Christmas is a good time to be in Toronto; the city is lit up and illuminated in every nook and corner, from outdoor skating to witnessing the sparkling lights; celebrating Christmas in Toronto should be on everyone’s bucket list. The holiday season in Toronto is a time for family and friends to bond, you’ll the streets come alive with Christmas markets set up in almost every neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone during the most beautiful time of the year in the city of Toronto. Let’s check out some of the best things to do during the holiday season.
6 Best Things To Do During Christmas In Toronto
If you find yourself amidst the holiday season in Toronto, then here’s a list of things you can indulge in to bring in the festive season with joy and happiness all around. Read on to learn more about these experiences that you can enjoy to celebrate Christmas in Toronto.
1. Experience The Christmas Markets In Toronto
Rediscover the magic and rekindle the love during the festive season by visiting these lively markets, quintessential and the best part about experiencing the holiday season in Toronto. From mid-November to throughout December, you can witness the cobblestone-lined Distillery Historic District that turns into a festive European-style Christmas Market.
Catch the fascinating light display, strike a pose or selfie against the stunning backdrop, sip on some hot cocoa, or savour the mulled wine. Splurge on Christmas goodies and buy gifts for your loved ones from a range of artisan gifts, ornaments and make sure you get yourself the best Christmas tree to make your house look alluring once it is up and soak in the festive vibes with your loved ones.
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2. Ice Skating
No Toronto holiday tradition is complete without skating beneath a starry sky on a cold winter night with your friends and family. This holiday season is about the excitement of skating for the first time or with your partner holding hands amidst the city lights and urban skyscrapers.
You can go to various skating rinks. The best in the city of Toronto is Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall. After all the skating, you can unwind over a cup of hot chocolate at Snack Bar.
3. Witness Fireworks At Cavalcade Of Lights
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Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree at this annual festival of lights, music, fireworks, skating and thousands of sparkling lights. The festival takes place at Nathan Phillips Square, where all the residents of Torontogather are around to see the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree.
Sway to the rhythm of the live music, skate on the illuminated rink, and end your evening by witnessing a magical fireworks show. The festival is usually held during the last week of November and features 525,000 glittering LED lights and one gigantic lit-up tree.
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4. Santa Claus Parade
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The Santa Claus Parade is a spectacle of bright, colourful costumes, giant floats, and two hours of entertainment held every year since 1913 from Bloor to St Lawrence Market. Get your red nose ready as you join the parade this year, which will be held on November 16.
The parade also comes with a cause. This year, they’re celebrating Santa’s journey with Rudolph’s Red Nose Day, asking everyone to wear their nose to show some spirit and support. The concept is that we wear the nose to help light the way for Santa! You can buy the red nose at the Metrolinx stations around Toronto for $2 each!
5. Christmas At Casa Loma
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Witness a Christmas miracle at Toronto’s castle for a unique and unforgettable Christmas celebration. Casa Loma is the castle built by Sir Henry Pellatt over three years from 1911 to 1914. It has now been transformed into a winter wonderland. In December, the castle attracts visitors participating in the magic holiday with twinkling lights, light displays, and live performances.
Look forward to festive goodies, Santa’s workshop, decorations, a holiday market and lots of magic! Event programming runs from December to January.
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6. Witness A Christmas Classic: The Nutcracker
The National Ballet of Canada annually orchestrates a glorious rendition of a timeless Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. Performing since 1995, the show is a spectacle held at the Four Seasons Centre. It’s a traditional favourite of the beloved holiday season, with choreography by renowned Canadian choreographer James Kudeka.
It’s a performance brimming with fantasy, magic, charm and humour. Gather your family and friends and buy the tickets for a show of enchantment and lots of magic!
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There are plenty of things to do during Christmas in Toronto; it is the most magical time of the year. The whimsical lights and fireworks display, the illuminated Christmas tree, and the lively Christmas markets add to the charm of the city and will enhance your holiday experience. For an unforgettable trip to Toronto, add these experiences to your list. Enjoy your time away with friends and family, bring in positivity, and have a fantastic time!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Toronto
How is Christmas celebrated in Toronto?
Christmas in Toronto is unique because the city is lit up and glazes with the lights of happiness in every corner. There are Christmas markets, fireworks, and a Santa Claus parade in the city, making it a perfect place to celebrate Christmas.
What are the best things to do during Christmas in Toronto?
You can explore the special Christmas market and Santa Claus Parade, witness a Christmas miracle at the Castle of Toronto, or attend Christmas classic plays in the city. If you are a sports lover, you can also go ice skating during Christmas in Toronto.
What are the best spots to go for ice skating in Toronto?
Skating rinks like Nathan Phillips Squares, Harbourfront Center Natural Rink, and Kew Gardens Artificial Ice Rink are some of the best spots in Toronto for ice skating.
Which castle in Toronto offers the best Christmas celebration?
Casa Loma Castle offers a unique and unforgettable Christmas celebration in Toronto. Twinkling lights, a light display, and live performances attract visitors.
How can you witness a Christmas classic in Toronto?
You can buy a ticket to witness a Christmas classic filled with lots of magic, charm, and humor. It is one of the most famous plays, blended with acting and dancing that engrosses the crowd.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!