Here’s to another week of exploring and enjoying all the things to do in Toronto, especially for the holidays. We’re here for a great week full of cheer and festive fun. Let’s dive right in.
The city is FILLED with a ton of things to do from the most festive bars to more low-key experiences.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Toronto this week.
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Toronto Gingerbread Festival
The Yonge + St. Clair community welcomes all to Toronto’s largest Gingerbread Festival, starting on December 7th.
Enjoy 12 festival days across three event sites, exploring the wonders and joys of the holiday season.
Check out the festival on its launch day for the unveiling of the large-scale gingerbread house and mini Yonge + St. Clair gingerbread village.
When: Until December 18th, 2023
Where: 55. St. Clair Avenue West
Winter Glow
Yonge-Dundas Square is getting a fun holiday carnival event with a 45-foot-tall Ferris Wheel and massive carousel, along with many more midway games and carnival treats. Here’s what to know.
Winter Glow will kick off on December 14th and run until December 23rd.
According to the press release, visitors can treat themselves to a number of carnival treats like cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, churros, hot chocolate, and more.
Along with all the carnival fun, the Rotary Club of Toronto will have a 40-foot-tall Tree of Remembrance that will have hearts aglow.
When: December 14 to December 23
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
Sponsored Pick: Uniqlo UTme!
Whether you consider yourself a minimalist, a maximalist, or have no idea what we’re talking about – we can probably all agree that clothing basics are the foundation of any functional wardrobe. Uniqlo is virtually unmatched when it comes to providing high-quality and affordable closet staples, and now they’re coming out with a fun and innovative way to curate your wardrobe even further. It is the perfect Christmas present, you can design custom t-shirts and tote bags and get them printed in-store at select Uniqlo locations! It’s so easy, you just pick your item, create your design, and watch it print at the in-store UTme! booth. Ready to flex your creativity?
Where: CF Toronto Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Coming Soon: Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin Street, North York, ON & Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway Burnaby, BC
The Winter Market
The city never lacks when it comes to holiday experiences! And here’s another to add to your already long list of holiday markets. There’s a Pay What You Can winter market coming to Toronto featuring a handful of local vendors, food trucks, vintage finds, and skating.
Evergreen Brick Works’ Winter Market returns this December 10th and 17th, and both the Ontario Artisan Market and Ontario Vintage Market will be tagging along for the fun.
When: December 10th and 17th from 11 AM to 5 PM
Where: 550 Bayview Ave
Sponsored Pick: Stillwater Spa Toronto
In the mood for a getaway without leaving the city? Stillwater Spa is located at the Park Hyatt Toronto, and they offer everything you need for maximum relaxation. Plus, they just announced 3 new winter experiences – and if you book now – you’ll receive a $60 credit toward one of them! Check out their website and use up those benefits before the end of the year!
Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market
If you’ve got some green thumbs on your holiday gift list this year, then you’ll want to pay a visit to the botanically-themed market this December.
Shop for eco-friendly and nature-inspired products including home décor, fine chocolates, fresh seasonal greens, along with amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs.
Plus, the TBG Bloom Cafe will be serving up hot beverages and light bites during the market. Friday from 2 PM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
When: December 15th to 17th, 2023
Where: Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East
Cost: FREE
Roller Express
To keep you entertained this holiday season, Union Station has transformed its newly opened TD West Carriageway into a fun and free roller skating hub – Roller Express.
Strap on those rollerskates and glide across the 5,500 sq ft rink that includes a skating trail, carriageway tunnel, and retro vibe.
When: Until February 4th – Sunday to Wednesday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Thursday and Friday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Sat from 11 AM to 11 PM
Where: TD West Carriageway – Union Station
Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights
The holiday magic is coming back to Toronto’s Casa Loma for the festive season, transforming the castle grounds into a winter wonderland. Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour experiences will take over Casa Loma this December.
Get ready to experience a holiday event like no other starting December 1st. Embark on a Christmas journey as you wander outdoors, through dazzling light displays in the gardens and throughout the castle grounds and tunnels.
Holiday Lights is a self-guided walk that will delight guests as they encounter the almost endless holiday decorations, lights, and live performances. There will be a magic show, a fire performer, roaming mime artists, mascots, and silt walkers. We can’t for the Christmas carolers and of course, Santa.
When: Until January 6th
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+tax
Stay warm with hot chocolate from local shops
It’s starting to get a bit chilly out there, Toronto. And if you’re looking for ways to stay warm while still enjoying the outdoors this holiday season, we recommend some hot chocolate.
This is also the best way to uncover new cafes in your city, instead of resorting to the big-name brands. You can support local this season AND stay warm.
When: Whenever you want
Where: Across Toronto
Wonka’s Sweet Escape
Have you ever thought of what it would be like visiting Willy Wonka’s factory? Well, now you can finally explore the world of the famous fictional chocolatier at this new immersive Wonka experience in Toronto. And you don’t need a golden ticket for this sweet adventure.
Visitors will have the chance to tap into the candy maker’s imagination and experience the magic firsthand through visual content displays and even replica props.
When: Until January 2nd, 2024
Where: Yorkdale Mall
