November is when Toronto’s Christmas season switches on. In the space of three weeks the city opens its big Christmas market, lights its trees, holds the Santa Claus Parade and starts its holiday shows. Here’s every major Christmas event in Toronto in November 2026, in date order.
November 2026 calendar
| Date | Event | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Thu – Sun all month | Toronto Zoo: Glow in the Wild lantern trail | $38 |
| Nov 6 – 15 | Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Exhibition Place | Ticketed |
| Nov 10 – 22 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre | Ticketed |
| Thu, Nov 12 | Distillery Winter Village opens; tree lighting at 6 p.m. | Ticketed opening night |
| From Nov 19 | St. Lawrence Market Winter Market, Thursday to Sunday | Free |
| Fri, Nov 20 | CPKC Holiday Train in Milton and Hamilton | Free |
| From Sat, Nov 21 | Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest, select nights | Ticketed |
| Sat, Nov 21 | Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic lighting ceremony, 5 – 7 p.m. | Free |
| Sun, Nov 22 | Holly Jolly Fun Run, morning | Registration |
| Sun, Nov 22 | Original Santa Claus Parade, 12:30 p.m. | Free |
| Fri, Nov 27 | Black Friday | — |
| Nov 27 – Dec 6 | One of a Kind Christmas Show, Enercare Centre | Ticketed |
| Late Nov (TBA) | Cavalcade of Lights opening night, Nathan Phillips Square | Free |
| Sun, Nov 29 | CPKC Holiday Train, 750 Runnymede Road, 8:30 – 9 p.m. | Free |
Week by week
November 6 to 15: the Royal kicks things off
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs for ten days at Exhibition Place, with farm animals, food, the Royal Horse Show and plenty of early holiday shopping. On November 10 the Grinch musical opens at the Ed Mirvish Theatre for a two-week run.
November 12: the Distillery Winter Village opens
Toronto’s famous Christmas market opens on Thursday, November 12, with its tree lighting at 6 p.m. Opening night is ticketed and usually sells out. From November 16 onwards, Monday to Wednesday visits are free all day. See Distillery Winter Village tickets.
November 19 to 22: parade weekend
The free St. Lawrence Winter Market opens on Thursday, November 19. WinterFest starts at Canada’s Wonderland on Saturday, November 21, and the same evening Yorkville lights up with a free concert by Molly Johnson. On Sunday, November 22, the 122nd Santa Claus Parade leaves Christie Pits at 12:30 p.m. It’s the biggest family weekend of the season. See where to watch the parade and road closures.
November 27 to 30: shopping and lights
The One of a Kind Christmas Show opens on Friday, November 27, the same day as Black Friday. The City’s Cavalcade of Lights usually opens on the last Saturday of November (watch for the City’s announcement), and the CPKC Holiday Train pulls into Toronto on Sunday, November 29.
How to plan your November
- Early November is the calm before the rush: the Royal Winter Fair, the first craft fairs and early holiday shows.
- Mid-November brings the big openings: the Distillery Winter Village, the start of light shows and the first tree lightings.
- The weekend of November 20 to 22 is the highlight of the month: the Santa Claus Parade, Peel’s evening parades and the St. Lawrence Winter Market’s first weekend.
- Late November is for shopping: Black Friday, the One of a Kind Show and community markets.
November weather in Toronto
November is cool and often grey, with daytime highs typically between about 3 and 8°C, and the first snow is possible. Dress in layers and bring waterproof shoes for outdoor events like the parade. See what to pack for a Toronto winter.
Best November events for…
- Families: the Royal Winter Fair, the Santa Claus Parade and the Toronto Zoo’s holiday lights.
- Shoppers: the One of a Kind Show, craft fairs and Black Friday. Black Friday in Toronto
- Foodies: the Distillery Winter Village and St. Lawrence Winter Market.
- Free fun: the parade, tree lightings and community markets. Free Christmas things to do
Next up: December
Find out what’s on next month in Toronto Christmas events in December 2026, or see the full season in Toronto Christmas events.
November events: FAQ
When does Christmas start in Toronto? Many people mark the start of the season with the Santa Claus Parade (Sunday, November 22, 2026) or the Distillery Winter Village opening (Thursday, November 12).
Is November a good time to visit Toronto for Christmas? Late November is great: the markets are open, the lights are up and crowds are smaller than in December.
All month
- Toronto Christmas craft fairs fill church halls and community centres every weekend.
- Malls welcome Santa in mid-November. See where to see Santa in Toronto.
- Mail your letter to Santa early; the 2026 deadline is December 9.
Continue with Toronto Christmas events in December 2026, or see the full Toronto Christmas events calendar.
