We’re just days away from the holidays and the city is absolutely sparkling with festive cheer. From fairs to magical light displays and candlelit holiday concerts, there are so many things to do in Toronto this week to keep you smiling from ear to ear.
Throw on those warm layers and hit the town because it’s time to celebrate!
Window Wonderland
Toronto’s award-winning urban art walk has returned to the west end. Window Wonderland has taken over the Junction for the third year in a row.
This magical outdoor gallery is free to visit and features 20 unique augmented reality (AR) installations, showcasing the work of 40 artists in total.
While you make your way along the urban art trail, you can enjoy a free outdoor performance by CORPUS dance company called “The Alpine Merry Sheep Choir” which will run until December 24th from 2 PM to 4 PM.
When: Until January 1st, 2023
Where: See the full event map
Candlelight: Holiday Special
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a breathtaking 65-minute string quartet performance bathed in candle light.
This event brings “the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Toronto.”
When: December 20th and 21st, 2022
Where: The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
Distillery District Winter Village
Toronto’s famous historic district is lit up for the holidays! The Distillery District’s iconic Winter Village is back for the season and it’s nothing short of spectacular.
Under a canopy of lights and in the dreamy Christmas atmosphere, you’ll get to explore rows and rows of food and shopping cabins offering specially curated seasonal items and gifts as well as delicious food.
Free entry to the village is available on weekdays until December 23rd.
When: Until December 31st, 2022
Where: The Distillery Historic District
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Canadian Tire Christmas Trail
The Canadian Tire Christmas Trail has returned for the third year in a row and you’ll see Santa’s village come to life from the warmth of your car.
This year, the experience is bigger and more exciting than ever, with new interactive displays to see as you make your way along the trail.
When: Until December 23rd, 2022
Where: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
Merry Merry Music
This festive concert series takes place throughout the holiday season at the Eaton Centre, with magical “indoor snowfall” that’s unlike anything else in the city.
The concert series has been running four times weekly and will wrap up on December 24th, so you still have many chances to enjoy the show.
If you have last-minute shopping to do, this is the last week that you will be treated to musical performances from a diverse line-up of Canadian artists while you shop.
Where: CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Level 1 – Centre Court (near MAC)
When: Until December 24th, 2022 (Thursday to Sunday)
Check out Toronto’s holiday pop-up bars
Tis the season for all things festive and a lil’ boozy. For the holiday season, Toronto has a bunch of holiday bar pop-ups and they’re serving us the most festive drinks around.
There are seven holiday-themed bar experiences that are now open in Toronto, whipping up Christmas in a glass. And if you’re looking for that perfect holiday picture, rest assured that each holiday bar is decked out in the most festive decorations possible!
Where: See Toronto’s holiday pop-up bars
See Toronto’s best-decorated Christmas homes
One of the best things to do during the holiday season is to throw on a festive playlist and go on a cruise to see Christmas displays in Toronto.
There are a few homes in this city that are worth getting out of your car for a closer look and definitely some pictures. In fact, these houses are known for bringing their A-game every year and this holiday season is no different!
Where: See Toronto’s famous Christmas homes
Toronto Gingerbread Festival
When it comes to holiday treats, it doesn’t get more classic than gingerbread, and this year, the Toronto Gingerbread Festival is treating locals to a big dose of deliciousness.
The festival features a life-sized gingerbread display and gigantic installations, filling the streets with excitement and nostalgia.
You can also get a free gingerbread building kit, plus enjoy all kinds of special deals and promos at local shops and restaurants.
When: Until January 11th, 2023
Where: Yonge and St. Clair, Life-sized display in the lobby at 2 St. Clair West
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The Nutcracker Ballet
The National Ballet of Canada has one of the finest versions of Marius Petipa’s beloved classic The Nutcracker, and it is a holiday season tradition that our city looks forward to every year.
There’s no better way to make the holiday season feel complete in Toronto than this enchanting show.
When: Until December 31st, 2022
Where: 145 Queen Street West
Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle
Step into a world of holiday magic at Toronto’s Casa Loma this joyous season! Yes, the beloved Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights is a day-and-night experience that takes place at our beloved castle during the holidays.
Until January 8th, explore the castle grounds as it transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland, surrounded by holiday decor in every corner and draped in dazzling lights.
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: Until January 8th, 2023
Sponsored Pick: Canada’s Holiday Headquarters
We love family dinners and friendly get-togethers come holiday season. Hosting them, however, is a whole other story. No matter how experienced you are, planning, prepping and executing can be an overwhelming task. But as always, our holiday headquarters, aka M&M Food Market, is here to save you (and us) from admitting defeat.
With a lineup of new festive frozen meals with appetizers to main entrees to desserts, you can arrange an elaborate & gourmet holiday meal without breaking a sweat. Spend your time with loved ones & leave the meal planning up to the experts this holiday season!
With so many things to do in Toronto this week, it’ll be Christmas morning before you know it!
