Cavalcade of Lights

Date(s): 2024 dates TBD
Location: Nathan Phillips Square

Since 1967, Toronto announces the arrival of the holiday season with the Cavalcade of Lights. This glittering festival captures Canada’s winter spirit and transforms Nathan Phillips Square, easily accessible by the TTC Queen streetcar or the subway via the Yonge and University lines. The plaza is filled with over half a million LED lights, ice skating and Toronto’s official Christmas tree—typically a spruce tree around 18 m high.

The opening ceremonies and tree lighting ceremony are well worth timing a trip to Toronto, with an extra emphasis on the city’s diversity and appearances by popular Canadian performers—in the past, bands including Golden Dogs and In-Flight Safety have graced the stage.

At the Cavalcade of Lights, enjoy cultural celebrations, art installations and ice skating performances. For the past 20 years, the Cavalcade of Lights also had free Saturday night skate parties on the schedule, amping up the interactive magic until after New Year’s Eve.

Cavalcade of Lights Highlights 

Things to see at the Cavalcade of Lights include:

• Musical performances: Performances of holiday music by popular artists, choirs, and DJs.
• Ice skating: Outdoor skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square is open
• Christmas tree lighting : Ceremonial lighting of the massive Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments.
• Holiday light display: There are often displays that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the event.