Who doesn’t love Christmas in Toronto? From looking the Hudson Bay Christmas home windows to ice skating at Nathan Phillips Sq., Toronto transforms right into a winter wonderland in the course of the vacation season. Now that we’ve moved out of town, we love going into city much more to rejoice the whole lot town provides in the course of the Christmas season.
Christmas in Toronto
There are such a lot of Christmas occasions in Toronto that you could spend each weekend main as much as the vacations doing one thing completely different. We’ve booked our annual Christmas present, made our buying checklist, and booked our resort to spend an evening on the town for some vacation enjoyable. From historic markets to dazzling gentle shows, town is brimming with festivities that cater to all ages. Right here’s a complete information to one of the best Christmas occasions in Toronto.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is without doubt one of the hottest Christmas occasions in Toronto, attracting households from throughout the GTA and past. Individuals come into town for this annual parade that has been happening for 119 years! The Santa Claus Parade is the official begin of the vacation season in Toronto, and the streets are filled with 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 tens of millions extra watch at house. We’ve watched many a Santa Claus Parade in Toronto and at house, so we imagine it! The parade weaves by way of downtown through College to Wellington and ends on the St. Lawrence Market, the place you possibly can store for some Christmas bushes!
The Distillery Winter Village (Previously Toronto Christmas Market)
I believe when the Distillery first started its Toronto Christmas Market custom, it was the primary place within the metropolis that jogged my memory of the Christmas Markets in Europe. In the course of 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 without doubt one of the hottest Christmas occasions in Toronto and may get very crowded, particularly on Friday nights by way of to Sunday, so we suggest going in the course of the week earlier than 4 pm. Get pleasure from vacation spirits like mulled wine and scrumptious meals as you benefit from the festive cheer.
There may be loads of buying on your vacation season presents, and with microbreweries, eating places, and a fantastic setting, this is without doubt one of the not-to-miss Christmas Occasions 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 enormous Christmas tree at Trinity Sq. is adorned with hundreds of lights. Dwell music and performances add to the vigorous ambiance, making the Distillery Winter Village a Christmas Market you don’t wish to miss.
The Village options an array of charming wood cabins providing distinctive crafts, artisanal presents, and scrumptious culinary delights, making it an ideal spot for vacation buying and eating. And you’ll 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 Citadel and Vacation Lights Tour
Earlier than shifting out of town, Dave and I lived a hop, skip, and leap from the beloved Casa Loma. Dave used to work often in Casa Loma in Toronto’s movie trade and sometimes turned that stunning fort into a vacation scene. I even took half in a vacation present at Casa Loma as a music theatre performer again within the day. However that’s one other story.
Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma is a gothic-style fort constructed within the early twentieth century by Sir Henry Pellatt. This majestic fort has lengthy been a Toronto landmark with its towering spires and chic gardens, and in the course of the Christmas season, they go all out. Citadel Loma’s Christmas within the Citadel is a fascinating place in the course of the vacation season. With dwell music, carolers, and holiday-themed exhibits, an evening at Casa Loma will fulfill your Christmas goals.
In the course of the Vacation Lights Tour, the fort and its grounds are illuminated with hundreds of colourful lights. One of many tour’s highlights is being greeted within the Nice Corridor by its large Christmas tree. Youngsters can go to Santa Claus and the fort workshop to create arts and crafts. Casa Loma’s vacation spirit continues with superbly embellished rooms and halls with eight different Christmas bushes apart from the 40-foot-tall tree within the Nice Corridor. The vacation decor, garlands, and lights replicate the grandeur of the early twentieth century and supply a glimpse into the fort’s previous celebrations.
Casa Loma’s Christmas on the Citadel and Vacation Lights Tour Particulars
- When: December 2nd, 2023 – January sixth, 2024
- 9.30 am – 5 pm (final admission at 4.30 pm)
Nathan Phillips Sq. Cavalcade of Lights
After I consider Christmas in Toronto, Nathan Phillips Sq. will all the time be on the prime of my thoughts till it opens up; the Christmas season hasn’t actually begun. Natha. Phillips Sq. 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.
All through the vacation season, Nathan Phillips Sq. 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 12 months, the Nathan Phillips Sq. 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 Sq. the right place to kick of your Christmas season in Toronto.
Nathan Phillips Sq. Cavalcade of Lights Particulars
- When: November 25, 2023 – January 7
- Location: Nathan Phillips Sq.
- Highlights: Cavalcade of Lights, ice skating, Christmas market
Vacation Honest within the Sq.
Previously situated at Nathan Philips Sq., the Vacation Honest within the Sq. is going on at Mel Lastman Sq. in the course of the festive season. It’s becoming the Christmas occasions in Toronto have moved uptown. Increasingly more individuals are dwelling north of the 401.
The Vacation Honest Within the Sq. is returning to Mel Lastman Sq. in North York, and each nook is crammed with vacation cheer and festive surprises.
This 12 months, the Vacation Honest is bursting with distinctive choices, from artisan and meals distributors presenting their one-of-a-kind creations to the spirited Polar Level Bar, set outdoor for that good winter contact. Deal with your self to seasonal favorites like Mulled Wine, Scorching Apple Cider, and wealthy, creamy Scorching Chocolate, good 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 within the festive ambiance. Plus, a go to to Santa’s Village is a should.
Vacation Honest within the Sq. particulars
- When: December 1 to December 23 (closed on Mondays)
- Location: Mel Lastman Sq.
- Highlights: Pop-up bar, Santa’s Village, Christmas market
The Christmas Tree at CF Toronto the Eaton Centre
No Christmas in Toronto could be full with out Christmas buying on the Eaton Centre. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre at Dundas Sq. is Toronto’s premier buying vacation spot. It’s the epicenter of Toronto Vacation Occasions with outside performances and vacation decorations. However nothing compares to the huge Christmas tree on the mall’s heart. After taking a 12 months off, Canada’s tallest Christmas tree has returned. There are each day gentle exhibits from November sixteenth – December 31, full with music and snow!
Strolling by way of the Eaton Centre immediately places you within the vacation temper with Christmas decorations and Christmas gentle shows. Apart from 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!
Vacation Magic in Bloor-Yorkville
Talking of Christmas Procuring, Bloor-Yorkville is one of the best. We used to dwell in Yorkville and have watched it rework all through the years. In certainly one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Yorkville does its vacation decorations proper, with Christmas lights adorning the streets and reworking the realm right into a luminous winter paradise; Christmas in Toronto in Yorkville is Euro-chic.
Famend for its upscale boutiques and high-end retailers, the neighborhood provides a singular vacation buying expertise enhanced by festive decorations and a cheerful vacation ambiance. Including to the attract, the realm hosts numerous seasonal occasions and performances, making it a hub for each luxurious buying and cultural festivities. We liked taking a night stroll in the course of 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 bushes alongside Bloor Road
- Why Go to: A classy and chic Christmas expertise with upscale buying.
Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s historic Fairmont Royal York Resort is the Grand Dame of Toronto Lodges, and anybody can go inside for a glance. Linked to the PATH, it’s simple to get to. Plus, it provides an array of pop-up occasions and beautiful decorations, making it a must-visit vacation vacation spot. These embody festive afternoon teas, the place patrons can bask in seasonal treats and teas in a lavishly embellished setting. The pop-up occasions typically function distinctive themes, showcasing the artistic spirit of the vacation season.
Upon getting into the Fairmont Royal York, the foyer turns into a spectacle of vacation splendor with a towering Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and chic ornaments.
In step with the season of giving, the Fairmont Royal York typically hosts vacation markets that includes native artisans. These markets are a fantastic alternative for company to seek out distinctive presents and assist native companies, including attraction to the resort’s Christmas choices.
Pop Up Bars
Talking of pop-up Christmas occasions, when the vacation season comes round, so do the vacation pop-up bars, the place eating places and bars rework their venues to holiday-themed bars. From themed Christmas drinks to superbly embellished venues, these pop-up bars are good Christmas occasions in Toronto for adults. Get pleasure from festive cocktails surrounded by Christmas cheer together with your finest buddies.
In style pop-up bars taking place in Toronto for 2023 embody:
- Miracle Toronto, situated at 875 Bloor St. W,
- Little Sister‘s Java Jingle Vacation Bar – 102 Portland St. and 2031 Yonge St.
- The Thirsty Elf on the Fairmont Royal York Resort
- Mission Gigglewater Vacation bar
Candlelight Concert events in Toronto
One of many coolest issues to do in at Christmas in Toronto is to seek out one of many Candlelight Concert events across the metropolis. Candlelight live shows are in 100 cities worldwide, and in the course of the vacation season, Toronto’s Candlelight live shows tackle a festive theme with numerous live shows, together with Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nutcracker, and extra. Do one thing distinctive this vacation season and take a look at certainly one of these Toronto Christmas occasions on their web site. Toronto Candlelight Christmas occasions.
- Location: Numerous venues
- Highlights: Themed performances by classically-trained musicians
- Why Go to: Benefit from the heat of candlelit live shows, providing a serene musical retreat.
Stackt Market Vacation 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. Vacation Hills creates a magical night for the winter season with festive meals and festive cocktails. There may be 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 Entrance
Catch a Vacation Musical
Toronto has a improbable music theater scene, and all the vacation productions are in full swing. A number of venues round Toronto have particular vacation performances. Take a look at Roy Thompson Corridor for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra taking part in Vacation on the Pops. The Princess of Wales Theater has holiday-themed performances. We’re heading into Toronto subsequent week to see The Illusionists. Scotia Financial institution Theatre has the annual efficiency of the Trans Siberian Orchestra taking part in. This 12 months it’s the Ghosts of Christmas Eve.
The Nutcracker Ballet by the Nationwide Ballet of Canada
Oh, The Nutcracker. It has been a staple of Toronto Christmas Occasions for so long as I can keep in mind. My household used to go on a regular basis and immediately it continues as an enchanted Christmas custom for the subsequent era. It actually is a superb present! The Nationwide Ballet of Canada has a few of the most interesting dancers on earth and it is a great introduction for teenagers with its nonstop dancing, magical costumes and staging, and festive spirit.
- Location: 4 Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
- Highlights: Iconic Christmas ballet efficiency
- Why Go to: Expertise a timeless vacation custom by way of breathtaking dance.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra Vacation Concert events
I was an usher at Roy Thompson Corridor and the Christmas Season was all the time my favorite as a result of the vacation live shows started. This 12 months there are some enjoyable live shows from Sleeping Magnificence to Dwelling Alone in Live performance. The Toronto Christmas Occasions preserve going by way of to the vacations with The Messiah, The Tenors, The TSO Vacation Pops, and an Andrean Christmas the place the scholars of St. Andrew’s Faculty current a magical night of leisure. Nothing says Christmas like going to a Christmas live performance.
- Location: Roy Thomson Corridor
- Highlights: Festive music performances
- Why Go to: Get pleasure from 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. Everybody is aware of that Nathan Phillips Sq. is the ice skating rink for vacationers in the course of the Christmas season in Toronto. It’s central, it’s simple, there are skate leases, at evening, there are stunning gentle shows. However it might get crowded. So try just a few different improbable locations.
The Bentway
The Bentway is a 220-meter-long skating that’s situated beneath the Gardiner Expressway. There’s a bar to seize some scorching chocolate and skate leases can be found.
Evergreen Brickworks
Situated simply off the DVP, the Evergreen Brickworks is a superb place for the vacations, plus there may be an outside skating rink.
Union Station
Make your option to Union Station for a Toronto Christmas skate outdoors. Skate within the coronary heart of the motion and it’s free! There may be additionally a free skate rental program and loads of locations for food and drinks. You’ll be able to even rejoice some festive nights with its DJ skate nights.
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Path at Faculty Park
Situated proper downtown a cease at Faculty Park not solely is a should for Toronto Christmas buying and eating, however there’s a improbable skate path that’s formed like an oval. For non-Canadians, Barbara Ann Scott Ice Path was a darling of Canada in the course of the 1948 Olympics when she gained gold in determine skating.
Toronto Christmas Occasions Exterior the Metropolis
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Did I ever let you know I labored at Canada’s Wonderland for 4 years? It might not be situated in Toronto correct, however Canada’s Wonderland has upped the ante relating to discovering issues to do at Christmas in Toronto. In the course of the festive season,
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is a seasonal extravaganza that transforms certainly one 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 tens of millions of shimmering lights and beautiful vacation shows, setting the scene for an unforgettable festive journey. The park provides an array of sights, together with ice skating on Snowflake Lake, dwell vacation exhibits, and interactive household actions, all beneath 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. Guests also can bask 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 Go to: A singular theme park expertise with a vacation twist.
Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas by Lamplight
Black Creek Pioneer Village is situated 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 many Christmas actions going down on this winter wonderland of festive enjoyable. From December 2 to December 23, children can go to Santa within the Village on Saturdays and Sundays. Households also can take pleasure in Festive Nights on the village in the course of the Christmas season with dwell leisure, vacation treats, {and professional} storytelling.
- Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Highlights: Historic Christmas expertise, lamplight excursions
- Why Go to: Step again and revel in Christmas in a Nineteenth-century setting.
York Durham Heritage Railway
Situated 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 prepare to the North Pole! There are conductor Elves, taking you to fulfill Santa Claus.
You’ll be capable to choose up some last-minute Christmas buying and revel in some scorching chocolate whereas stepping into the festive spirit.
- Date: November twenty fifth – December twenty first
- Location: York-Durham Heritage Railway, Uxbridge
Merry Christmas
There are such a lot of occasions taking place in Toronto; we might go on and on, and, hey, as we discover out extra, we simply may! Verify again to see what’s new as we proceed by way of the vacation season. The Christmas season is simply starting!
