Things To Do on Christmas Eve: 15+ Best Activities in Toronto
Tis the night before Christmas, and the city has its own kind of sparkle. Toronto turns into a mix of lights, laughter, and lazy snowflakes drifting between tall towers. From skating downtown to candlelight concerts and hot cider walks, Christmas Eve here can be calm, festive, or somewhere in between. If you’re staying in town this year, here are 15 great ways to make your December 24 feel like something special.
15+ Best Things To Do on Christmas Eve in Toronto
Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
You can’t go wrong with a classic skate under the Toronto sign. Music plays, the rink glows, and the buzz of downtown fills the air. Bring your own skates or rent them right there.
- Location: 100 Queen St. West
- Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (weather-dependent)
- Cost: Free admission;
- Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-and-recreation-facilities/location/?id=1089&title=Nathan-Phillips-Square
Christmas Eve Candlelight Concerts
End the night surrounded by music and soft light. From classical strings to choirs singing old carols, Toronto’s churches and concert spaces feel warm and calm this time of year.
- Suggested Venues: Roy Thomson Hall, Metropolitan United Church
- Tickets: https://feverup.com/en/toronto/candlelight-christmas-concerts
- Tip: Arrive early for the best seats
The Distillery Winter Village
Wander through cobblestone laneways lined with food stalls, twinkling trees, and pop-up shops. Grab a cup of mulled wine, snap a few photos, or pick up that last-minute gift.
- Location: 55 Mill St.
- Dates: Nov 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (closed Dec 25)
- Tickets: Required after 4 PM
- Website: thedistillerywintervillage.com
Holiday Magic at Yorkville Village
Stroll through Bloor-Yorkville to see the area’s display of lights, including 138 illuminated Christmas trees along Bloor Street. Grab a hot chocolate or coffee from a nearby café as you take in the holiday cheer.
- Location: Bloor-Yorkville area
- Details: Best viewed during December evenings
- Website: https://www.bloor-yorkville.com/holiday_magic/index.php
The Nutcracker by The National Ballet of Canada
This is a long-standing Toronto holiday tradition. The performances are rich with color, dance, and music that always seem to hit just right this time of year.
- Venue: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
- Dates: Dec 5–31, 2025
- Tickets: national.ballet.ca
Toronto Zoo’s Terra Lumina Light Walk
Once the animals settle in for the night, the zoo transforms into a glowing path of lights and sound. It’s a fun walk for families or anyone in need of some holiday brightness.
- Dates: Select nights through December
- Website: torontozoo.com
Holiday Drinks at Local Bars
If you’d rather skip the frost, step inside one of the city’s many winter bars. Try Bar Raval for Spanish bites, the Cloak Bar for cocktails, or track down one of the themed pop-ups around downtown.
- Spots to Try: Bar Raval, Cloak Bar, Miracle Toronto Pop-Up
- Hours: Check each bar’s site for Christmas Eve schedules
- Note: Holiday reservations recommended
Casa Loma Lights
Toronto’s castle goes all-in for December with tunnels of lights and costumed performers. It’s a fun mix of history and holiday spirit that works for all ages.
- Address: 1 Austin Terrace
- Dates: Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
- Website: casaloma.ca
Holiday Films at Historic Theatres
If you love seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Home Alone” on the big screen, Toronto’s independent theatres are the spot. Expect comfy seats, popcorn, and an old-school vibe.
- Theatres: Fox Theatre, Revue Cinema
- Schedule: Check each theatre’s program listings
- Websites: foxtheatre.ca, revuecinema.ca
Winterfest at Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre transforms into a festive wonderland with lights, food, a holiday market, and a winter maze. Enjoy a magical train ride and live performances.
- Location: Harbourfront Centre
- Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025
- Website: https://harbourfrontcentre.com/series/winterfest-toronto-2025/
Christmas Eve Dinner with a View
Book a table early—Toronto restaurants fill up fast on December 24. Choose from sky-high dining at Canoe or something relaxed at Richmond Station if you prefer a laid-back meal.
- Recommended Spots: Canoe, Richmond Station, TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton
- Reservations: Essential
- Websites: canoerestaurant.com, richmondstation.ca
Walk the Waterfront Trail
Pull on some warm boots and take a nighttime walk by the lake. The lights from condos and the CN Tower reflecting off the water make for a peaceful break before the big day.
- Trail Access: From Harbourfront Centre to Humber Bay
- Website: waterfronttrail.org
Yonge-Dundas Square Lights
Even when the temperature drops, the square stays buzzing. Between street performers, food vendors, and flashing billboards, it’s a vibrant scene for those who want to stay in the city core.
- Location: Yonge St. & Dundas St. East
- Hours: Open 24/7
Give Back Locally
Spend part of Christmas Eve volunteering or donating. Toronto has several organizations that put out calls for help this time of year, and it’s a meaningful way to connect.
- Organizations: Daily Bread Food Bank, Covenant House Toronto
- Websites: dailybread.ca, covenanthousetoronto.ca
- Note: Check their volunteer sign-up pages for openings
Holiday Light Drive
Warm up the car, grab a coffee, and explore Toronto’s best neighborhood light displays. East York, High Park, and parts of Scarborough go all-out each year.
- Good Routes: High Park area, Bloor West Village, Scarborough Bluffs
- Tip: Tune into local radio for Christmas playlists
- Cost: Free (just gas and snacks)
Toronto balances tradition and energy on Christmas Eve better than most cities. You can glide, stroll, sing, or sit with a glass of wine—there’s no wrong pace. The snow might slow things down, but that’s part of the charm here: the sense that the city finally takes a breath. So layer up, plan ahead, and enjoy December 24 your way.
More…
