50 Christmas Things to Do in Toronto

Toronto has more Christmas things to do than you could fit into a single season. Here are 50 of the best for 2026, from the classics every Torontonian should do once to free outings, hidden gems and easy trips just outside the city. Each one links to a detailed guide with dates and tips.

Christmas markets

1. Stroll the Distillery Winter Village at dusk on a free Monday to Wednesday before December 14.
2. See the opening-night tree lighting at the Distillery on November 12 (ticketed).
3. Shop Canadian makers at the One of a Kind Christmas Show, November 27 to December 6.
4. Browse the free St. Lawrence Winter Market on Market Street, Thursday to Sunday.
5. Hunt for handmade bargains at a church or community craft fair.
6. Go to the Evergreen Brick Works winter market in the Don Valley. Guide
7. Drive out to Streetsville’s Christmas in the Village in Mississauga, November 20 to 21. Christmas markets near Toronto

Lights and trees

1. Watch the City’s tree light up at the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square.
2. Catch Yorkville’s free lighting ceremony on November 21. Tree lightings
3. Walk Glow in the Wild at the Toronto Zoo.
4. Tour the gardens and tunnels of Casa Loma by night.
5. Spend an evening at WinterFest in Vaughan.
6. Follow our Christmas lights walking tour downtown.
7. Drive past the city’s best-decorated streets.
8. See the waterfront Festival of Lights in Burlington. Christmas lights near Toronto

Santa and parades

1. Watch the 122nd Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, November 22.
2. Run the Holly Jolly Fun Run before the parade.
3. Get free Santa photos at the St. Lawrence Winter Market.
4. Visit Santa’s Village at the Distillery, new for 2026 at Soulpepper Theatre.
5. Book breakfast with Santa.
6. Ride a Santa train in Milton or St. Jacobs.
7. Mail a letter to Santa to H0H 0H0 by December 9.
8. See a nighttime parade in Brampton or Aurora on November 21. Parades near Toronto
9. Cheer on the CPKC Holiday Train on November 29.

Shows and music

1. See The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre, December 5 to 31.
2. Hear Handel’s Messiah with the TSO or Tafelmusik.
3. Sing along at the Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall on December 20.
4. Watch Elf with a live orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall, December 3 to 6. Christmas shows
5. Laugh at Goblin: Christmas Carol at the CAA Theatre.
6. Take the kids to the Grinch musical, November 10 to 22.
7. Find a free Christmas concert at a downtown church.
8. Join a carol sing-along.

Skating and winter fun

1. Skate under the arches at Nathan Phillips Square.
2. Skate by the lake at the Natrel Rink.
3. Glide along The Bentway skate trail under the Gardiner.
4. Go tobogganing after the first good snowfall.
5. Take a holiday harbour cruise.

Food and drink

1. Book holiday afternoon tea at a downtown hotel.
2. Have a drink at a Christmas pop-up bar.
3. Taste-test the best hot chocolate in Toronto.
4. Order panettone or a yule log from a Toronto bakery.
5. Eat dinner in a heated igloo.
6. Find a restaurant open on Christmas Day.

Shopping and traditions

1. Pick out a tree at a cut-your-own farm outside the city.
2. Buy made-in-Toronto gifts from local makers.
3. Brave the Boxing Day sales on December 26.
4. Celebrate the winter solstice in Kensington Market.
5. Light the menorah at a Hanukkah celebration, December 4 to 12.
6. Volunteer or donate to a local cause.
7. Ring in 2027 at the City’s free New Year’s Eve celebration.

Plan your season

Short on time? Work through our Toronto Christmas bucket list, see what’s on this weekend, or use the three-day Toronto Christmas itinerary. Watching your budget? Start with free Christmas things to do in Toronto.

For dates and the big picture, see the complete guide to Christmas in Toronto.