Photo via @casalomatoronto on Instagram
And with that, the year has come to a close – well, in the next few weeks of course. December is almost here and our hearts are full of Christmas cheer! Have you been enjoying all the festive things to do in Toronto? Well, we have more coming for you this December.
There’s never a dull moment in Toronto, but you already know that – especially in the winter season.
Now, let’s jump right into the holiday season and dive into this list of the best things to do in Toronto this December.
Over 100 talented Toronto artists and artisans will have their work on display at Queen West’s The Great Hall. Food vendors and a DJ will be on-site, too.
When: December 1st, 2024 from 12 PM to 5 PM
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St W
Cost: Free admission
This winter market at Evergreen Brick Works has it all.
Visitors can check out vintage clothing, handmade art and more from 60+ vendors. There will also be a food court and food trucks selling mouth-watering treats and drinks.
Admission is free.
When: December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave
Cost: Free admission
Santa will be flying to the Tower on December 7th, 14th and 15th to visit with children from 8:30 to 11:30 AM
Tickets include access to a delicious breakfast buffet, a special gift (one per child), a photo with Santa (one per child), and access to the Main Observation Level to enjoy the sparkling December views!
When: December 7th, 14th and 15th, 2024
Where: CN Tower – 290 Bremner Blvd
Cost: $80 per adult (14+), $65 per child between the ages of 6 to 13, $15 per child between the ages of 3 to 5.
The holiday magic is coming back to Toronto’s Casa Loma, transforming the castle grounds into a winter wonderland.
Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour experiences will take over Casa Loma this December 5th, 2024 to January 4th, 2025
from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and 5:30 PM to 10 PM, respectively.
Start your day surrounded by holiday magic that takes over the castle, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight other signature trees by talented Canadian designers
And in the evening, embark on a Christmas journey as you wander outdoors, through dazzling light displays in the gardens and throughout the castle grounds and tunnels.
When: December 5th, 2024 to January 4th, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+ tax
Over 40 vendors selling food, gifts, vintage finds and handmade crafts will be on display at this holiday market.
There will also be live music to enjoy while you shop!
When: December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: 81 Bay St
Cost: Free admission
The Cavalcade of Lights is celebrating Nathan Phillips Square’s 60th anniversary with a party and free skating.
There will be a DJ and a skating showcase featuring 2018 Olympic Team Figure Skating Champion Gabrielle Daleman and more.
Public skating will reopen at 7 PM with tunes to enjoy. There will also be free skate rentals!
When: December 7th, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: Free
Winter Glow is coming back to Toronto this December and it’s bringing its massive 45-foot Ferris Wheel to Sankofa Square.
Starting December 5th to December 22nd, Winter Glow will take over the former Yonge-Dundas Square with carnival rides, midway games, delicious treats, holiday music and so much more.
Hop on the Ferris Wheel, enjoy a few rounds on the Great Canadian Carousel and spin those Teacups.
When: December 5th to December 22nd, 2024 from 4 PM to 10 PM
Where: Sankofa Square
Cost: Admission free / ride tickets $6 each
Get ready to relive your youth with Down With Webster! They’ll be performing at History this December.
When: December 20th & 21st at 7 PM
Where: History, 1663 Queen St E
Cost: $66.25+ per ticket
The Bentway, Toronto’s figure eight skating trail under the Gardiner opens for the season on December 21st.
Free to enjoy, all you need to do is strap on some skates.
When: Starting December 21st, 2024
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: Free admission
Spectacular light displays will illuminate the Bloor-Yorkville area all December long.
The holiday lighting will wind along the tree-lined streets, free to enjoy this festive season.
When: Every day in December
Where: Bloor-Yorkville
Cost: Free
Guests can expect all the Christmas excitement from kitschy holiday decor, a delightful array of holiday-inspired cocktails, visits from Santa and cheerful events.
The bar is hosted by the award-winning team behind Civil Liberties so expect some of the best cocktail creations around.
It’s cute, it’s cozy, it’s Christmas!
When: Until December 29th, 2024
Where: Third Place, 875 Bloor St W
Little Sister’s Java Jingle is back and bigger than ever! This time the annual festive event will include both floors, new drinks and holiday-themed events.
Sip from Grinch and ornament-shaped cocktail mugs, a lifesize Baby Yoda with a Santa hat, amongst an array of twinkling lights and garlands.
As for the holiday-themed events, expect holiday movie trivia night on December 16th from 7 PM to 9:30 PM, an ugly Christmas sweater contest on December 17 and half-priced Java Jingle cocktails from December 29th to 31st.
When: Until December 31st, 2024
Where: 102 Portland Street & 2031 Yonge Street
Toronto’s favourite winter wonderland, The Distillery Winter Village presented by Christian Dior Parfums is back.
Pay Santa and his Elves a visit, and enjoy the glow of the breathtaking 55-foot-tall silver fir Christmas tree.
When: Now until January 5th, 2025
Where: 51 Gristmill Lane
Cost: $15 to $39.50
Union Station is bringing back Union Winter with its free indoor roller-skating rink inside the TD West Carriageway, Roller Express.
There will also be free music performances, holiday shopping and delicious bites.
Guests must pre-register online for a two-hour timeslot.
When: November 28th, 2024 to February 2nd, 2025,
Where: Union Station
Cost: Free to skate
Winterfest is a free winter activation coming to Toronto and will not only feature the return of the outdoor rink in the area, but it will also have a long list of seasonal festivities including marshmallow roasting fire pits, food trucks, lights displays and a fireworks show.
When: November 29th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025 – Fridays to Sundays
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free admission
Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York has a brand new holiday pop-up bar this year and it’s giving cozy vibes!
Get ready to sip on boozy cocktails within a cozy retreat that “evokes a sense of nostalgia and Canadian winter spirit.”
When: Until December 21st, Fridays & Saturdays from 5 PM to 10 PM, walk-ins only
Where: Main Mezzanine (MM) Level, where the Thirsty Elf used to reside
Running until December 22nd, 2024, the night market is conveniently located along one of Toronto’s most bustling streets, Queen Street West.
PASKO Filipino Holiday Artisan Night Market will have it all – unique gifts, traditional foods, handcrafted items, music and activities.
When: Until December 22nd, 2024
Where: 1692 Queen Street West
Cost: Free admission
STACKT has brought back its highly-anticipated Holiday Hills for the festive season. They have transformed the shipping container market into a winter wonderland featuring hundreds of curated holiday experiences, events, live entertainment, gifting workshops, delicious food, and stunning visuals.
We’re talking cozy cocktails at the Speakeasy Whiskey Bar, and late-night bites from local vendors, a 100-foot immersive light tunnel, a 5,000 sq. ft. winter patio with curling lanes, fire pits, s’mores huts, and more.
When: Until December 29th, 2024 from 4 PM to 11 PM
Where: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Admission is free
Back for the 2024 holiday season! Project Gigglewater’s holiday-themed bar returns with its festive cocktails and special menu.
Check out their delicious holiday offerings here.
When: Until December 31st, 2024
Where: 1369 Dundas Street W
Looking for a more elevated holiday experience? Plan your next date night at Melody’s Bar and enjoy their holiday-inspired comfort eats and cocktails.
Decorated from top to bottom, the beloved bar has transformed into an elegant holiday experience, perfect for a lovely night out with friends or your loved one.
When: Until December 31st, 2024
Where: Gladstone Hotel – 1214 Queen St W
The annual WinterFest has taken over Canada’s Wonderland with fun and festive activities, including ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of sparkling trees throughout the park.
This one-of-a-kind event transports you to a new world, full of stunning luminous displays, ambient holiday lights and festive tunes.
When: Until January 4th, 2025 (Select nights)
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Cost: From $39.99 per person
Book a reservation at the AGO’s The Grange for a celebratory holiday afternoon tea.
“A unique dining experience to share with friends and family over the holiday season,” shares the museum.
“Enjoy a curated menu by the AGO culinary team. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a spot for savoury snacks, we got you covered!”
Seatings are available from Thursday to Sunday until January 5th, 2025.
When: Until January 5th, 2025 – 11:30 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM
Where: 317 Dundas Street West
Cost: $85 + tax per adult and $40 + tax per child (12 and under)
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