Things to do in Toronto for Christmas include Toronto Christmas markets, festive pop-up holiday bars, beautiful Christmas lights displays (including the free ones) and specific events that happen in the city only during the Christmas season! Christmas in Toronto is one of my favorite times of the year in Canada. Even though it’s cold, the city lights up in pure magic and you get to experience the best things to do in Toronto during the holidays! So since you are looking for the best things to do in Toronto at Christmas, you are in good hands! in this article, I will share everything I love and recommend about the Christmas season in Toronto. 

Things to do in Toronto for Christmas

First, let’s look at the best Christmas markets that happen in Toronto, and the ones that you can’t miss!

Things to do in Toronto – Christmas Markets

The Distillery District Winter Village

The Distillery Winter Village (formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market) is the largest Christmas market in Toronto. From mid-November until the end of the holidays season, Torontonians and visitors flock the Distillery district in search of some holiday lights, cheers, local finds and new memories! The distillery winter village was also the first ever Toronto Christmas market I attended, and it holds a special place in my heart!

That year, I was very cold, but had such a great experience that it remained one of my cornerstone Christmas events in Toronto. What I love about this Toronto Christmas market, is the fact there is a little bit of everything: amazing and enchanting Christmas lights, caroling at the distillery, shopping opportunities with a special emphasis on unique Christmas trinkets and artistic pieces, and so much more. As you are looking for things to do in Toronto during Christmas, this should be your first stop (or if not, at least on your list). 

Cost: free on weekdays, and tickets are priced on the weekends. See the prices here. 

Location: The Toronto Distillery District

Stackt Market Holiday Hills

The concept behind the Toronto Stackt Market is pretty interesting. This is Toronto’s first shipping container market, where every booth/stall is installed in a shipping container. This market was inaugurated in April 2019, and I’ve also seen that they have summer events in Toronto.

 

 I found it to be a pretty creative Toronto Christmas Market. The Toronto Stackt Market features live music performances, a ferris wheel, an ice skating rink and a few more entertaining activities for adults and kids. I went there twice, but on both occasions, there were not as many people (Wednesday night and Saturday night – the latter was a windy night).

This is what it looks like in real life!

I would recommend going there either on a weekend night (Friday – Sunday), or on a night when they have live performances. You can find the holidays market schedule here. 

Cost: Free

Dates: Nov 14, 2025 – Dec 28, 2025

Location: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto

Things to do in Toronto – Christmas Lights in the city :

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

The Bloor Yorkville neighborhood is one of the popular and trendy neighborhoods for shopping and restaurant experiences in Toronto. It is also ranked as one of the cute and exciting places to see Christmas lights in Toronto. To this, I would add “one of the warmest places”. And by warm, I don’t mean “weather warm”, but warm as in… “it warms my heart to be there”. Walking around the Bloor and Yorkville area gave me a sort of “community vibe” that I did not really feel in other neighborhoods in the Greater Toronto Area, and I liked that. If I were you, I would add the Bloor-Yorkville holiday magic as one of the top places to see Christmas lights in Toronto. 

Feel the vibe here for yourself, and tell me: isn’t this just magical?

Cost: Free

Location: Village of Yorkville Park

Pro tip: check the schedule here and make sure you go when the carolers are there!

The CF Toronto Eaton Center

It would be remiss not to add the sensational Toronto Eaton Center as one of the places to see the best Christmas lights in Toronto during the winter! The Toronto Eaton Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a tradition. However, this year, due to repairs happening on the roof of the building, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was replaced with daily afternoon concerts at the Toronto Eaton Center. Either way, in addition to seeing their festive Christmas lights, it was a great opportunity to enjoy some local entertainment while shopping. Or if you’re like me, make it a day-time activity to go to the mall just to see the free Christmas live performances. 

(See what it looks like here, in real life!)

You can check out the schedule here to see the daily light show and daily performances, and plan your visit accordingly. This is definitely one of the top places to see Christmas and holiday lights. 

Cost: Free

Location: Toronto Eaton Center

Cavalcade of Lights (Nathan Phillip Square)

The Cavalcade of Lights is the event that opens the Christmas season at Nathan Phillip Square in Toronto. The mayor of the city, Mayor John Tory was present this year, and gave the official “go” to open the season with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Nathan Phillip Square. The one thing that makes this event special (in my opinion) is the sought-after skating rink at Nathan Phillip Square. If you’re into ice-skating, you can rent some skates (or bring your own) and play around on ice. There are also a few photo opportunities with pretty cool Christmas lights displays. Photography enthusiasts would love the amalgam of lights from old city hall to the buildings surrounding the square, and to the square itself.

You can have a look and feel the vibe of what the Cavalcade of Lights at the Nathan Phillip Square is like!

Cost: Free

Location: Nathan Phillip Square

Things to do in Toronto – Christmas Holiday Fair in the Square

After the kick off of the Christmas Lights display at Nathan Phillip Square, there is a holiday fair that starts at the square. It’s pretty similar to a Christmas market, with a pretty decent variety of stalls, goodies, arts & crafts, and food options. I think this is a great place to stop after work, or  as the start of your Christmas walking tour in Toronto (but not as a stand alone event). You can tour the entire Nathan Phillip square within less than an hour, unless you choose to indulge in some ice-skating in the square. I stopped at Nathan Phillip Square after spending some time at the Fairmont Royal York hotel, and then followed my Christmas in Toronto night with some light dinner at Papi Chulo’s Mistletoe & Margaritas (also covered in this blog)!

Here is what the vibe looks and feels like at the Holiday Fair in the Square!

Cost: Free

Location: Nathan Phillip Square

Things to do in Toronto – Christmas Festive Restaurants and Bars

The Thirsty Elf Cafe

From the time I did my research on all the best things to do in Toronto during Christmas, the Thirsty Elf Bar at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel made it to the top of the list. And it’s a pretty genius idea, if you ask me. Nestled on the second floor of this Toronto luxury hotel, The Thirsty Elf bar offers Christmas-themed cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) during the festive season, starting from mid-November. The bar opens from Thursday to Sunday, from 5:00 PM.

Beware though: the wait line is extremely long to get in, and each guest only has a maximum of 1 hour seated time. I went to the Thirsty Elf Café 4 times before I could actually get a seated spot, and trust me: the wait was painful each time, so much so that I didn’t want to spare the time. At my last attempt, I arrived at 4:22 PM and made the line for about 1 hour, after which I was able to get in the bar and get a seat.

Is it worth it though?

I think for the sake of the experience, it definitely is. It’s one of those things to do in Toronto that you want to do once in your life. Feel the experience for yourself. There are a lot of Instagram photo opportunities, the bar is decorated in a very festive way and they play holiday style music all night. You can peep in here to see inside the Thirsty Elf and decide for yourself if you would want to go there.

Cost: from $18-24 per cocktail

Location: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto

Papi Chulo’s Mistletoe & Margaritas

I met someone at The Thirsty Elf Bar,  and she recommended Papi Chulo’s Mistletoe & Margaritas as our next stop for that very night! And since we were already in a festive mood, so said: so done! Having gone there, I can totally recommend this spot as one of the places to experience and things to do in the city during the holidays. The vibe was right, the decor was on point and you could feel the festive energy even before you got in! Also, I think they offer some of the best tacos I’ve ever had (and I am not a fan of tacos!).

Papi Chulos is a great stop at any point during your Christmas night tour in Toronto. You can stop there to kick off the night before heading out to see some Christmas lights in Toronto. You swing by to take a break from Christmas-tree hunting downtown, or you can decide to stop there to close in on a beautiful night of lights before heading home. This spot is very popular (and also pretty busy), but the food (tacos and more) is made pretty quickly, so you won’t have to wait too much!

Cost: varies, depends on the food and drinks you order. Mid range bar

Location: 121 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2

Miracle Toronto Christmas Bar

Things to do in Toronto – Other Toronto Christmas events:

Toronto Christmas Parade

The Toronto Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, featuring festive floats, marching bands, dancers, and holiday characters bringing cheer to thousands of spectators. It typically follows a downtown route and is perfect for families looking to experience classic Christmas magic in the heart of the city. Be sure to arrive early for a good viewing spot and dress warmly—this parade goes on rain, snow, or shine!

See what it looks like in real life!

Where to Stay in Toronto for Christmas (Best Hotels for Seeing the Lights)

If you want to stay close to Toronto’s brightest Christmas light displays—whether it’s Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery Winter Village, or the Christmas Lights Tunnel at Union Station, these hotels offer unbeatable access, amazing city views, and festive holiday atmospheres.

Fairmont Royal York – Most festive hotel in Toronto
A Toronto holiday icon, the Fairmont Royal York becomes a glowing winter wonderland with massive Christmas trees and thousands of lights. It’s directly across from Union Station, making it the perfect base for exploring downtown displays.

Ritz-Carlton Toronto
Enjoy sweeping views of the CN Tower’s holiday lights and easy access to Harbourfront’s illuminated events. The Ritz Carlton Toronto is great for you if you are the luxury travel type or you want the best night time views. 

Shangri-La Toronto
I love the festive lobby décor at the Shangri-La Hotel; even if you don’t stay there, you can still walk in to feel the vibe and the views. This hotel is perfect for warming up after a night exploring Toronto’s outdoor light shows.

The Broadview Hotel
Located in the east end with great rooftop views, the Broadview Hotel Toronto will give you the quickest access to the Distillery District’s sparkling Christmas market.

The Drake Hotel
A trendy, the Drake Hotel Toronto is an art-driven hotel close to West Queen West lights and seasonal pop-ups.

Chelsea Hotel
More on the budget-friendly end, the Chelsea Hotel Toronto is also great for families. It’s very close to the Eaton Centre’s massive Christmas displays and Yonge-Dundas lights.

Novotel Toronto Centre
Affordable and located near the St. Lawrence Market area, the Novotel Toronto Centre glows beautifully during the holidays.

Where to Eat in Toronto During the Christmas Season

Toronto comes alive during the holidays with festive restaurants, cozy cafés, and over-the-top Christmas pop-up bars. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink:

Best Festive Restaurants

• Cluny Bistro (Distillery District) – Beautiful décor + Winter Village access

• The Old Mill Toronto – Classic Christmas ambience

• The Keg Mansion – Warm and elegant setting

• 360 Restaurant – CN Tower – Iconic holiday dining with a view

Cozy Brunch Spots in Toronto

Warm up after a morning of Christmas lights or holiday shopping with one of Toronto’s coziest brunches. Lady Marmalade is known for its comforting, locally sourced plates. School Toronto offers hearty, decadent brunch classics perfect for winter mornings. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is one of my favorite brunch spots in the city and delivers elevated comfort food in a bright, modern space—ideal for a festive brunch date.

Top Hot Chocolate Spots in Toronto at Christmas

For a sweet holiday treat, Toronto has some of the best hot chocolate in Canada. Soma Chocolatemaker serves rich, artisanal drinking chocolate made from ethically sourced cacao. Nadège Patisserie offers elegant French-style hot chocolate paired with delicate pastries—perfect for warming up during a festive stroll.

Tips for Visiting Toronto During the Holiday Season

Weather & What to Wear

Toronto get very chilly during the Christmas season, especially in the evenings. Expect –5°C to 5°C with wind chills. With this winter packing list you are guaranteed to have everything you need for your Toronto Christmas trip. It includes items like:

• Thermal layers

• Waterproof boots

• Gloves + hat

• Power bank

Budget Tips for Visiting Toronto at Christmas

Many Christmas Light Displays Are Completely Free
Toronto has tons of no-cost holiday experiences, including Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District lights (outside the market hours), Bayview Village, Kensington Market, Yorkville, and several neighborhood displays. You can easily build an entire evening itinerary without spending anything.

Use TTC Day Passes to Save on Transit
A TTC day pass or PRESTO daily fare cap allows unlimited travel for a low price, which is perfect if you’ll be hopping between Christmas markets, light displays, and holiday pop-ups. It’s far cheaper than rideshares or parking downtown. But if you plan to explore regions outside of Toronto like Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake or other cities like Kitchener or Burlington, then I recommend renting a car at the best deals for your Toronto Christmas vacation. 

Visit on Weekdays for Lower Prices
Hotels, restaurants, and even some ticketed attractions are cheaper from Monday to Thursday. Crowds are also lighter, which means better photos and more time to explore.

Book Hotels Early (November = Best Rates)
Toronto gets busy during the holidays—especially around the Distillery Winter Village and New Year’s. Booking early can save 20–40% compared to December rates.

Find Free Indoor Warm-Up Spots
Places like the Eaton Centre, Union Station offer warm spaces and beautiful Christmas lights displays where you can take breaks without spending money.

Sustainable Travel Tips for the Holidays in Toronto

Support Local Makers, Artisans & Markets
Instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs, choose locally made goods from Christmas markets, Indigenous vendors, and Toronto-owned shops. Your purchase supports the local economy and reduces global shipping emissions.

Bring a Reusable Cup / Thermos
Holiday markets sell lots of hot chocolate, cider, and mulled wine. Bringing your own cup cuts down on single-use waste, and many stalls offer small discounts when you bring your own mug.

Choose Walkable or Transit-Friendly Itineraries
Toronto’s holiday attractions are clustered close together (Distillery, Nathan Phillips Square, Queen West, Yorkville). Walking or using transit reduces your carbon footprint and helps avoid downtown traffic. But if you are planning a multi-city itinerary in Ontario, then I encourage you to rent a car early to get the best rates for your trip!

Stay in Central Neighbourhoods
Choosing accommodations near the subway or streetcar lines reduces the need for rideshares and makes it easier to access all the festive activities on foot.

Avoid Fast Fashion for Holiday Photos
Instead of buying new outfits just for Christmas photos, consider re-wearing staple winter pieces. Afterall, winter is only once a year, right? 

Choose Experiences Over Stuff
Opt for gifts or memories like light festivals, skating, eco-friendly workshops, or local food tours instead of physical items that contribute to waste.

Looking for more unique Toronto Christmas experiences?

If you liked this article, you will probably love:

• The Best Christmas Markets in Toronto
• Must-see Christmas events in Toronto
• The Best Christmas lights displays in Toronto
• The best places to see amazing Christmas Lights in Toronto for FREE
• Things to do in Toronto during the winter
• Things to do in Toronto in December
• Canada Bucketlist experiences for the holidays

Got more questions about traveling to Toronto during the Christmas season?

I got you covered!

1. When do Christmas events start in Toronto?

Most events begin in mid-November, including the opening of the Distillery Winter Village and Cavalcade of Lights, and run until early January.

2. Where are the best Christmas lights in Toronto?

Top spots include Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District, Yorkville, Casa Loma, and light trails across the GTA.

3. What should I wear in Toronto in December?

Expect cold temperatures. Wear a warm winter coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat.

4. What’s the most festive area in Toronto?

The Distillery District is the most iconic with its Winter Village, and for your first Christmas in Toronto, you should go there. Also add Nathan Phillips Square and Yorkville Village to your list. They are worth the stop.

5. Is Toronto expensive during Christmas?

Hotel prices rise in December, but many holiday lights and events are free. The best way to save is to book your Toronto hotel early (as early as July – August).

6. Is it easy to get around Toronto during the holidays?

Yes. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) subway and streetcars are the easiest way to travel, especially when traffic and parking become challenging. I don’t recommend driving as it can get chaotic especially if it snows. 

7. Are Christmas markets free in Toronto?

Many markets are free including the Distillery Winter Village (before 4 PM on weekdays and weekends). After those hours, it requires an entrance ticket. 

8. What are the best family-friendly Christmas activities?

Top family activities include Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights, the Toronto Zoo Lights, skating at Nathan Phillips Square, and Santa Claus Parade.