‘Tis the season! December is officially here, and it’s time to get festive in the city! Simply walking around Toronto, you can feel the holiday season in the air, thanks to flashy light displays, festive pop-ups, Christmas decorations, and more. If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays and indulge in some festive activities, Toronto has plenty to offer. From holiday markets to cheery events, Toronto is the place to go if you want to get festive.
Here’s where you can get festive in the city!
Distillery Winter Village
Of course, we had to start this list with Toronto’s most famous festive location, The Distillery Winter Village. Every year the Distillery District transforms into a festive holiday experience, this year with the help of none other than Dior. While visiting the picture-perfect Winter Village, you can shop a curated selection from local vendors and shops, dine at the many featured restaurants and outdoor bars, and, of course, take pictures in front of the various insta-worthy installations.
WinterFest At Canada’s Wonderland
Step into a world of holiday magic at Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest! From now until January 6th, Canada’s Wonderland will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, featuring ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows and holiday entertainment, exciting rides, light displays, Christmas trees, and more!
Nathan Phillips Square
The Cavalcade of Lights tree lighting ceremony has happened at Nathan Phillips Square! Marking the beginning of holiday magic in the square. From now until January 7th, you can experience the magical lights inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals and winter solstice celebrations. That’s not all, though! From December 1st to 23, 2023, you can visit the Holiday Fair in the Square, which supports Epilepsy Toronto, where you can shop from vendors, relax fireside, enjoy a warm beverage, and even visit Santa.
Miracle
Now, if you’re looking to indulge in a festive cocktail (or two), you have to check out Miracle Toronto! This year, the pop-up bar is located at 875 Bloor Street and, as always, features a ton of kitschy holiday decor everywhere you look. Serving up the ultimate holiday cheer(s)!
Christmas at the Castle
Casa Loma is hosting Christmas at the Castle from December 2nd to January 6th! The castle will be decked out with holiday decor, surrounding guests will holiday magic while a wide range of activities and thrilling performances take place. Santa will also be in attendance, where children are invited to visit his workshop and participate in festive arts and crafts!
Stackt Holiday Market
Stackt Holiday Market, also known as, Holiday Hills, is back for the season! This year’s Holiday Hills is bigger than ever, with immaculate seasonal vibes you won’t want to miss. Including one-of-a-kind holiday shopping pop-ups, Fizz & Fire patio with s’mores kits and a buzzing champagne bar, all-weather outdoor curling lanes with cozy warming huts to hang out in, and so much more!
The Nutcracker
Every year during the holiday season The National Ballet of Canada performs The Nutcracker, a beloved Christmas classic. The ballet tells the story of The Nutcracker through a magical performance of dancing, costumes, and displays. It’s a bucket list holiday performance!
Yorkville Village
During the holiday season, Bloor-Yorkville is decked out with festive light displays for visitors to enjoy in between shopping in dining! The neighbourhood gets turned into a glistening winter wonderland all the way through to December 31st.
The Thirsty Elf
The Thirsty Elf, located in Fairmont Royal York, is a holiday-themed pop-up bar with plenty of festive cocktails to go around. If the holiday-themed cocktails don’t get you into the festive spirit, the cheerful decor sure will.
CF Winterville – The Eaton Centre
This holiday season, the magical daily Tree Light and Snow Shows will create a wintery wonderland at CF Winterville inside the Toronto Eaton Centre from November 16th to December 31st. And, of course, Santa is back in town for the occasion!
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With everyone buying up presents left, right, and centre this time of year, going to an event that you won’t have to dip into your wallet for is a welcome change. Now don’t think that just because these events are free of charge, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less fabulous than ones that cost money. From family-friendly holiday fun and ice skating, to seeing your fave Christmas flicks and ringing in the new year, these December events have it all.
Keep reading for 7 super fun and free December events in Toronto!
Holiday Fair In The Square
From December 7 until the 23, experience the excitement of Christmas while enjoying the magic of a winter carnival at Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square. Located in the heart of Toronto, this free and fun holiday market has it all — skating, rides, games, seasonal treats, and drinks!
Family Holiday Cheer at Yorkville Village
Grab the family and head to Yorkville Village on December 7. From 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., enjoy activities like letter writing to Santa, story time, ornament making, face painting and more. While the event is free for all to attend, a toy donation is suggested as it’ll benefit CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.
Hot Docs’ Free Holidays Classics Screenings
It’s not really the holiday season until you watch your favourite Christmas movie, is it? Whether you’re into classics like White Christmas, or prefer newer ones like The Holiday, head to Hot Docs for a free screening from December 14-21. Tickets can be reserved for members but if you’re not a member, fear not because you can grab your tix at the box office!
Skating at Union Holiday
Who doesn’t love a good, old fashioned winter skating session? Grab your family, friends, or go solo, and head to Union Station to enjoy skating at Union Station’s Union Holiday that’s open until January 4. Don’t have skates? No prob because skating lessons, skate, and helmet rentals will be offered by TD and Union for free.
Cineplex Community Day
What could be better than a morning of free movies? From 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on December 7, you and the whole family can enjoy holiday films like A Christmas Story, Elf, Gremlins, The Polar Express, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Cineplex’s Community Day. While the movie tickets are free, concession items like popcorn, soft drinks, and select candy will be just $2.50. All proceeds from donations and select concession sales will go to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
Newchoir Singalongs at stackt market
Get festive at stackt market this year and sing along to your favourite holiday carols. On December 7 and the 21, Toronto’s first rock choir, newchoir, will be performing holiday hits from artists like George Michael, John Legend, Wham, this will be a holiday spectacular unlike any other!
New Year’s Eve At Nathan Phillips Square
Don’t think that just because Christmas will be over, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Head back to Nathan Phillips Square to ring in 2020 in style. Admission is totally free and the event features DJ skating parties, live performances, and of course, a mind blowing fireworks display.
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