Photo via Holiday Fair
Another week into December, another week closer to the holidays. We’re loving every minute of it! There’s lots to do and lots to see! We’ve already jumped into all the fun things to do in Toronto, especially when it comes to festive events and experience in our city.
Make the most of this festive season! Bundle up, plan your week and hit the outdoors.
Let’s explore Toronto and all it has to offer.
Queen Street East is bringing the holiday spirit with window art by local artists on 45+ storefront businesses in Riverside and Leslieville.
Elevate your winter stroll by checking out the free installations all around the east end.
When: Until Dec. 13, 2024
Where: Riverside & Leslieville
Cost: Free
This holiday market will showcase 60 local vendors selling planet-friendly and botanically-themed products.
Guests can also lounge by the campfire or grab snacks and drinks at a food truck or at one of the indoor vendors.
When: Dec. 13 to Dec. 15, 2024
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Cost: Free admission
Make memories with the Niemi family at their traditional Scandinavian Christmas Market.
Eat delicious Swedish baked goods, ride on a train, visit the adorable animals, make memories around the bonfire, shop local crafts and goods in the mini holiday huts along the property, and buy your Christmas tree!
When: Until Dec. 21, 2024 – Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Niemi Family Farm, 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
Cost: Free admission to Christmas Market or $12.99 per child/$19.99 per adult for Christmas Land
Don’t miss out on Valley taking over the History stage on Dec. 13! Tickets are still available.
When: Dec. 13, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Where: History, 1663 Queen St E
Cost: $42.65+ per ticket
Haven’t had the time to shop for the holidays yet? We got you! From Dec 9th – 11th our stores* will remain open for 2 extra hours after their usual closing time for some uninterrupted shopping hours!
Join us after hours and get recommendations from our play experts, check things off your holiday shopping list, shop games for family gatherings, and more! Plus, first 50 customers will receive $20 in free Mastermind Money cards (redeemable in January 2025).
*exclusions include: stores located inside malls and our Holiday Workshop stores located at Union Station and Square One Shopping Centre.
When: Dec. 9, 2024 to Dec. 11, 2024
Where: Store locator here
Winter Glow is coming back to Toronto this December and it’s bringing its massive 45-foot Ferris Wheel to Sankofa Square.
Starting Dec. 5 to Dec. 22, 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: Dec. 5 to Dec. 22, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Sankofa Square
Cost: Admission free / ride tickets $6 each
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: Dec. 5, 2024 to Jan. 4, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+ tax
This market will feature over 60 local vendors selling treasures like jewellery, clothing and home decor on Sundays from Dec. 1 until Dec. 22, 2024.
Food trucks will be on-site serving up snacks and drinks so make sure to show up hungry.
When: Sundays until Dec. 22, 2024
Where: 550 Bayview Ave
Cost: Free
Holiday Fair in the Square is bringing all the Christmas cheer. If you’re looking to switch things up from the Distillery Winter Village, this is a holiday market in Toronto you’ll want to add to your list immediately.
This year’s festivities will include a larger-than-life maze, exclusive LEGO pop-up, shopping vendors, cozy fire pits, and even a winter-themed bar!
When: Until Dec. 23, 2024
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St
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
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: Until Jan. 5, 2025 – Fridays to Sundays
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free admission
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: Until Feb. 2, 2025
Where: Union Station
Cost: Free to skate
What’s cozier than an evening in a warm winter chalet? The Kost Chalet transports guests to a world of luxury and warmth paired with après ski-inspired dishes and specialty cocktails curated by Grey Goose. It’s intimate, it’s cute, it’s date night.
When: Until February 2025
Where: Kost – 44th Floor, Bisha Hotel, 80 Blue Jays Way
Cost: Varies
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