Welcome to the first full week of December! Celebrate the festive season by exploring and enjoying all the things to do in Toronto, especially for the holidays. It’s another wonderful week full of cheer and we’re ready to 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 11 of the best things to do in Toronto this week.

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Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest

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 6th, 2024 (Select nights)
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Cost: From $29.99 per person

Christmas Glow Toronto

Colder weather is setting in, so why not step out of the icy chill and into a cozy world of enchantment at Christmas Glow Toronto?

Known as Canada’s premier indoor Christmas festival, Christmas Glow is a massive indoor experience with millions of twinkling lights, an artisan market, a whimsical train ride, and delicious treats.

The indoor experience will take visitors on an illuminated journey to six different countries. No passport required!

Where: Toronto Congress Centre, 1020 Martin Grove Road
When:  November 30th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023
Cost: Weekdays $30 & Weekends $32 (General Admission)

Sponsored Pick: Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker

It’s a classic Christmas tale – with a twist. Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann are returning to The Triple Door with their award-winning production: Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker. This show has been captivating audiences since 2006 with dazzling performances, stunning choreography, and a great night-out atmosphere. Grab the girls or plan a date night to enjoy one of Seattle’s most glamorous holiday traditions. 

When: Friday, December 1 to Thursday, December 28, 2023
Where: The Triple Door, 216 Union Street Seattle
Cost: Ticket prices vary by seat

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

Sponsored Pick: The Holiday Line Up for Brampton On Stage

Looking for quality time with loved ones over the holidays? Take a peek at the Brampton On Stage line up for this holiday season. From age-old holiday classics to nostalgic musical escapes, the whole family will be entertained.

When: Click here for the full event lineup
Where: The Rose Brampton – 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton, ON and LBP Brampton 150 Central Park Drive Brampton, ON
Cost: Click here for tickets

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

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: December 1st to January 6th
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+tax

Holiday Afternoon Tea at the AGO

Book a reservation at the AGO’s The Grange for a celebratory holiday afternoon tea. Enjoy flavours from across the Caribbean diaspora. This experience includes UK classics too. The holiday afternoon tea experience is inspired by Life Between Islands.

Seatings are available Wednesday through Sunday until December 17th.

When: Until December 17th, 2023 – 11:30 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM
Where: 317 Dundas Street West
Cost: $95 + tax per adult and $45 + tax per child (10 and under)

The Distillery Winter Village

Get your holiday plans in order because the iconic Distillery Winter Village is back.

This iconic festive village welcomes all to experience the joys of the holidays through delicious food, drinks, gift shopping, carols, cozy fires, and all the jolly vibes.

And you’ll want to be there for the grand opening on November 16th as the village unveils its tallest Christmas tree of all time!

When: November 16th to December 31st, 2023
Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
Cost: $15 General Admission, $18 Flex Ticket, $30 Express Gate Entry

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

Outdoor ice skating

It’s time to sharpen up those skates and get your warmest gear out. Toronto’s outdoor skating season kicks off this weekend as outdoor artificial ice rinks will officially open for all to enjoy, this Saturday.

From local parks to the city’s popular outdoor skating rinks, Toronto offers great skating options – east to west. According to the city, Toronto’s outdoor rinks typically open in late November and last up until March. So that means you have plenty of time to hit the ice and practice those skills.

When: Until end of season in March (depending on rink)
Where: Outdoor skating rinks across the city