Some of Toronto’s most joyful Christmas lights aren’t at an official event at all. They’re on ordinary houses where families spend weeks building over-the-top displays of inflatables, light tunnels and tens of thousands of LEDs, often raising money for charity. Here are the neighbourhoods and streets known for their holiday lights, plus tips for visiting respectfully.
Toronto streets known for Christmas lights
Scarborough: Malvern, Northwood Park and Kennedy Park
Scarborough is Toronto’s capital of residential Christmas lights.
- Malvern: homes on Stanwell Drive have filled whole yards with lit-up reindeer, Santas and cartoon characters, and on Brenyon Way a lit pathway between neighbouring houses has become a local attraction.
- Northwood Park area: a family display on Benjamin Boake Trail has featured more than 50,000 LEDs and inflatables, with donations going to the SickKids Foundation. Last season it ran nightly from early December to early January, 5 to 11 p.m.
- Kennedy Park: an award-winning front-yard display on Garthwood Drive has been running for more than 35 years.
Wychwood
A home on Somerset Avenue in the Wychwood area has a walk-through light tunnel and lights up the whole street.
Other neighbourhoods worth a drive
Leafy residential areas such as the Kingsway, Lawrence Park, Leaside and parts of North York and Etobicoke have plenty of beautifully decorated homes, especially on streets where neighbours coordinate their displays. A slow drive or evening walk after dark often turns up surprises.
Displays change every year and some families take a season off, so treat this as a starting point.
Plan your own lights tour
- Map a route before you go, grouping nearby streets so you can walk or drive between them easily.
- Go between 6 and 9 p.m., when most displays are on.
- Visit on a weeknight in mid-December for fewer crowds.
- Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and dress warmly if you’re walking.
- Take transit or park legally on nearby main streets, not in residential driveways.
Supporting charity displays
Some of Toronto’s biggest residential light displays raise money or collect donations for causes such as hospitals, food banks and children’s charities. If a display has a donation box or a sign about a charity, consider giving. It’s a great way to thank the homeowners for their work.
Decorate your own home
Inspired to create your own display? Start small:
- Choose a theme or colour scheme, such as warm white, classic red and green, or multicolour.
- Use outdoor-rated LED lights and extension cords.
- Add a timer to save energy.
- Light up a single feature, like a tree or doorway, before expanding.
See Christmas decorations in Toronto for where to shop.
Beyond residential streets
For official light displays, see the Cavalcade of Lights, the Toronto Zoo Holiday Lights, Casa Loma and Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest. For free options, see free Christmas lights in Toronto.
Christmas lights neighbourhoods: FAQ
When are residential Christmas lights at their best? From early to late December, especially in the week before Christmas.
Is it OK to take photos? Yes, from the sidewalk. Don’t walk onto private property, and be respectful of residents.
Etiquette for visiting residential displays
- Stay on the sidewalk unless the family invites visitors onto the property.
- Keep noise down and don’t block driveways.
- Drive slowly, park legally and turn off headlights while you look if it’s safe.
- Donate if the family is raising money for a charity.
- Visit before about 10 p.m., out of respect for neighbours.
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