11 Christmassy Things To Do In Toronto

Toronto has so many wonderful Christmas traditions to get you in the festive spirit. Even though it’s getting cold outside, nothing beats the feeling of sipping a hot drink beneath glittering lights and decorations during the holiday season. So mark your calendars and bundle up: it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Toronto Christmas Market

Market, Canadian, Pub Grub

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A picturesque festive day out complete with mulled wine, hot apple cider, outdoor fire pits, and cute little wooden shops selling treats and delights. Every year Toronto’s historic Distillery District transforms itself into one of the city’s best holiday experiences. The Toronto Christmas Market is great for a date, family day out or with a group of friends. Scenic lighting and seasonal décor set the tone for a number of activities like Christmas carol performances, a visit to Santa, selfies next to illuminated signs, and festive drinks and eats.

Old-Fashioned Christmas

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Black Creek Pioneer Village has a host of old-fashioned Christmas activities beginning in November. During the day their festive weekends offer historical activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides, an opportunity to explore Christmas traditions of the past, as well as holiday favourites like roasting chestnuts, trimming Christmas trees, and carol singing. That’s not all: young visitors will love Story Time With Santa, and they even do proper Christmas dinners on Sundays. At night, the village comes to life with music, food, and activities for Christmas By Lamplight.

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

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Toronto Events and Sports Tours

Bloor-Yorkville has pretty lights all year round, but come November it transforms in to a festive wonderland, with twinkling Christmas bulbs and impressive ice sculptures. The official switching on ceremony reveals the unique lighting display every year, and also hosts campfires and shopping and dining options. Carol singers also feature along the neighbourhood on select days throughout December.

The Santa Claus Parade

Kick off the holidays by cheering on the annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade. Find a spot anywhere along the six-kilometre route and celebrate Toronto’s 100-year-old Christmas tradition. This is a great family event. The parade begins at Bloor and Christie and makes its way downtown. For those who want to watch the whole parade, it usually lasts a couple of hours, so dress warm.

One of a Kind Christmas Show

Toronto Pop Culture Tours

Every winter, hundreds of artisans gather at Enercare Centre’s Exhibition Place for this event to showcase and sell their handmade crafts. If you struggle to find unique Christmas presents, then this is probably the best place to do a spot of shopping and pick up some wonderful gifts for loved ones or yourself. No matter what you are into, there’s something for everyone to discover at the One of a Kind Christmas Show and even the chance to meet some of the creators behind the handcrafted goods.

Cavalcade of Lights

Toronto,-,November,30:,People,Watch,The,Christmas,Lights,And

Cavalcade of Lights
Nothing marks the start of the festive season in Toronto like the Cavalcade of Lights. This annual event celebrates the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree with a spectacular ice skating party at the landmark of Nathan Philips Square. This holiday tradition features local performers and fireworks, all for free.

Swedish Christmas Fair

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Toronto Food Tours

Toronto’s annual Swedish Christmas fair has been running since 1982 and has turned into something of a holiday extravaganza. You can sample Scandinavian foods, warm up with some festive glögg, listen to children singing carols at the Lucia Pageant or join in the folk dancing and craft making. The Swedish Christmas Fair is also a great place to pick up some presents, there will be plenty of unique crafts, Christmas décor, textiles, and Swedish delicacies.

The Nutcracker

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Toronto Cultural Tours

An iconic ballet, The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic and has been performed by the National Ballet of Canada since 1995. Every year the stage at Four Seasons Centre is transformed into the magical ice-encrusted world of the Snow Queen and the glittering golden palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Christmas window shopping

For some glamorous Christmas magic, check out the festive windows at some of Toronto’s department stores. Hudson’s Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, William Ashley China, and Holt Renfrew are renowned in the city for their holiday displays. While you’re in the neighbourhood doing seasonal window shopping, there’ll be plenty of places to do Christmas shopping as well.

Find some of the best festive shopping opportunities with these Toronto shopping tours.

Hudson’s Bay’s Christmas window displays/Shutterstock

Ice skating

The best thing about freezing cold temperatures in Canada? Spending a few hours ice skating and warming up with some hot chocolate afterwards. Even though both of these locations get really crowded, they are the best for atmosphere. The famous rink at Nathan Phillips Square puts you in the heart of the city right next to the Fair in The Square, while Harbourfront Centre offers unique skating experiences with their DJ skate nights.

Skating Rink at Nathan Philips Square, Toronto/Shutterstock

Christmas at Casa Loma

Built by Sir Henry Pellatt over a four-year period from 1911–1914, Casa Loma’s battlements, secret passageways, gardens and rooms are stunning under any circumstances. During the holiday season, their Christmas displays and décor somehow make the castle more enchanting, majestic and always worth the visit. They often have special festive programming throughout December.

About the author

Sahar Aman

Staff Writer

A British and Pakistani writer currently living Canada. I'm a wannabe Pathan and a wannabe Italian. My greatest joy in life is uprooting myself and moving to a different country. I have a hunger for stories, adventure, and culture. When I'm not writing or travelling, you can find me flexing my metatarsal in a dance studio. Read about some of my shenanigans on www.saharaman.com.