25+ Best Things To Do This December in Toronto (2024)
December in Toronto? You’ll see sparkling lights everywhere and streets buzzing with festive vibes. Of course, you’ll feel the crisp chill. You can stroll through a snowy market with hands wrapped around a warm drink and carolers softly singing in the background. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hit the skating rinks and try not to fall on your butt. Festive cheer? It’s everywhere. Prefer something low-key but still fun? You’ll find that, too. You won’t run out of awesome things to do this December in Toronto.
Note: Event details may be subject to change. Check the official website or social media platforms for the latest updates.
Holiday Mini Photo Session
First, you have to bring out your favourite holiday sweaters. These mini photo sessions are about cosy, festive vibes and capturing priceless holiday moments. From family cards to fun snaps with friends, you’ll love the setups. Got a furry friend? Bring them along.
- Location: Bellamy Loft (1230 Sheppard Ave West, Unit #4, North York)
- Admission: Book a session here.
- Website: www.bellamyloft.com
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Pet-Friendly
One Of A Kind Winter Show 2024 (Until December 1)
If you love supporting locals, you can’t skip the One Of A Kind Winter Show. With handmade crafts, jewellery, and one-of-a-kind treasures, it’s your ultimate holiday shopping destination. Plus, it’s North America’s largest craft show, so there’s no shortage of options for finding that perfect gift.
- Location: Enercare Centre (100 Princes Blvd, Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place)
- Admission: Check ticket prices here.
- Website: www.oneofakindshow.com
- Category: Shopping Lovers, Family-Friendly, Perfect for Unique Gifts
Miracle Toronto 2024 (Until December 29)
How about holiday cocktails and awe-inspiring décor? Miracle Toronto lets you sip creative drinks surrounded by kitschy Christmas decorations. You have the perfect excuse to grab your friends for a festive night out. And every drink supports Nellie’s Women’s Shelter.
- Location: Third Place, 875 Bloor St W, Toronto
- Admission: Reserve your table here.
- Website: www.miracletoronto.com
- Category: 19+, Fun for Friends, Holiday Date Idea
Holiday Hills (Until December 29)
Prefer a mix of everything this holiday? You’ll love Holiday Hills. There’s live entertainment, a giant light tunnel, and even curling lanes for some winter fun. While you’re there, browse local vendors or snap some pics with the CN Tower as your backdrop. Then, grab some s’mores by the fire pit before you leave.
- Location: STACKT Market (28 Bathurst Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.stacktmarket.com
- Category: Fun with Friends, Family-Friendly, Perfect for Couples
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Until December 30)
Finally got your golden ticket? You can now enter the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s where chocolate rivers, gumdrop trees, and Oompa Loompas come to life. This whimsical musical is a treat for kids and a nostalgic delight for adults.
- Location: Young People’s Theatre (165 Front St E, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun for All Ages
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic 2024 (Until December 31)
Have you ever strolled through Bloor-Yorkville during the holidays? If not, you have to be there this time. The entire neighbourhood lights up with sparkling displays and glowing Urban Campfire Benches. Yes, you can actually sit and feel the vibes.
- 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
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Couples’ Day Out
Holiday at The Well (Until December 31)
Not into big crowds? Holiday at The Well might be what you’re looking for. It offers a chill vibe, with a Vendor Village full of local small businesses. Plus, you have to check out the Nordic-inspired decor. Shopping for unique gifts or just wanting to relax with a warm drink? It’s a perfect way to enjoy the season without the chaos.
- Location: 486 Front St W, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.thewelltoronto.com
- Category: Relaxed Outing, Fun for Couples, Family-Friendly
Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience (Until December 31)
Ever wanted to walk with dinosaurs? At Dinos Alive, you can explore a realistic prehistoric jungle where massive dinos loom overhead. The experience is so fascinating; it’s like you’re time-travelling a million years back.
- Location: 30 Hanover Road, North York
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.dinosaliveexhibit.com
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Educational Adventure
Naughty, Nice, & Undecided (Until December 31)
Ready for laughs at Naughty, Nice, & Undecided? The “Nice” version works for families, while the late-night “Naughty” show brings cheeky humour perfect for friends. Not sure which to pick? Skip the “Undecided” phase and just go with your vibe.
- Location: The Second City (The Second City, 110 Harbour St, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.secondcity.com
- Category: Family-Friendly (“Nice”), 19+ (“Naughty”), Fun with Friends
Distillery Winter Village (Until January 5, 2025)
Your holiday is incomplete without a trip to the Distillery Winter Village. Expect cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights, open-air bars serving festive drinks, and live music filling the air. And be sure to snap a picture with the massive Christmas tree (practically made for Instagram).
- Location: Distillery District (55 Mill Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Note: Tickets are required Thursday to Sunday after 4:00 PM, daily from December 12 – December 31 after 4:00 PM
- Website: www.thedistillerywintervillage.com
- Category: Fun with Friends, Date Night, Family-Friendly
Winterfest Toronto (Until January 5, 2025)
A winter wonderland in a scenic harbor? Winterfest Toronto at Harbourfront Centre features sparkling lights, a giant walk-in Christmas tree, and delicious holiday treats. It’s the ultimate spot for a magical evening with food trucks, live entertainment, and a fire pit to gather around.
- Location: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.winterfesttoronto.com
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Outdoor Fun
Cavalcade of Lights (Until January 7, 2025)
Nathan Phillips Square during the Cavalcade of Lights? You’ll experience mesmerizing displays, a gigantic Christmas tree, and a chance to skate under the glow of twinkling lights. The live music and performances leave you feeling like the holidays are in full swing.
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Outdoor Adventure
Union Winter 2024 Presented by TD (Until February 2)
Winter got more exciting at Union Winter’s Roller Express. Skate around an elevated roller rink, enjoy free skate rentals, and try out lessons for beginners. On DJ nights, the rink turns into the ultimate winter party.
- Location: Union Station (55 Front St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Register here.
- Website: www.torontounion.ca
- Category: Fun with Friends, Family-Friendly, Couples
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-Up (December 1)
At the Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-Up, over 100 artists and artisans are selling unique, handmade goods. There’s even a live DJ to keep the vibes going while you shop. If you’re lucky, you might snag a VIP swag bag while crossing names off your gift list.
- Location: The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W., Toronto)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.torontoartcrawl.com
- Category: Fun with Friends, Perfect for Unique Gifts
Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works (December 1, 6, 15, 22)
Escape the holiday rush and visit the Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works. Every Sunday, this market transforms into a festive escape with over 50 local vendors. Stroll through the stalls, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy the relaxed holiday vibe.
- Location: Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave, Toronto)
- Admission: Pay-What-You-Can (suggested donation of $5)
- Website: www.evergreen.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Perfect for Unique Gifts
Indigenous Artisan Marketplace 2024 (December 1, 6, 7, 8)
Looking for meaningful gifts? Visit the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace, where every piece tells a story. From beadwork to handmade jewellery, you’ll find beautiful, authentic art crafted by talented Indigenous artists.
- Location: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (16 Spadina Road, Toronto)
- Admission: Get free tickets here.
- Website: www.ncct.on.ca
- Category: Perfect for Unique Gifts, Cultural Experience
Fleurs de Villes NOËL (December 4–8)
Love strolling through Bloor-Yorkville? Then, you shouldn’t miss the Fleurs de Villes NOËL. Instead of just lights, you’re surrounded by stunning floral installations. From floral mannequins to pop-up flower markets, it’s a feast for the eyes. It’s also perfect for snapping a few photos along the way.
- Location: Throughout the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.fleursdevilles.com
- Category: Fun with Friends, Couples’ Day Out, Family-Friendly
Casa Loma Holiday Lights (December 5, 2024 – Until January 4, 2025)
Want to feel like you’re in a winter fairytale? At the Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour, the castle and gardens are transformed into a sparkling wonderland with festive outdoor displays and live performances. Also, there’s a visit from Santa in his castle workshop.
- Location: Casa Loma (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 5 – Dec 19 ($125), December 20 – January 4 ($150)
- Website: www.casaloma.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun for Couples, Holiday Date Idea
Holiday Fair in the Square (December 6–23)
Looking for a festive outing? You’ll love sipping mulled wine by the fire at the Holiday Fair in the Square. You can browse the artisan shops for unique gifts while feeling the cosy winter vibes. You also have a chance to meet Santa.
- Location: Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St, North York)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.fairinthesquare.ca
- Category: Holiday Shopping, Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends
National Ballet of Canada: The Nutcracker (December 6 – 31)
The best way to celebrate the holidays with grace? The Nutcracker features world-class dancers who bring the timeless story to life with breathtaking sets and stunning costumes. And undeniably, it’s a holiday tradition that never gets old.
- Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.national.ballet.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Perfect for Couples, Classic Holiday Experience
The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical (December 6 – January 5, 2025)
Follow the yellow brick road straight to this hilarious holiday pantomime. The Wizard of Oz gets a fresh twist with jokes, catchy tunes, and larger-than-life characters that’ll have the whole family laughing. It’s a fun, feel-good experience that blends nostalgia with holiday magic.
- Location: The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre (189 Yonge Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.canadianstage.com
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun for All Ages
Anga’s Farm Winter Market (December 7–8)
Feel the warmth of the holidays at Anga’s Farm Winter Market. Here, you can shop for handmade goodies from local vendors, enjoy live music, and snap a photo with Santa by the fire. Moreover, check out the hockey gear drive for kids.
- Location: Anga’s Farm & Nursery (89 Bankfield Drive, Etobicoke)
- Admission: Free (Some workshops/activities may have a small fee). RSVP here.
- Website: www.angasfarm.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Holiday Shopping
Cirque du Soleil – Twas the Night Before (December 12 – January 3, 2025)
Let Cirque du Soleil reinvent your holidays. ‘Twas the Night Before transforms the classic poem into a spectacular show featuring jaw-dropping acrobatics and heartwarming storytelling.
- Location: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Indoor Fun
Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market (December 13–15)
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to feel rushed. The Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market offers eco-friendly gifts and gourmet treats. With 60+ local vendors, you’ll find everything you need to finish your shopping list while enjoying the holiday vibes.
- Location: Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Perfect for Unique Gifts, Fun with Friends
Winter Blooms: Circus at the Garden (December 20–22)
How to add some excitement to your holiday season? Watch Winter Blooms. This interactive show blends aerial silks, thrilling acrobatics, and many laughs. After the show, snap a selfie with the performers.
- Location: Toronto Botanical Gardens (777 Lawrence Avenue East Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
- Category: Family-Friendly, Fun with Friends, Dates
Winter Skating at The Bentway (December 21, 2024 – February 17, 2025)
Ice skating under the Gardiner Expressway? That’s possible at The Bentway’s 220-metre figure-eight skate trail. This unique spot is ideal for skaters of all levels and offers free skate rental nights. And don’t forget to take a photo under the illuminated Gardiner.
- Location: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.thebentway.ca
- Category: Fun with Friends, Perfect for Couples, Family-Friendly
More…
- https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–toronto/december
- https://www.hungry416.com/december-holiday-events-in-toronto
- https://www.destinationtoronto.com/leisure-blog/post/limited-time-holiday-toronto-events
- https://www.hungry416.com/free-winter-date-ideas-in-toronto-2024
- https://www.hungry416.com/free-holiday-pop-ups-in-toronto-2024
