Looking for some fun things to do at Christmas in Toronto this holiday season? This guide has you covered!
Although winter in the city is not the most enjoyable time of year, Toronto at Christmas time is truly a magical sight to see.
The city really comes alive at Christmas time, and there are just so many incredible Toronto Christmas activities to enjoy!
Since Christmas time is my favourite time of year (and I consider myself a bit of a Christmas aficionado), I decided put together this guide to help you make the most of this holiday season in Toronto.
From free and cheap family friendly Christmas activities, to adults only fun, and magical Christmas town day trips from Toronto, this guide has you covered with all the best Toronto Christmas activities to take advantage of this year.
PS – if you’re headed to Toronto soon, you might also want to check out these posts:
- 13 Cheap & Free Activities to do in Toronto at Christmas Time
- 8 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- 16 Instagrammable Pink Places in Toronto
- 30 Best Picnic Spots in Toronto
- 13 Best Beaches in Toronto you Need to Visit this Summer
- 16 Reasons You’ll Love Staying with the Four Seasons Toronto
- Where to Stay in Toronto: The Shangri-La Hotel
And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!
Now, onto the list of fun things to do at Christmas in Toronto!
1. Explore Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: TBA
Experience the Christmas of your fairytale dreams right here in Toronto!
Christmas at the Castle is the perfect family-friendly Christmas activity to do in Toronto that is enjoyable for all ages.
During the holiday season, Casa Loma is all decked out for the holidays and it truly is a sight to see.
Expect to be surrounded by magic as you explore the castle interior.
Each room is festively decorated and features a unique and beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
You can even walk through the underground holiday tunnel that takes you to Santa’s workshop.
There you can meet the big man himself and Mrs. Claus!
Christmas at the Castle will definitely add a little magic to your holiday this season.
2. Experience the Magic of Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: TBA
Another magical holiday activity that goes on each Christmas time in Toronto is Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour.
At Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour you’ll get to wander through dazzling light displays in the gardens and tunnels of the castle which are beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
This self-guided walk is the perfect way to experience the outdoor magic of the castle and experience beautiful Christmas light displays.
Stroll the property’s grounds and enjoy all sorts of beautiful decorations, light displays, and live performances.
You can purchase tickets for Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour when they become available here.
3. Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
Where: 100 Queen St W
When: Nov 27th – March 20th
As if I would write a guide to the best things to do in Toronto at Christmas time without including skating at Nathan Phillips Square?
I may not be the greatest skater (trust me) but I still love doing laps on an outdoor rink with friends, surrounded by twinkling lights while listening to holiday tunes.
Grab a few of your friends and head out for a morning skate to avoid the crowds, or at night to experience the mixture of city and holiday lights twinkling around you.
Bonus points if you end your skating session with a cup of hot cocoa!
By the way, skate rentals are only $15 for 2 hours so no matter your budget this is a holiday activity you can do this winter!
4. Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
When: Nov 18th – Dec 31st
Did you know that every holiday season Canada’s Wonderland turns into a festive winter wonderland straight out of your holiday dreams?
Me neither till this year but you better believe Winterfest is something you have to experience!
You can quite literally step into a world of holiday magic select evenings from Nov 13th to Dec 14th and it’s something everyone big or small will enjoy.
Last year was my first time visiting Canada’s Wonderland at Christmas and I had a blast!
At Winterfest you can spend your evening riding the rides, sipping on mulled wine or spiked hot apple cider, taking in the incredible light displays, and enjoying the holiday performances throughout the park.
It makes for a magical evening out that’s fun for the whole family.
Book your tickets for Winterfest in advance here.
5. Distillery Winter Village
Where: 55 Mill St
When: Nov 18th – Dec 30th
The Toronto Christmas Market (now called the Distillery Winter Village) has always been one of my favourite places to visit at Christmas time in Toronto.
I don’t think I missed visiting it a single year that I lived there!
Tickets are now required to visit after 4pm, but if you can show up during the day it’s completely free.
I always preferred visiting weekdays anyways to avoid the crowds, so if you can do that I highly recommend it!
There are all sorts of Christmas themed activities to enjoy at the Distillery Winter Village.
You can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, warm pretzels, and all sorts of holiday treats while you walk around the festively decorated Distillery District.
There are lots of little pop-up shops selling all sorts of things from Christmas decorations to gifts.
You can even enjoy live carollers singing by the iconic Distillery Winter Village Christmas tree.
You can book your tickets for the Distillery Winter Village here!
6. Have a Festive Drink at the Thirsty Elf
Where: 100 Front St W
When: Nov 19th – Dec 18th
The Thirsty Elf pop up bar is back again for its third year in a row at the Fairmont Royal York and it’s one adults only activity that you definitely won’t want to miss this holiday season.
You’ll feel like you stepped right into a real life Christmas movie in this fun pop-up bar that’s full of holiday cheer.
The cocktails are beyond festive and feature fun holiday twists and unique flavours.
There’s also a menu of salty and sweet snacks that are perfect for sharing.
7. Check out Canada’s tallest Christmas tree at the Eaton Centre
Where: 220 Yonge St
When: Nov 18th – TBD
Did you know that Canada’s tallest Christmas tree is right here in Toronto?
You bet it is!
The tallest sparkling Christmas tree in Toronto each year is located right in the middle of Toronto’s Eaton Centre.
This massive Christmas tree is 108 feet tall and is lit by Santa Claus himself!
Head to Toronto’s Eaton Centre to take in the beauty of this massive Christmas tree yourself before getting a little last minute Christmas shopping in.
8. Get Dressed to the 9’s and Have a Glam Night Out on the Town!
Here’s another festive adults-only activity that is sure to put you into the holiday spirit this Christmas.
Nothing quite puts me in the holiday mood like getting dressed to the 9’s and having a glam night out on the town.
After all, who says New Years has to be the only night you celebrate in style?
If you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your holidays, put on your best cocktail dresses and head out with friends for a fancy evening of champagne, cocktails and hors d’œuvres.
Toronto has so many incredible upscale bars and restaurants to enjoy
One of my favourite places to go for a swanky evening out is the Library Bar in the Fairmont Royal York.
Get dressed in your best, sip on martinis and champagne, and share some of the Library Bar’s mouthwatering culinary offerings.
It will truly be an incredible evening and great way to ring in the holiday season!
9. Check out the Holiday Light Display at Yorkville Village
Where: 55 Avenue Rd.
When: Nov 27th – Dec 31st
Here’s a cute and festive outdoor Christmas activity in Toronto that’s completely free!
(By the way, I have a whole guide to cheap & free activities to do in Toronto at Christmas time)
Grab some hot chocolates and take a stroll through Yorkville Village to check out the incredible Christmas light displays.
This would make the perfect Christmas date idea, or family activity.
The holiday light displays at Yorkville Village are so beautiful, and Yorkville is hands down one of the most festively decorated places in Toronto.
An evening stroll through Yorkville village is the perfect free Christmas activity and is sure to put you in the holiday mood!
10. Visit the Christmas window displays at Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue
Where: 176 Yonge Street
When: Early November – January
Every year at Christmas time Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue in Toronto unveil beautiful themed Christmas window displays that are truly a sight to see.
Viewing the window displays is completely free, and there is an official window display reveal event that happens early November.
11. Grab the Kids and Head Out to the Iconic Santa Claus Parade
Where: The Parade route runs from Christie Pits along Bloor Street West, south on Avenue Road/Queen’s Park Crescent/University Avenue to Front Street West, and east along Front to St. Lawrence Market.
When: 3rd Sunday of November
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade (also known as The Original Santa Claus Parade) is an incredible parade held each year on the third Sunday of November in Toronto.
This iconic parade attracts more than half a million people who come out to see it each year.
Since 1905, the Santa Claus Parade has kicked off the Christmas season in Toronto and has been an important part of the holiday season in the city.
Experience the magic at this year’s Santa Claus parade and enjoy watching the many extravagant floats, marching bands and dancers before witnessing the big man himself!
This is such a great family friendly activity to do at Christmas time in Toronto.
12. Skate the Bentway at Night
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Dec 18th – Jan 31st
In winter The Bentway transforms into a uniquely urban winter wonderland with a 220 metre, figure-eight skate trail.
This absolutely magical skating trail is a truly unique activity to do in Toronto during the holiday season!
Beyond skating, here you’ll also find an on-site winter village which offers hot chocolate and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages plus warming stations.
Skate rentals at The Bentway cost only $8 for children and $10 for adults making it the perfect affordable Toronto Christmas activity.
13. Go Christmas tree shopping on the Empire Sandy
Where: 245 Queens Quay West
When: December
The most magical place to get your Christmas tree this year is aboard the Empire Sandy!
Tall Ship Trees is a pop-up Christmas tree store and Nautical Christmas Market aboard the tall ship Empire Sandy.
It launched during the pandemic and has quickly become a highly visited attraction during the Christmas season.
Have a stroll around the deck of the Empire Sandy and take in incredible views while shopping the Christmas trees and enjoying the holiday ambiance.
You’ll get to listen to Christmas music and enjoy Christmas lights aboard the ship, as well as some festive drinks!
Who doesn’t want to get their Christmas tree from a ship?
This truly is one of the most unique things to do at Christmas in Toronto.
14. Have a Festive Drink at Miracle on Bloor
Where: Stay tuned for the 2022 reveal!
When: Mid November – Dec 31st
Toronto is no stranger to festive pop-ups during the Christmas season!
Another amazing Christmas pop-up bar to enjoy a holiday drink at is Miracle on Bloor.
Miracle on Bloor is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves incredible holiday cocktails in a very festive setting.
With fun holiday decor and the most unique cocktails, Miracle on Bloor is sure to get you into the festive spirit!
15. Experience a Tiki Christmas at Sippin’ Santa
Address: Stay tuned for the 2022 reveal!
When: Mid November – Dec 31st
Miracle’s Holiday Tiki Sister bar Sippin’ Santa is a whole new way to get into the holiday spirit!
This very Tiki Christmas bar combines the festive spirit of Christmas with the fun tropical vibes of a Tiki bar!
Enjoy incredible festive tiki cocktails in a unique environment at this super fun adults only pop up bar.
This is a truly unique way to celebrate the Christmas season in Toronto.
16. Snow Magic at Ontario Place
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: November 12th – January 16th
Each year during the Christmas Season, Snow Magic turns Ontario Place into a beautiful winter wonderland!
Here you can experience a winter light exhibition, skating and even an open bonfire.
There’s all sorts of festive treats and drinks available, plus lots of incredible light displays and holiday themed activations to explore!
Snow Magic is the perfect family friendly Christmas activity to do this winter in Toronto.
You can get your tickets for Snow Magic here.
17. Polar Winter Festival
Where: 100 Prince Edward Island Crescent
When: November 25th to December 26th
Get ready to experience the joy of the holiday season at Toronto’s biggest walkthrough winter festival!
The Polar Winter Festival transforms Toronto’s Bandshell Park into an incredible winter wonderland that’s so much fun to explore.
Experience this self-guided your at your own pace and take in the incredible sights.
From giant teddy bears at Santa’s Toy Shop to tunnels of starry lights, there are tons of amazing photo opportunities here too!
Get your tickets for the Polar Winter Festival here.
18. Skating at the Harbourfront Centre
Where: 235 Queens Quay W
When: November 19th – February 27th
Toronto is not short on skating rinks to enjoy during the winter months!
Natrel rink at the Habrourfront Centre is another incredible outdoor skating rink that will get you into the festive spirit.
Enjoy a skate surrounded by pretty Christmas lights with an incredible view of both Lake Ontario and the CN Tower.
Skate rentals at Natrel rink are $8 for youth, $10 for students, and $13 for adults.
19. Check out the Christmas decorations at the Fairmont Royal York
Where: 100 Front St W.
When: Nov 19th – end of the holiday season
Every year at Christmas time the Fairmont Royal York has some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations.
From the stunning Christmas tree in the lobby, to their beautiful Christmas window displays outside, the Fairmont at Christmas is truly a sight to see!
Grab your family and friends and head to the Fairmont for this free Christmas activity.
21. Holiday high tea at the Fairmont
Where: 100 Front St W.
When: TBD
Did you know that during the Christmas season, the Fairmont transforms their iconic afternoon tea into a festive holiday themed event?
The Holiday High Tea at the Fairmont Royal York is an extremely popular event and they do sell out quickly.
Enjoy the Fairmont’s buttery housemade scones, savoury sandwiches and an assortment of sweets, while you sip on their LOT 35 Fairmont curated teas.
Stay tuned to the Fairmont’s page where they will be revealing the details about this years Holiday High Tea!
22. Go on a day trip to St. Jacobs to dine in an igloo!
Where: 1381 King St N, St. Jacobs
When: TBD
Did you know that you can dine in an igloo in Ontario?
Just an hour outside of Toronto you’ll find the Village Biergarten in St. Jacobs.
They launched their igloo dining tents two years ago, and they make for such a fun and unique dining experience!
If you’re looking for a truly unique activity to do this Christmas, you need to make a day trip to St. Jacobs and dine in one of these igloos!
The town of St. Jacobs is also adorable at Christmas time, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore.
In fact, it’s so cute it’s on my list of magical Christmas towns you need to visit in Ontario!
23. Take a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
When: All holiday season
Another incredibly cute town that’s absolutely magical during the Christmas season, and makes for a perfect day trip from Toronto is Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Located just 1.5 hours from Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake makes for a perfect day trip during the holidays.
You’ll quickly see why a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake is on this list of things to do at Christmas time in Toronto.
It is so adorable at Christmas time!
PS – for more Ontario towns you have to visit at Christmas time be sure to check out my post on the most magical Christmas towns in Ontario!
24. Grab a drink at Papi Chulo’s Mistletoes & Margaritas
Where: 121 Ossington Ave
When: Nov 18th – Dec 31st (Mon-Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri-Sun 12pm-2am)
Papi Chulo’s Mistletoes & Margaritas is back again for the 2nd year in a row and it’s one Toronto Christmas activity you won’t want to miss!
During the festive season Papi Chulo’s transforms into a Christmas wonderland that will leave you speechless.
Put on your favourite ugly Christmas sweater or Santa hat and get ready for an evening of festive fun.
During Mistletoes & Margaritas, Papi Chulo’s does not take reservations, so guests are welcome on a walk in and first come first serve basis.
25. Journey into Enchantment
Where: 2 locations – Meadowvale GO Station and Richmond Hill GO Station
When: Nov 25th till January 7th
Journey into Enchantment is a magical drive through light experience with two locations in the GTA (Mississauga & Richmond Hill).
Here you can wander through an incredible magical winter wonderland with light displays featuring over 2 million lights and tons of your favourite Christmas characters.
Tickets cost $50 per vehicle of up to 8 people so this is a great Toronto Christmas activity to do in groups!
26. Enjoy a Festive Night out at Project Gigglewater Holiday Bar
Where: 1369 Dundas Street W
When: Nov 22nd – Dec 31st
Once again this year Project Gigglewater has transformed their cocktail bar into a holiday themed bar that is something straight out of your Christmas dreams.
Beyond the incredible holiday decorations (Project Gigglewater closes down for two days in order to decorate!) they also have a feature menu of festive themed cocktails and food to enjoy.
Here you can expect to find things like a Mulled Wine Slushie, Sweet Potato Pumpkin Spiced Old Fashioned, Banana Bread Flip, and even some fun festive shots.
Project Gigglewater’s Holiday Bar makes for the perfect place for a fun evening out with friends from now till the end of December.
Grab your Christmas sweater and get ready for a night of Christmas fun with your friends!
27. Festive Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis
Where: 325 Bay St.
When: Now till January 8th
Another great holiday high tea to experience this Christmas in Toronto is the Festive Afternoon Tea in the Astor Lounge of the St. Regis.
For its first year ever, the St. Regis is launching their own Christmas high tea that’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Guests will get to enjoy an impeccable selection of fine teas and refreshments in an inviting and intimate setting.
The festive high tea menu includes all sorts of savoury and sweet bites that are right on the holiday theme.
Think Eggnog Panacotta, Baked Brie, Duck Confit Rillette, Chestnut Profiterole and so much more!
28. Java Jingle Holiday Bar
Where: 102 Portland Street & 2031 Yonge Street
When: Nov 22nd – Dec 31st
Back for its second year in a row is Little Sister‘s Java Jingle Holiday bar!
This year for the first time both Little Sister locations in Toronto will be decked out for the holidays and serving up all sorts of holiday cheer that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on!
Tables can be reserved starting on November 22nd from 5pm onwards.
Both bars will be serving up a menu featuring 17 holiday themed cocktails and 2 holiday festive shooters.
Along with their festive cocktail menus they will also have their full dinner menu available.
29. Toronto Light Festival at the Distillery District
Where: 55 Mill St
When: January 17th – March 1st
If you’re wanting to keep the Christmas magic alive into January even though the Christmas season is technically done, then the Toronto Light Festival is for you!
The Toronto Light Festival is a beautiful festival of light displays that offers a visual journey and a playful adventure throughout the walking streets of The Distillery District.
Bundle up and get outside to celebrate the winter season and enjoy the incredible light displays that will have you feeling warmth and joy well into January.
Final Thoughts
There are just so many incredible things to do at Christmas in Toronto.
Christmas in Toronto is really a magical place, and there is no shortage of fun Christmas activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for free & cheap festive thrills, family friendly activities, or adults-only festive fun, I hope this guide to the best things to do at Christmas in Toronto will give you tons of ideas to keep you busy this holiday season!
PS – if you’re headed to Toronto soon, you might also want to check out these posts:
- 13 Cheap & Free Activities to do in Toronto at Christmas Time
- 8 Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- 16 Instagrammable Pink Places in Toronto
- 30 Best Picnic Spots in Toronto
- 13 Best Beaches in Toronto you Need to Visit this Summer
- 16 Reasons You’ll Love Staying with the Four Seasons Toronto
- Where to Stay in Toronto: The Shangri-La Hotel
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!
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