Image via Scott Heaney/Shutterstock
Cavalcade of Lights is a big Toronto holiday tradition, and it is almost time to experience it once again.
The festival kicks off on November 30th, 2024 and will run until January 7th, 2025. The festivities take place at Nathan Phillips Square and include free skating, stunning art installations and a dazzling opening night celebration with a tree-lighting ceremony.
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Here’s everything to know about the Cavalcade of Lights in Toronto before you go.
The Cavalcade of Lights begins on Saturday, November 30th at Nathan Phillips Square, with the opening night celebrations from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and the tree lighting ceremony at 6:40 PM on the dot.
Opening night will also include performances on the main stage, running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Just south of the square along Queen Street, there will be a Dragon Dance at 6:00 PM and a brass band performance at 7:00 PM.
Public skating will be open from 5:00 PM to 6:40 PM, with a skating show from 7:15 PM to 7:40 PM. Guests can take to the rink again at 7:45 PM when DJ Dre Ngozi will be spinning tracks until 10:00 PM for skaters.
Don’t forget to check out the other performances at the square including stilt walking all evening, a fire show from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and hoop dancing at 8:20 PM.
This year’s Cavalcade of Lights will have stunning art installations to check out.
ECHO is an interactive piece where guests can “explore the hidden power of their unique voices.”
One of the other pieces featured at the festival is called Lunar Lanterns. According to the city, “This installation invites the diverse communities of Canada to come together and share their stories.”
Twin Dragons will feature a glowing dragon, a nod to 2024, the Year of the Dragon!
Saturday, December 7th will be a night to remember at the Cavalcade of Lights! The festival is celebrating the rink at Nathan Phillips Square’s 60th anniversary with a party.
The skating party will have free skating with a DJ, another epic skating showcase featuring 2018 Olympic Team Figure Skating Champion Gabrielle Daleman,
skaters from Forest Hill Skating Club, skaters from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Skating Club and skaters from West Toronto Skating Club from 5:30 PM to 5:55 PM.
Public skating opens again at 7:00 PM with tunes to enjoy.
The skating party of the 7th also marks the first night of free skate rentals. While skating is always free, rentals will cost money except for on Saturdays.
The City of Toronto makes Cavalcade of Lights free to attend so be sure to head over this holiday season!
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