Surviving a Canadian winter is tough. The best way to beat the winter blues is to get into the holiday spirit. Every December, Toronto transforms into a winter wonderland, turning regular neighborhoods into light spectacles and empty spaces into ice rinks. If you want to make the most out of the season before the new year hits, you can’t just spend it indoors. We’ve narrowed down 5 must do Christmas activities you should do in Toronto that are actually worth braving the cold for.
1. The Original Santa Claus Parade
This year marks over 120 years of the original Santa Claus parade, one of Toronto’s longest and largest holiday traditions, with the first one being held on December 2nd, 1905. Spanning roughly six kilometers through the heart of downtown Toronto, the streets are full of Christmas floats, marching bands, and special guests bringing festive joy to hundreds of thousands of spectators. There is also a Holly Jolly Fun Run that kicks off 45 minutes before the parade along the same route. So whether you want to sit on the side and cheer with a hot drink in hand or get your workout in before the parade, it’s an iconic city wide kickoff to the season.
2. The Distillery Winter Village
One of Toronto’s most popular Christmas markets, every November the historic streets of the Distillery District in Toronto transform into a winter wonderland. Featuring a massive 50 foot decorated Christmas tree, an immersive Nutcracker display, Santa’s village, festive food and drink options, holiday photo ops, Christmas carolers, and a ton of holiday shopping from local vendors. The tree lighting ceremony usually marks the start of the holiday season for the city which is why it is so popular. With an endless list of things to do, the Winter Village is a popular destination for all Toronto residents and tourists alike, running from November through January.
3. Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights
Every year at Nathan Phillips Square, the city of Toronto transforms the heart of the city into a spectacular light festival lit by over 300,000 energy efficient LED lights. It is a celebration of music, light, and community, and throughout the festival, guests can enjoy the public ice skating rink and skate under all the lights, surrounded by massive glowing installations, live performances, and a countdown on opening night with live concerts and fireworks.
4. Christmas at the Castle (Casa Loma)
If you want to experience something straight out of a fairy tale, head over to Toronto’s famous castle. During December, Casa Loma transforms itself with magnificent holiday decor, featuring a massive 40ft Christmas tree in the Great Hall, live performances for everyone, and festive light displays after dark through the gardens and underground tunnels. Families can also visit Santa in his workshop that includes activities such as arts and crafts, decorating baked goods, and singing carols.
5. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Just a short drive up to Vaughan, Canada’s Wonderland transforms the theme park into an immersive winter wonderland. Winterfest features millions of glowing festive lights, dozens of giant decorated trees, live shows, costumed street performers, and specialty holiday themed food and drinks available to all. The highlight of the entire event is getting to ice skate on Snow Flake Lake directly in front of the iconic Wonder Mountain. The festival runs on select dates between November and January and offers something for all ages. It’s an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for high production holiday magic.
Ready to Make the Most of the Season?
Whether you’re a big family, with a group of friends, or riding solo and looking for something festive to do this holiday season, Toronto is the place to be. Pick a weekend, bundle up, and experience the best winter festivities the city has to offer before the season wraps up.
