North York, the big district in Toronto’s north, has its own holiday hubs: a civic square rink, two of the city’s busiest malls, a pioneer village with Santa and plenty of decorated neighbourhoods.
What to do in North York at Christmas
- Skate at Mel Lastman Square in front of the North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge Street), free with your own skates. Outdoor skating
- Menorah lighting: the JRCC’s long-running public Hanukkah celebration is held at Mel Lastman Square. Hanukkah 2026 runs December 4 to 12. Hanukkah in Toronto
- Shop Yorkdale and CF Fairview Mall, both with Santa from mid-November and Sensitive Santa sessions at Fairview. Mall holiday hours
- Visit Santa at The Village at Black Creek on December 12, 13 and 19 to 23. Black Creek at Christmas
- Holiday baking at Jewish and Italian bakeries along Bathurst Street and in the area’s French patisseries. Christmas bakeries
- Global food on Christmas Day: many North York restaurants stay open. Restaurants open on Christmas Day
About North York
North York is Toronto’s large northern district, centred on Yonge Street between Highway 401 and Steeles Avenue. It has its own downtown at North York Centre, with Mel Lastman Square, the Meridian Arts Centre and many restaurants, plus major malls, quiet residential streets, and some of the city’s best ravines. Its diverse communities include large Korean, Persian, Chinese, Jewish, Filipino and Italian populations, which shape its holiday season.
More things to do in North York
- Shop at Yorkdale and Fairview Mall, two of the city’s busiest malls, both on the subway. Mall holiday hours
- See the public menorah lighting at Mel Lastman Square during Hanukkah. Hanukkah in Toronto
- Celebrate the winter solstice with Yalda Night traditions at Persian bakeries and grocers on Yonge Street. Winter solstice
- Ski at Earl Bales Park, a City-run hill for beginners and lessons. Skiing near Toronto
- Walk Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek in the snow. Winter hikes
- Visit the Aga Khan Museum for art and family programmes.
- Explore Koreatown North along Yonge Street for Korean bakeries and restaurants.
A North York Christmas day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Walk Edwards Gardens |
| Lunch | Korean or Persian food on Yonge Street |
| Afternoon | Shopping at Yorkdale or Fairview Mall |
| Evening | Skate at Mel Lastman Square |
Christmas in North York: FAQ
Is skating at Mel Lastman Square free? Yes, with your own skates, weather permitting.
How do I get to North York? Take Line 1 to North York Centre, Sheppard-Yonge or Finch stations.
More: Toronto neighbourhoods at Christmas
Getting there
Line 1 runs up Yonge Street (North York Centre station is at Mel Lastman Square), and Line 4 (Sheppard) serves Fairview Mall at Don Mills station.
