Photo via @casalomatoronto Instagram
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It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the holidays just around the corner, there are a ton of holiday events happening in the upcoming weeks in Toronto that you need to know about. From parades to Christmas markets to light shows to tree lighting ceremonies and more, here are 25 of the best things to do in Toronto this holiday season.
1. Holiday Fair in the Square
Holiday Fair in the Square is making its return this year and it's moving to Mel Lastman Square! Watch the square be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The event runs Dec 1 - 23 and will feature an artisan marketplace, a fireside lounge with hot chocolate & mulled wine, entertainment, photo ops, ride/games, food trucks, and Santa himself will be there too! Plus, this event is in support of Epilepsy Toronto.
Where: Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7)
When: December 1st-23rd, 2023
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
2. Holiday Nights of Lights
Holiday Nights of Lights is an enchanting & immersive walk-through holiday experience that features more than 1.5 million LED lights animated and synchronized to your favourite Holiday tunes. In its 4th year, the event will feature new displays, interactive attractions, captivating tunnels, enormous ornaments, tasty food trucks, and more. Use code "TODOTORONTO" for 20% off for Nights of Lights.
Where: Scarborough Town Centre Outdoor Parking Lot (500 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON, M1P 2K2)
When: December 1st, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
Price: $$
Category: Family-friendly
3. Miracle Pop-Up
This enchanting Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar is returning this holiday season. This pop-up is the perfect spot to capture all your Instagram-worthy shots with its Christmas decor, like tinsel, twinkle lights, gift wrapping, candy canes, Santas, Christmas trees and more! Plus, $1 of every drink sold will be donated to Nellie’s Shelter.
Where: 875 Bloor St West
When: November 17th - December 30th, 2023
Price: Free admission
Category: 19+
4. Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus is coming to town! The 119th original Santa Claus parade is taking place on November 26th! Get into the festive spirit and experience the return of some of the most amazing floats, bands, marchers, the Celebrity Clowns and of course, Mrs. Claus and Santa!
Where: Downtown Toronto. Click here for the parade route.
When: November 26th, 2023 (Starts at 12:30 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
5. National Ballet of Canada: The Nutcracker
Toronto's favourite holiday tradition is back this holiday season. The Nutcracker is a spectacular production with magnificent sets and costumes, colourful characters and more. This annual holiday performance is one that you don’t want to miss.
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1)
When: December 8th-30th, 2023
Price: $$
Category: Family-friendly
6. Toronto Art Crawl Holiday Market
The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-up is happening this December. This free Christmas pop-up will feature 80+ amazingly talented Toronto artists and artisans. If you're looking for art, photography, sculptures, jewellery, fashion, home decor, skincare, one-of-a-kind items and more, you won’t want to miss this one-day market.
Where: The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West)
When: December 3rd, 2023 (12 pm - 5 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
7. The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert
This December, head over to the Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert at Meridian Hall. Get into the festive spirit with a family-friendly screening of the entire movie with the musical score performed live to the film.
Where: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2)
When: December 15th-16th, 2023
Price: $$
Category: Family-friendly
8. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas One and All Tour
All I want for Christmas is you! Get into the holiday spirit with Mariah Carey at her Merry Christmas One And All concert! Be prepared to sing your heart out to some of Mariah Carey's greatest holiday hits.
Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2X2)
When: November 27th, 2023 (Starts at 7:30 pm)
Price: $$$
Category: Date/Friends
9. Santa at the Village
Step into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer, complete with a visit from Santa Claus himself! Get to experience old-fashioned toy making, create a classic Christmas card, sip on hot cocoa, listen to festive tales, and enjoy a puppet show.
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village (1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3)
When: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, and 23rd, 2023
Price: Free-$$
Category: Family-friendly
10. Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights
Take part in the holiday magic at Casa Loma with Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights. Christmas at the Castle will feature a wide range of activities and thrilling performances, holiday decor, a 40 ft tall tree in the Great Hall, festive arts and crafts, and more. Don’t forget to experience the magic of the holiday season at the Holiday Lights tour. Guests can enjoy a self-guided walk through the beautifully decorated gardens and tunnels, stunning outdoor lighting displays, and enjoy live performances and more.
Where: Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8)
When: December 2023 – January 2024, select dates
Price: $$
Category: Family-friendly
11. Cavalcade of Lights
Head over to Nathan Phillips Square and enjoy the Cavalcade of Lights. The event features captivating lighting installations that focus on light, lanterns, and fire. Throughout the season, you can enjoy ice skating and be mesmerized by the enchanting light displays in Nathan Phillips Square.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1)
When: November 25th, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
12. Urban Makers Holiday Market
Get ready to do some holiday shopping at the Urban Makers Holiday Market. This is your go-to spot for all your unique & one-of-a-kind gifts. There will be over 30 amazing vendors from jewelry, home decor, clothing, art, bath + body products and so much more! Plus, swag bags packed with amazing local goodies will be given to the first 30 shoppers in line. There will also be music, food, drinks, and entry to the event is free.
Where: The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen St. W. Toronto)
When: December 17th, 2023 (11 am - 6 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
13. A Very Darren Crissmas Tour 2023
Darren Criss is coming to Toronto for the A Very Darren Crissmas concert this December. Ring in the holiday season, as he performs songs from his holiday album.
Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre (189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4)
When: December 9th, 2023 (Starts at 7 pm)
Price: $$-$$$
Category: Date/Friends
14. Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
The Bloor-Yorkville BIA will be celebrating the holiday season with its one-of-a-kind festive lighting displays. Continuing with its annual traditions, visitors can look forward to shopping, dining, and surrounding themselves with the holiday lighting along the tree-lined streets.
Where: Bloor-Yorkville
When: November 25th - December 31st, 2023
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
15. The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery District will be filled with thousands of lights, festive displays, live music, a candy cane forest, vendor cabins, holiday photo ops, the famous Christmas tree, and more.
Where: Distillery District (55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4)
When: November 16th, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
Price: Free-$$
Category: Family-friendly
16. One of a Kind 2023 Winter Show
One of a Kind Winter Show is making its return to Toronto this November. Get to meet & shop from over 650 vendors, ranging from apparel, ceramics, candles, home, art, furniture, personal care, and many more. Come and pick up your one-of-a-kind item!
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place (100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3)
When: November 23rd-December 3rd, 2023
Price: $
Category: Family-friendly
17. Fairmont Tree Lighting Ceremony
The annual tree lighting ceremony at Fairmont Royal York is back! Witness the beautiful lights, and join Santa, Candy Cane Carolers, and more to ring in the festive season.
Where: Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3)
When: November 22nd, 2023 (Starts at 5 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
18. Holiday Hills
The Holiday Hills is back at the stackt market this month. This popular festive event features a 120-foot tunnel of lights, a 40-foot-long wish wall, a 20-foot tall holiday tree, a taco bar, vendor markets, one-of-a-kind holiday shopping pop-ups, and more.
Where: stackt market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 0C6)
When: November 17th-December 31st, 2023
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
19. Light Up the Square
Mississauga’s Celebration Square will be having an exciting Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Aside from the lighting ceremony, there will also be the official opening of the city's largest outdoor skating rink, the Holiday Street Market, live music, performances, and more.
Where: Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1)
When: November 25th, 2023 (5 pm - 10 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
20. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada's Wonderland will be transformed into a winter wonderland. WinterFest is an immersive holiday experience that features millions of dazzling lights, ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, numerous live shows, thrilling rides, hundreds of Christmas trees, holiday entertainment, festive food, and more.
Where: Canada's Wonderland
When: November 17th - January 6th, 2024 (Select nights)
Price: $$
Category: Family-friendly
21. CPKC Holiday Train
CPKC Holiday Train is coming to Toronto on November 28th. Get into the holiday spirit with a free performance from Anyway Gang. The event offers free admission, but you’re encouraged to bring either food or monetary donations!
Where: 750 Runnymede Road, CPKC Yard Office parking lot
When: November 28th, 2023 (Train arrives at 8:15 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
22. Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls
The Winter Festival of Lights is back at Niagara Falls this month! This annual event is a free outdoor light festival that features breathtaking displays with millions of lights. Experience the spectacular and larger-than-life displays across the tourism districts. With over 75 light displays, 3 million lights, 26 nights of fireworks, and a delicious hot chocolate trail, you're in for an magical time.
Where: 6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3Y9
When: November 18th, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
23. KIND Winter Fair
This 2-day fair is an exclusive 19+ holiday extravaganza and night market filled with over 30 cannabis brand activations, food vendors, local shops with artisan goods, music, entertainment, Instagram-worthy photo-ops, festive decor, two operational bars, and more. Make sure to use our promo code "todotoronto25" to get 25% off your tickets!
Where: RendezViews (229 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1W2)
When: December 5th-6th, 2023 (3 pm - 10 pm)
Price: $$
Category: 19+
24. Holiday Street Market
The Holiday Street Market will be located at the bottom of the CN Tower and is free for all to attend! Enjoy festive foods and local artisans. Get in the Holiday spirit outside of Toronto’s most iconic landmark!
Where: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
When: December 1st, 2023-January 7th, 2024
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
25. Home Alone in Concert
Celebrate the holiday season with this classic Christmas movie. Check out the Home Alone concert taking place in December, where this fan-favourite movie will be performed live to picture by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5)
When: December 7th-10th, 2023
Price: $$-$$$
Category: Family-friendly
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