Make Your Spirits Bright at These Toronto Holiday Events

Magic is in the air, as the winter holidays are full steam ahead in 2024. Some of Toronto’s favourite landmarks and attractions are going all out this season.

Here are nine festivals, markets, exhibits and events to get you in the festive spirit.
 

Capture the magic at a holiday festival

WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland

Date: Select dates, November 16, 2024–January 4, 2025​

Whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, put WinterFest at the top of your list. An immersive holiday experience for the whole family, this event features live shows and holiday entertainment, ice skating on Snow Flake Lake and even a few rides. 

Canada’s fave amusement park lives up to its name, with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and millions of spectacular lights throughout the park, including two 15 m (50 ft) Christmas trees.

Cavalcade of Lights

Date: November 30, 2024–January 7, 2025

This annual event marks the official start to Toronto’s holiday season, and it's “bright lights, big city.”

The family-friendly Cavalcade of Lights celebration at Nathan Phillips Square features the lighting of Toronto’s 15 m (50 ft) Christmas tree, live musical performances, ice skating and more.
 

Shop local at a holiday market

Stackt Holiday Market

Date: November 15–December 31, 2024

Dive into an innovative holiday experience at stackt, North America’s largest shipping container market. Created entirely from repurposed shipping containers, the downtown market is a local fave for its unique shops, dining and microbrewery. 

During the festive season, check out Holiday Hills, which has vendor markets, games, Instagram-friendly photo experiences, and live music. It’s a great opportunity to support small businesses and participate in community-led workshops and family programming.

Indulge in a holiday feast

Holiday dining atop the CN Tower 

Is there anything more magical than delectable food, sparkling company… and spectacular views of the city lights? That’s what’s on the menu at 360 Restaurant, which provides a breathtaking vantage point 350 m (1,151 ft) above the twinkling city streets. 

Past years have included holiday menus in addition to the restaurant’s seasonal offerings. Toast the season with a special bottle from the 360’s “cellar in the sky” with 550 international and Canadian wines on offer.

BONUS: Complimentary access to the CN Tower’s Main Observation Level with a minimum food order. 
 

Explore Canadian culture at a holiday arts event

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market

Date: November 2, 2024 

Returning for its 10th annual year, the Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market is the perfect place to explore local art and find unique holiday gifts. Art, photography, sculptures, jewellery, fashion, home decor, skincare and more are all items to be expected at this event.  

CF Music at the Eaton Centre

Date: Multiple dates

Catch live performances at the CF Eaton Centre, which showcase local talent from various musical genres and backgrounds. Weekly shows will follow in the lead-up to Christmas Eve.
 

National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker 

Date: December 6–31, 2024

Hailed as “the best Nutcracker on the planet” by The Globe and Mail, the National Ballet of Canada’s performance of The Nutcracker is a must-see. James Kudelka’s famed adaptation puts a Canadian spin on the Russian classic, including snowballs, dancing bears and farm animals. 
 

Christmas at the Castle at Casa Loma

Date: Select dates, December 2024 to January 2025

Experience the wonder of the season at the spectacular Christmas at the Castle at Casa Loma. Stroll a dazzling wonderland of holiday decor—including a 12 m (40 ft) tall Christmas tree in the historic castle’s Great Hall.

Take part in festive activities and thrilling performances that will be fun for the whole family. Book a table at Blueblood, Casa Loma’s award-winning steakhouse, for an extra special visit.
 

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy at CAA Theatre

Date: November 21–24, 2024

Silly fun for all ages, this pantomime-inspired show will delight lovers of Brit humour along with the likes of Monty Python and Mr. Bean. Mayhem ensues after James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party floods the world with tea: only whimsy, action, ingenuity—and the power of friendship—can save the day.
 

Holidays with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Date: Select dates, November 27–December 22, 2024 

The TSO’s holiday lineup promises festive fun for music lovers. Their holiday concert series kicks off with Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker: Land of Sweets. Next are the Christmas movie Elf screenings, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Jazzy holiday sounds are on the set list for TSO Holiday Pops, while Handel’s Messiah ushers in the Christmas home stretch with a majestic choral performance that will have you singing “Hallelujah!”