Three days is the sweet spot for Christmas in Toronto: enough time for the big markets and lights, a show, some skating and great food, without rushing. This itinerary works any time from late November to December 23, with notes on how to adjust for parade weekend and the days around Christmas.
Before you go
- Book ahead: The Nutcracker (December 5 to 31), Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour, afternoon tea and any Distillery evening after 4 p.m. on a ticketed day.
- Stay downtown so you can walk or take short transit rides everywhere. See where to stay in Toronto at Christmas.
- Pack for cold: boots with grip, a hat and gloves. See what to pack for Toronto in winter.
Day 1: Old Town and the Distillery
Morning: St. Lawrence Market Start with a peameal bacon sandwich in the South Market, the classic Toronto breakfast. Browse the food stalls and, from Thursday to Sunday between November 19 and December 22, the free Winter Market outside on Market Street. St. Lawrence Market at Christmas
Afternoon: walk to the Distillery District It’s about 20 minutes on foot. Arrive around 3 p.m. to browse the vendor cabins and the district’s permanent shops while it’s calm. On Monday to Wednesday before December 14, entry is free all day. Distillery Winter Village
Evening: lights and dinner Stay as the lights come on at dusk, find a spot near the tree and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate. Eat at one of the district’s restaurants, or take the King streetcar back west for dinner. Distillery tips
Day 2: Downtown, shopping and The Nutcracker
Morning: Eaton Centre and Queen Street Do your shopping at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre under its big holiday decorations, then walk west along Queen Street West for independent boutiques. Christmas shopping in Toronto
Afternoon: skating at Nathan Phillips Square Skate under the arches and the official city tree; rentals are on site. Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
Late afternoon: holiday afternoon tea Warm up with afternoon tea at a downtown hotel. Holiday afternoon tea
Evening: The Nutcracker The Four Seasons Centre is steps from Nathan Phillips Square. After the show, walk back past the Cavalcade of Lights. No ballet tickets? Choose another Christmas show, or a Christmas pop-up bar.
Day 3: Yorkville, Casa Loma and the lights
Morning: Royal Ontario Museum or Yorkville Visit the ROM, then browse the decorated boutiques of Bloor-Yorkville. Christmas in Yorkville
Afternoon: hot chocolate and a stroll Try one of the city’s best hot chocolates and walk through the neighbourhood. Best hot chocolate in Toronto
Evening: Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour End your trip at Toronto’s castle, with lights in the gardens and tunnels and Santa’s workshop. It’s a short ride from Yorkville to Dupont Station. Casa Loma at Christmas
Adjusting the plan
- Parade weekend (November 21 to 22): swap Day 3’s morning for the Santa Claus Parade on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
- With kids: add the Toronto Zoo’s Glow in the Wild or WinterFest, and see Christmas in Toronto with kids.
- On a budget: use free Distillery days and the free events in free Christmas things to do.
- December 24 to 26: many places close or shorten hours. Check what’s open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- A fourth day: take a day trip to Niagara Falls or explore Christmas events near Toronto.
Only have two days? See our Christmas weekend in Toronto.
