Teens can be tough to impress, but Toronto has plenty of holiday activities they’ll enjoy.
Thrills
- Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest: rides, lights and skating.
- Tobogganing on Toronto’s best hills.
- Skiing and snowboarding near Toronto.
Social and photogenic
- Distillery Winter Village for photos and treats.
- Christmas photo spots around the city.
- The Bentway skate trail under the Gardiner, with music.
Indoors
- Escape rooms and arcades, popular downtown and in the suburbs.
- Christmas movie screenings at independent cinemas.
- Indoor winter activities for cold days.
Shows
Older teens may enjoy adult-leaning holiday shows (check age ratings) or the Nutcracker.
Teen-approved ideas in more detail
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland combines rides, lights and skating in one night, which makes it a big hit with teens and their friends. Go on a weeknight for shorter lines.
The Distillery Winter Village after dark is made for photos and festive treats. Older teens can meet friends there on a free weekday afternoon.
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square or the Bentway is cheap or free, social and easy to reach by transit. Add a hot chocolate stop afterwards.
Escape rooms are a great group activity, and many downtown venues have holiday-themed rooms in December.
Tobogganing on a snow day is still fun at any age. Riverdale Park East and Christie Pits are favourite hills.
Ideas for teen gift-giving
- Experience gifts: concert tickets, a ski day or an escape room voucher. Experience gifts
- Gift cards for favourite shops or cafés.
- Toronto-made accessories from local designers. Toronto-made gifts
- Sports tickets for the Leafs, Raptors or Toronto FC.
Earning while giving
Many teens look for seasonal jobs in retail, at rinks or at holiday attractions in November and December. It’s a good way to earn spending money and gain experience; apply in October or early November.
Safety tips for teens heading out
- Share plans with a parent or guardian.
- Travel in groups at night.
- Carry a charged phone and a PRESTO card or transit fare.
- Know the TTC’s late-night routes. TTC holiday schedule
Things to do with teens: FAQ
What’s the best thing to do with teens in Toronto at Christmas? WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland, skating downtown, or an escape room with friends.
Are there free things for teens to do? Yes: skating with your own skates, tobogganing, free Distillery weekdays and lights walks.
A teen-friendly Toronto Christmas day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Late morning | Sleep in, then brunch with friends in Kensington Market or on Queen West |
| Afternoon | Thrift and vintage shopping, then the Eaton Centre |
| Late afternoon | Skate at Nathan Phillips Square as the lights come on |
| Evening | Photos at the Distillery Winter Village (check ticket times), then dinner |
Holiday shows teens enjoy
Musicals, comedy shows and film-with-orchestra concerts tend to land better with teens than traditional children’s theatre. Check age ratings for any adult-leaning shows, and look for student rush or discount tickets. See Christmas shows in Toronto and adult Christmas shows.
Give back
Volunteering at Christmas can also count toward Ontario’s 40-hour high school community involvement requirement.
More: winter break activities
