A Christmas Night Out in Toronto

Toronto’s December nightlife is full of holiday spirit. Here’s how to plan a great Christmas night out with friends or colleagues.

Start with festive drinks

Christmas pop-up bars transform with over-the-top decor and holiday cocktails. Many get busy, so go early or book.

Add a show

• Adult Christmas shows: comedy, cabaret and drag.
• Christmas shows in Toronto for theatre.
• Live music and jazz bars across the city.

Evening markets and lights

The Distillery Winter Village is atmospheric after dark. Check ticket requirements for evenings: Distillery tickets.

Dinner

See Christmas dining in Toronto and holiday party venues.

Plan by group

Group	Plan
Friends	Pop-up bar, then a comedy show and late-night food
Coworkers	Group dinner in a private room, then drinks nearby. Office party ideas
Couples	Dinner, a concert and a nightcap. Romantic Christmas
Out-of-town visitors	The Distillery after dark, then King West’s bars

Where to go out

• King West and the Entertainment District: busy restaurants, cocktail bars and clubs near the theatres.
• Ossington and Dundas West: independent bars and late-night restaurants.
• The Distillery District: heritage buildings, bars and the Winter Village lights.
• The Church-Wellesley Village: drag shows, holiday parties and a welcoming crowd.
• Leslieville and the east end: neighbourhood bars and brunch spots.

Festive night-out ideas

• Ugly sweater night at a pub.
• Karaoke with Christmas classics.
• A Christmas trivia night.
• A holiday cocktail crawl with a different festive bar for each round.
• A late skate at Nathan Phillips Square before or after dinner.

Budget tips

• Eat first: dinner before the bars is cheaper than bar food all night.
• Look for holiday happy hours on weeknights.
• Take transit instead of taxis where you can.
• Split a reservation: many bars ask for a minimum spend for large groups, so ask before you book.

Christmas night out: FAQ

Do bars get busy in December in Toronto? Yes, especially Thursday to Saturday in the first three weeks of December. Book tables for groups.

What’s the legal drinking age in Ontario? 19. Bring government-issued photo ID.

A sample Christmas night out

Time	Plan
6 p.m.	Meet for a festive cocktail at a Christmas pop-up bar
7:30 p.m.	Dinner at a restaurant nearby, booked in advance
9:30 p.m.	A comedy or cabaret show, or live music
11 p.m.	A nightcap or dancing in King West
Late	Blue Night bus, taxi or ride-share home

Christmas night out with a difference

Not a bar person? Try a late-night skate, an evening at the Distillery Winter Village, a candlelight concert, a Christmas movie screening at an independent cinema, or a festive escape room. See Christmas date ideas, candlelight concerts and Christmas movie screenings.

Dress code

Most Toronto bars and restaurants are smart-casual. Festive sweaters, sparkly tops and Santa hats are very welcome in December. Bring a warm coat: you’ll likely wait outside at popular spots, and the walk between bars can be chilly. See what to pack for a Toronto winter.

Getting home safely

• The TTC runs overnight Blue Night bus routes. See the TTC holiday schedule.
• Use taxis and ride-share, and never drive impaired. Police run RIDE checks over the holidays.

More: office Christmas party ideas · SantaCon Toronto