Queen Street West is where Toronto shops for gifts with personality: Canadian fashion labels, design and book shops, vintage, record stores and cafés, plus Ossington’s boutiques and bars just north.
What to do on Queen West at Christmas
- Gift shopping from Spadina Avenue to Trinity Bellwoods and on to West Queen West. Shopping streets
- Hot chocolate at Queen West’s chocolate shops and cafés, from rich drinking chocolate to playful hot chocolate bombs. Best hot chocolate
- Trinity Bellwoods Park for a winter walk, and tobogganing on its slopes after a good snowfall. Tobogganing
- Dinner and drinks on Ossington Avenue and West Queen West, including the Drake Hotel. Christmas nights out
- Campbell House Museum at Queen and University hosts an immersive A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol
- Nathan Phillips Square is at the street’s eastern end for skating and the city tree. Cavalcade of Lights
About Queen West
Queen Street West between University Avenue and Gladstone Avenue has long been Toronto’s creative strip, home to artists, musicians, designers and independent shops. The section west of Bathurst Street, sometimes called West Queen West, was once named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue. In December, its mix of local boutiques, galleries and cafés makes it a top spot for unusual gifts.
Best gifts to look for on Queen West
- Canadian fashion labels and independent designers.
- Vintage clothing and accessories.
- Records and books from independent stores.
- Art prints and ceramics from local galleries.
- Home and design objects from concept stores.
- Sneakers and streetwear.
A Queen West Christmas afternoon
- Start at Osgoode station and walk west past Nathan Phillips Square.
- Browse the shops between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street.
- Grab a coffee and a treat at a café.
- Continue to Trinity Bellwoods Park, pretty under snow, and the boutiques of West Queen West.
- Turn up Ossington Avenue for independent shops and dinner.
- Finish with a drink at one of Ossington’s bars.
Nearby
- Nathan Phillips Square for skating and the city tree. Nathan Phillips Square skating
- Kensington Market and Chinatown for vintage, food and the solstice festival. Kensington Market
- The Art Gallery of Ontario on Dundas Street.
Christmas on Queen West: FAQ
Is Queen West good for Christmas shopping? Yes, especially for independent fashion, design and vintage gifts.
How do I get there? Take the 501 Queen streetcar, or Line 1 to Osgoode station and walk west.
More: Christmas shopping streets
Getting there
The 501 Queen streetcar runs the length of the street; Osgoode Station is at the eastern end.
