The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is downtown Toronto’s biggest indoor Christmas attraction. Under the mall’s long glass roof stands a 114-foot Christmas tree with hourly snow and light shows, and Santa takes up residence for photos from mid-November. Here’s what to expect in 2026, based on last season’s programme.
At a glance (2025 season for reference)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas tree | 114 feet tall, from mid-November to December 31 |
| Snow and light shows | Every hour on the hour from 1 p.m., four rotating shows |
| Santa visits | Mid-November to December 23; pre-booked online, $15 for three digital photos |
| Sensitive Santa | Select Sunday mornings at CF malls in late November and early December |
| Tree portraits | Professional photos in front of the tree from $10 |
| Address | 220 Yonge Street |
Cadillac Fairview typically announces its holiday programme in early November. We’ll update this page with 2026 dates.
The tree and snow shows
The giant tree is the centrepiece of the mall’s holiday season, and every hour from 1 p.m., music plays and “snow” falls around it as one of four light shows runs. Grab a spot on the upper levels for the best view. It’s free, and a great warm stop between outdoor lights downtown.
Santa
Santa visits run from mid-November to December 23. In 2025 visits were booked online for $15 per person, including three digital photos, with sensory-friendly Sensitive Santa sessions on select Sundays at several CF malls. Book early for weekend slots. Where to see Santa in Toronto
Holiday windows next door
The former Hudson’s Bay building at Queen and Yonge, also owned by Cadillac Fairview, brought back animated holiday windows in 2025. Christmas window displays
Shopping hours
The Eaton Centre extends its hours in the weeks before Christmas, closes early on Christmas Eve, is closed on Christmas Day and opens early for Boxing Day sales (8 a.m. in 2025). Mall holiday hours · Boxing Day sales
About the Eaton Centre
The CF Toronto Eaton Centre opened in 1977 and remains one of North America’s busiest shopping centres. Its long glass galleria, inspired by Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, makes a spectacular setting for its giant holiday tree. Hanging overhead year-round is Michael Snow’s famous sculpture Flight Stop, a flock of Canada geese, which looks especially striking with the Christmas decorations.
Planning your visit
- Go early in the day on weekdays for the quietest shopping.
- Check the snow show schedule if you want to see the tree’s light and snow effects.
- Book Santa photos ahead to avoid long lines.
- Use the PATH to reach the mall from Union Station and Financial District towers without going outside.
- Visit Trinity Square behind the mall, beside the Church of the Holy Trinity, for a quiet break.
Make it a downtown day
The Eaton Centre is a short walk from Nathan Phillips Square for skating, the holiday windows at Queen and Yonge, Massey Hall and Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square). See Nathan Phillips Square skating and Christmas window displays.
Eaton Centre at Christmas: FAQ
How tall is the Eaton Centre Christmas tree? The tree has been 114 feet tall in recent seasons.
Is the Eaton Centre open on Christmas Day? No. It’s closed on December 25 and opens early on Boxing Day.
How do I get to the Eaton Centre? Take Line 1 to Queen or Dundas station, both connected to the mall.
Getting there
Queen and Dundas stations on Line 1 connect directly to the mall. Nathan Phillips Square and the Cavalcade of Lights are a five-minute walk west.
More: Christmas shopping in Toronto · best Christmas lights in Toronto
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