It’s officially the holiday weekend. Whether you’re celebrating with your family, friends or simply enjoying the time to yourself, there are a lot of things to do in Toronto if you want to enjoy the outdoors.
Last-minute Christmas market adventures, local skating rinks, or maybe a holiday afternoon tea experience!
There’s lots to do and so much to see.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Toronto this long weekend.
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EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace – Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a carefully curated selection of pastries and finger sandwiches that pay homage to the traditional British Tea experience. Bring the family along too! There’s a children’s Afternoon Tea priced at $40 per child.
When making the reservation, book for the total amount of guests and include the number of children in the add-on section.
When: December 24th and 31st from 11 AM to 3:30 PM, December 25th, 26th & January 1st from 2 PM to 3 PM
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto – 181 Wellington Street West
Cost: $80 + tax per person
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: Until December 31st, 2023
Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
Cost: $15 General Admission, $18 Flex Ticket, $30 Express Gate Entry
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Holts Café Afternoon Tea
Holts Cafe on Bloor has partnered with Jo Malone for an extravagant Holiday Afternoon Tea now to December 31st.
The menu draws inspiration from Jo Malone London’s trio of exciting holiday fragrances. Think Ginger Biscuit, Orange Bitters, and Pine & Eucalyptus! You can expect the menu to include both sweet and savoury items. Reservations are required.
When: Until December 31st (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Where: Holt Renfrew Bloor, 50 Bloor St W
Cost: $65 + tax per person
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
Roller Express – Union Station
Toronto’s Union Station is getting a free, two-month-long roller skating experience and it’s all indoors. And it kicks off this December, here’s what to know.
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 vibes.
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
Joni Restaurant Afternoon Tea
Stay warm this holiday season with this festive afternoon tea experience at Joni Restaurant. Treat yourself to a luxurious evening with a tasting menu of curated sweets and savories from Joni kitchen, paired with sommelier-selected teas from Sloane Tea. There are three experiences to choose from:
- Pastry At The Park – Try a selection of sweets from Joni pastry kitchen, paired with Sloane Tea. It’s priced at $128 for two.
- Tea At The Park – This choice features an assortment of sweets and savory eats, paired with two sommelier-selected creations from Sloane Tea. Priced at $188 for two.
- Indulgence At The Park – This option features sweet and indulgent savory bites, two Sloane Teas, and two glasses of Dom Perignon. Priced at $588 for two.
When: December 24th to 26th, 31st, 2023 and January 1st, 2024
Where: Park Hyatt Toronto – 4 Avenue Road
Cost: Starting at $128 + tax for two
The Bentway
According to the skating trail, its winter programming begins on December 16, and this year, skaters are invited back to cruise the 220m figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway. New will be the soaring art installation above the trail, which they say is and “inspired by the glowing hues of the northern lights.”
When: Until January 7, every day from 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: 250 Fort York, under the Gardiner
Cavalcade of Lights
Every year, the Cavalcade of Lights takes over Nathan Phillips Square with a dazzling array of holiday lights and offerings.
Stop by for some ice skating, lighting displays, and more until January 7th.
When: Until January 7th, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: FREE
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Holiday Street Market
Every year, you can expect the most festive and bright experiences to take over the city during the cold months. And it’s safe to say that this new holiday market will surely add to the fun. The Street Eats Market is back with a joyous new holiday market at the CN Tower.
You can expect a number of festive food offerings and local artisans in wooden cabins, showcasing their latest creations.
When: Until January 7th, 2024 // Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM, Saturday from 12 PM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 7 PM
Where: CN Tower – 290 Bremner Blvd
Outdoor skating at City of Toronto rinks
Get ready to lace up your skates!
There are tons of City-run public rinks opening for the season in November. In past years, that has included Christie Pits, College Park, High Park, Kew Gardens, and Mel Lastman Square, Nathan Phillips Square.
So, grab your favourite people and glide the day away at the rink.
When: Until March 2024 (select rinks)
Where: See all locations
Cost: FREE
