Toronto’s castle does Christmas properly. Casa Loma, the 98-room Gothic Revival mansion built by Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900s, decorates for the holidays and runs an evening Holiday Lights Tour through its gardens and tunnels. It’s one of the most photogenic Christmas experiences in the city.
Casa Loma holiday events
Holiday Lights Tour
The Holiday Lights Tour is an evening walk through Casa Loma’s estate gardens and tunnels, lit up with large-scale light displays and Christmas decorations, with live performances along the way. Kids can visit Santa in his workshop in the castle.
- When: typically early December to early January. The 2025 edition ran from December 5 to January 3, on select evenings, from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
- Walking: about 2 km, mostly outdoors and through the tunnels
- Tickets: timed tickets sold through Casa Loma’s website; book ahead for weekends
- Note: the lights tour focuses on the grounds and doesn’t include full access to the inside of the castle
Casa Loma typically announces its holiday dates and ticket prices in the fall. We’ll update this page with the 2026 details when they’re released.
Christmas at the Castle
During the day, Casa Loma’s regular visits include holiday decorations inside the castle, with decorated rooms and trees. In past seasons, the Holiday Lights Tour could be combined with a daytime Christmas at the Castle visit. Check the castle’s website for this year’s packages.
Tips for visiting
- Book early. Weekend evening slots in December sell out.
- Wear warm, comfortable shoes. You’ll walk about 2 km outdoors and through the tunnels.
- Go on a weeknight for fewer crowds and better photos.
- Bring a fully charged phone. It’s one of the most photographed holiday events in Toronto. See the best Christmas photo spots in Toronto.
- Pair it with Spadina House across the street, a historic house museum that also decorates for the season.
Getting there
Casa Loma is at 1 Austin Terrace, on the hill above Davenport Road.
- Subway: Dupont Station (Line 1), then a short but steep walk up the Baldwin Steps.
- Bus: the 127 Davenport bus stops nearby.
- Driving: paid parking is available at the castle but limited on busy nights.
More Christmas lights in Toronto
- Best Christmas lights in Toronto 2026
- Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
- Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
- Free Christmas lights in Toronto
- Romantic Christmas in Toronto
Casa Loma at Christmas: what to see
- The Great Hall and grand rooms, decorated with towering trees, garlands and festive displays.
- The gardens after dark, transformed with large-scale light installations.
- The tunnel linking the castle to the stables, a highlight in any season.
- The towers, with views over midtown Toronto (the stairs are narrow and steep).
- Santa’s workshop for younger visitors, when included in the holiday programme.
Who it’s best for
| Visitor | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Families | Santa, lights and a real castle; older kids love the tunnels and towers |
| Couples | One of the most romantic Christmas settings in Toronto. Romantic Christmas |
| Photographers | Gothic architecture plus Christmas lights. Christmas photo spots |
| Visitors from out of town | A uniquely Toronto landmark with a festive twist |
Accessibility
Parts of the castle’s main floor are accessible, but the towers, some upper areas and parts of the gardens involve stairs and slopes. Contact Casa Loma before your visit for accessibility information, and allow extra time.
Nearby
Casa Loma sits on the hill above Dupont Street. After your visit, walk across the street to Spadina Museum, a historic house museum that has offered seasonal programmes, or head down the Baldwin Steps toward the Annex for dinner. Combine your evening with other light displays from our Christmas lights in Toronto guide.
Plan your visit
Book timed tickets online for evening events, arrive at the start of your time slot, and dress warmly since much of the lights tour is outdoors. Bring comfortable shoes for stairs and gravel paths.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Casa Loma Christmas lights event?
The Holiday Lights Tour usually runs on select evenings from early December to early January. Casa Loma confirms 2026 dates on its website.
Do you go inside the castle on the Holiday Lights Tour?
The tour is mainly through the gardens and tunnels and doesn’t include full access to the castle interior. Daytime visits cover the decorated castle rooms.
Can kids meet Santa at Casa Loma?
Yes. Santa has a workshop in the castle during the holiday lights season.
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