Too cold, too wet or just too dark at 4:45 p.m.? Here are the best indoor Christmas activities for kids in Toronto.
Shows
- The Nutcracker (December 5 to 31) for ages 5 and up. Nutcracker
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (November 10 to 22). Christmas shows
- Elf in Concert with the TSO (December 3 to 6).
- Young People’s Theatre’s holiday show. Family holiday theatre
Attractions
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Ripley’s
- ROM for the Holidays and other museum programs. Museum programs
- CN Tower views over the snowy city.
Christmas-themed indoor fun
- Eaton Centre’s 114-foot tree and hourly snow shows. Eaton Centre
- One of a Kind Christmas Show (November 27 to December 6; kids 12 and under free). One of a Kind
- Breakfast with Santa at Ripley’s or Hotel X. Breakfast with Santa
- Gingerbread workshops. Gingerbread
Active
- Indoor skating at City arenas over winter break
- Trampoline parks, climbing gyms and indoor playgrounds
Indoor Christmas activities by age
Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1 to 4). Short, sensory activities work best: library story times with holiday books, a visit to Santa at a quieter mall time, Ripley’s Aquarium’s shallow touch tanks and play areas, and a short holiday puppet or children’s theatre show. Keep outings to a couple of hours and plan around naps. See Christmas with toddlers in Toronto.
Young kids (ages 5 to 8). This is the sweet spot for Christmas magic: breakfast with Santa, a family-friendly panto, museum holiday camps and crafts, gingerbread decorating and Christmas movie matinees. See Christmas panto and breakfast with Santa.
Tweens (ages 9 to 12). Try indoor climbing, escape rooms designed for families, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower’s observation decks, or a baking class. They may also enjoy The Nutcracker or a family theatre show. See family holiday theatre.
Holiday crafts to do at home
When you need a quiet afternoon indoors, try:
- Paper snowflakes to tape on the windows.
- Salt-dough ornaments, baked and painted.
- Pine cone bird feeders with peanut-free seed butter and birdseed.
- Handmade cards for grandparents, teachers and neighbours.
- A paper chain countdown to Christmas or New Year’s.
- Letters to Santa. How to write to Santa
Winter break planning
Toronto schools break from Monday, December 21, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027, returning on January 4. Popular indoor attractions are busiest during that fortnight, especially from December 27 to 31. To avoid the crowds:
- Go at opening time in the morning.
- Book timed tickets where available.
- Choose weekdays before Christmas for the busiest attractions.
- Mix paid attractions with free library and community programmes.
More ideas: winter break activities in Toronto.
Indoor activities for kids: FAQ
What’s the best indoor Christmas activity for kids in Toronto? For young children, breakfast with Santa or a holiday show; for all ages, Ripley’s Aquarium.
Are there free indoor activities for kids? Yes: Toronto Public Library holiday programmes, mall Santa visits and some community centre events are free.
Free
- Toronto Public Library holiday programs
- Mall Christmas displays
More: winter break activities · indoor winter activities in Toronto
