12 Must-Visit Christmas Light Displays in and Around Toronto – 2024 Guide
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without sparkling lights everywhere, right? The decorations popping up around town invite you to get outside and enjoy the glow. And the best part? There are so many must-visit spots for Christmas light displays in and around Toronto that will make your holiday spirit shine even brighter.
The only thing better than seeing these displays? Visiting them with friends or family, cocoa in hand and maybe a holiday tune playing in the background.
Must-Visit Spots for Christmas Lights In and Around Toronto
1. Illumi by Cavalia in Derry Crest Drive (November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
The deal with Illumi by Cavalia in Derry Crest Drive? You’ll see over 20 million lights spread across 13 different worlds, each with its own unique vibe. One second, you’re in a magical forest; the next, you’re strolling through a cosmic galaxy. Every twist and turn reveals something new, and with those interactive sculptures, you’re living the magic.
- Date: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Entry time: Between 5:00 PM and 7:45 PM (varies with sunset)
- Location: 7174 Derry Crest Dr., Mississauga
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.toronto.illumi.com
2. The Distillery District (November 13, 2024 to January 5, 2025)
Now, if you’ve never been to the Distillery Winter Village, this is the year to go. The historic streets are lined with sparkling holiday lights that transform them into a dreamy, twinkling wonderland. Each charming wooden hut glows in the soft lights, adding a magical warmth to the cobblestone streets.
- Date & Time: November 13 – December 31, Click here for full schedule.
- Location: Distillery District (55 Mill Street, Toronto)
- Admission: $15 General Admission, $18 Flex Ticket, $30 Express Gate Entry, $39.50 Combo Ticket. Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.thedistillerywintervillage.com
3. Holiday Hills at Stackt Market (November 15 – December 29)
Stackt Market goes all out for the holidays with Holiday Hills’ 100-foot-long tunnel of straight-up Insta-worthy lights. And just imagine the CN Tower as the backdrop—serious holiday vibes. The whole place is transformed into a winter wonderland with shows for all ages, family-friendly fun, and Santa sightings.
- Date & Time: November 15 – December 29 (Closed on Mondays)
- Location: STACKT Market (28 Bathurst Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Free (Some activities are ticketed)
- Website: www.stacktmarket.com
4. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (November 16, 2024 – January 4, 2025)
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest is what holiday dreams are made of. As soon as you step in, you’re surrounded by millions of lights, festive foods, and all the holiday classics. Stroll down Candy Cane Lane, and enjoy the twinkling light displays. Then, let the music take you back to those warm, fuzzy holiday memories.
- Date: November 16, 2024 – January 4, 2025
- Location: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.canadaswonderland.com
5. Winter Festival of Lights at Downtown Niagara Falls (November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
Niagara Falls’ Winter Festival of Lights? Every inch of the falls and parks is illuminated with millions of lights. But it’s not just the lights; there’s also the “Sparkling Winter Lights” show inspired by northern winters. You’ll see snowfalls, the aurora borealis, and the falls glowing under a frosty light.
- Date: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Click here for full schedule.
- Location: Niagara Parks, Clifton Hill, and across the city
- Display Routes: Niagara Parkway, Grand View, Queen Victoria Place, Great Canadian North, Dufferin Islands, City Path, Fallsview Blvd, Lundy’s Lane
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.wfol.com
6. Holiday Magic at Village of Yorkville Park (November 23 – December 31)
Yorkville gets glammed up even more this season with Holiday Magic, and it’s beyond stunning. The high-end shops and chic streets are draped in festive lights. It offers a picture-perfect holiday scene, with everything twinkling as you stroll and shop.
- Holiday Lights: November 23 – December 31
- Official Lighting Ceremony: November 23, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: Village of Yorkville Park (115 Cumberland Street, Toronto), Urban Campfire Benches – Bloor Street West (between Church Street and Avenue Road)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.bloor-yorkville.com
7. Winterfest at Harbourfront Centre (November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest is a new spot to experience holiday joy. You’ll find a giant Christmas tree, fire pits, mulled wine, and even a sugar shack. The place is packed with treats from food trucks, a 200-foot-long table, and loads of entertainment.
- Date & Time: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Fridays (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM), Saturdays (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM), Sundays (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Location: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.winterfesttoronto.com
8. Festival of Lights at Spencer Smith Park (November 29, 2024 – January 8, 2025)
Looking for a dreamy winter walk? Spencer Smith Park in Burlington is the place to be. Their Festival of Lights set against the waterfront is just breathtaking. You can stroll by the lake while the lights sparkle all around, making it the perfect place to get your winter stroll on.
- Date: November 29, 2024 – January 8, 2025
- Location: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.burlingtonfestivaloflights.com
9. Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square (November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025)
No holiday season in Toronto is complete without the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. So, expect dazzling tree lighting and live music. And, of course, the skating rink. You can glide around under those twinkling lights.
- Date : November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
- Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
10. Holiday Lights at Casa Loma (December 5, 2024 – January 4, 2025)
Casa Loma is already dreamy, but during the holidays, it’s something else. The castle glows with thousands of lights, and rooms are decked out in festive décor. Also, the enchanted gardens make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
- Date & Time: December 5, 2024 – January 4, 2025, 5:30 PM – 10 PM (last admission at 9:00 PM, closes at 10:00 PM)
- Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
- Admission: December 5 – 17 ($45 online / $50 onsite), December 18 – Jan 4 ($50 online / $55 onsite). Children 3 and under are free when with a paying adult.
- Holiday Lights VIP Experience (Admits 2): December 1 – Dec 19 ($125), December 20 – January 4 ($150)
- Website: www.casaloma.ca
11. Holiday Nights of Lights (December 7, 2024 – January 4, 2025)
Holiday Nights of Lights lets you walk through tunnels and giant ornaments covered in over 1.5 million LED lights. These light displays are even synced up with your favourite holiday songs. Plus, a market with food trucks and vendors is waiting to wrap up your night.
- Date & Time: December 7, 2024 – January 4, 2025, Select Dates Open 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Location: To be announced shortly.
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.nightsoflights.ca
12. Yonge-Dundas Square (Typically Throughout December)
Yonge-Dundas Square gets seriously festive in December. With a massive Christmas tree, holiday decorations everywhere, and events happening all month, it’s like the city’s own holiday headquarters. And you’ll love grabbing a hot drink while feeling the holiday cheer with the rest of Toronto.
- Date: Typically throughout December
- Location: 1 Dundas Street East Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.ydsquare.ca
Note: Details may be subject to change. Check the official website or social media platforms for the latest updates.
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