The end of the year is fast approaching. We’re slowly heading into winter. But before that, you’ve got a few weeks to make the most of the city before the January calm sets in. In this article, I’m going to share with you all the must-do Christmas activities in Toronto to add to your list to make the most of the city!
If you’re looking for winter activities to do in Toronto, I’ve also got an article on the subject for you to read!
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Distillery District Christmas Market
This really is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Toronto: Distillery District. Every year, starting in mid-November, you can find the Christmas market here. I love the atmosphere, but I have to warn you, the market isn’t very big. On the other hand, it’s really pretty, with its distillery atmosphere and stone walls. Be warned too, entry is not free after 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I recommend you go when it’s free the rest of the week. It’s less crowded.
Christmas Parade
Since 1905, the holiday season has begun with Toronto’s famous Christmas Parade. The procession starts on Bloor around the ROM and ends at St Lawrence Market, a stone’s throw from the Distillery District Christmas Market. More information on their website. The parade always draws big crowds.
Ice skating at Nathan Philips Square
One of Toronto’s must-do winter activities, and even more so with Christmas in full swing: skating at Nathan Philips Square. You’ll feel like you’re in a movie with the lights all around you. I recommend going during the week. It’s a popular spot in general, but even more so at weekends.
See The Nutcracker at the National Ballet of Canada
If you’ve never had the chance to see The Nutcracker, now’s the time. I went several years ago, and it was an enchanted interlude. I remember feeling like a little girl again. It was beautiful. So magical. A real Christmas moment. More information on their website.
Tour the city’s Christmas trees
At the entrances to all the high-rise buildings, you’ll see large fir trees and beautiful decorations. But the most impressive are in the streets. The one in the Distillery District is my favorite, but the ones in the Financial District are also very pretty. Take a look at the one at the Eaton Centre, at 35 metres the tallest in the city.
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
The Fairmont Hotel always has incredible decorations in the lobby. It’s open to the public and you can go in just to enjoy the decorations, take a few photos. But you can also stop for a drink in their special Christmas bar, The Thirsty Elf. Please note that the bar closes for the season just before Christmas.
Explore Toronto’s neighbourhoods
Each neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere, little markets and Christmas decorations. But what I really recommend is exploring the small residential streets to admire the Christmas decorations. Some Toronto residents take this mission very seriously. I can recommend the streets around High Park, Inglewood Drive to see a row of 6-metre-high inflatable Santa Clauses. On this street, neighbors have made a pact and everyone puts a huge Santa outside their door. The Yorkville neighborhood is also always brightly lit. Then I invite you to explore your neighborhood or ask in your neighborhood Facebook groups.
Casa Loma
If you’ve never visited Casa Loma before, going there during the holidays will make the experience even more special.In December they offer several activities to celebrate the festive season. You can also just walk past to admire the 12-meter-high Christmas tree in the entrance. More information on their website.
Cavalcade of lights at Nathan Philips square
Right next to the aforementioned skating rink, you can also enjoy the lights and art on display. This year there are several installations, including one that lets you explore the hidden talents of your voice. You’ll also find lanterns representing Canada’s different communities. More information on the city’s website.
Winterfest Toronto Harboufront
New for the 2024 holiday season: the arrival of Winterfest Toronto Harbourfront. It’s a super-popular spot in the summer, so we’re really happy to see activities in this area in winter. There’s even a little train that goes around dropping off letters to Santa! And don’t forget to take a moment to make smores, an essential part of Canadian life. More information on their website.
Send a letter to Santa
Yes, you read that right. I encourage you to write your letter to Santa Claus. And to make sure it gets to the North Pole, you can drop it off at Toronto’s first post office. Every year they have a special mailbox for this. And they also offer a workshop to prepare the letters together. More information on their website.
Go for a drink in a Christmas-themed bar
I’ve suggested plenty of outdoor Christmas activities to enjoy on the streets of Toronto. But let’s face it, sometimes you just need to warm up a bit. Head to one of the many bars that are transforming themselves in a Christmas-themed way for the last few weeks of the year. You can find the full list in this article (coming soon).
Stackt Market
For the fifth year, Stackt Market is transformed into the magical world of Christmas with entertainment and decorations for over a month. There are artisans in every container to help you make your Christmas gifts. You’ll also find workshops and other activities. Find out more about the program here.
I hope this article helps you enjoy some of the best Christmas activities in Toronto. If you want to extend the Christmas spirit, check out my article on Christmas movies filmed in Ontario.