinks, and cobblestone lanes lit by strings of bulbs. Best to visit on a weekday if you hate crowds.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
The roller coasters take a break, but the lights come on. Think walk-through light tunnels, themed shows, ice skating, and cinnamon sugar everything.
Santa Claus Parade
One of the oldest parades of its kind, this one brings out crowds every year. Expect big floats, live music, and cold fingers.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Usually set up downtown with local vendors, a small midway, food trucks, and mulled wine under the stars.
Art Crawl Christmas Market
A one-day pop-up with local artists and makers. Great for gift shopping without buying the same scented candle for everyone.
Allan Gardens Winter Flower Show
Skip the cold. Wander through a greenhouse packed with poinsettias, festive installations, and tropical warmth.
Skating at Union Station
A free outdoor rink that feels less chaotic than Nathan Phillips. Rentals available and it lights up after dark.
Holiday Streetcar Ride
Jump on the vintage red streetcar that occasionally rolls out for themed rides. A short but cheerful experience.
Christmas at Casa Loma
A castle decked out for the holidays. Features indoor displays, tunnels of lights, and a toy collection drive.
Nights of Lights + Holiday Hills at Stackt Market
A synchronized light show walk-through plus pop-up bars, food stalls, fire pits, and a curated holiday market.
Glow Toronto
An indoor light garden with tunnels, oversized ornaments, and animated displays. Good option for families.
Winter Glow Drive-Thru (North of the city)
Stay in your car and tune in to the FM station as you drive through animated light displays synced to music.
Scarborough Civic Centre Tree + Market
Scarborough usually hosts its own lighting and mini-market near the Civic Centre. Worth checking if you’re east.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
A low-key display of lights, live jazz on weekends, and upscale window displays that make even window shopping feel festive.
The Junction Holiday Market
Under-the-radar and neighbourhood focused. Usually a mix of indie vendors, baked goods, and live performances.
Holiday Pop-Ups (Bars & Cafes)
Bars like Project Gigglewater and Civil Liberties typically go full seasonal mode with limited-time drinks and tacky sweaters.
Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace
Even the animals get festive. The zoo hosts a holiday-themed vendor market alongside its regular programming.
Small Theatre Holiday Shows
Catch productions like The Nutcracker or seasonal comedies at local spots like Tarragon Theatre or Crow’s Theatre.
Local Choirs & Outdoor Concerts
Churches, libraries, and even subway stations will randomly host carollers or jazz quartets. Keep your headphones off.
Volunteer or Donate Locally
Holiday kits, toy drives, and soup kitchens across the city could always use a few extra hands or contributions.
Day Trips for Lights (Niagara, Milton, Burlington)
Drive out to see over-the-top lights. Niagara Parkway and Burlington’s Lakeside Festival are worth the trip.
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