Your guide to Toronto's holiday events: from outdoor skating to the city's best light shows

CBC.ca
Nov. 27, 2023

The holidays are almost here and there's lots to do in the city if you're a fan of twinkly lights and great big trees.

Here's a look at some of the biggest holiday events coming up over the next bit.

This list includes large-scale events that are largely open to the public and, for the most part, free to attend. We'll be updating the list as more events are scheduled.

Cavalcade of Lights
City hall's big annual event happens on Nov. 25, with the tree-lighting set to take place at 6:30 p.m.

The tree is an almost 17-metre "majestic white spruce" grown in Baldwin, Ont., according to the City of Toronto. It'll be covered with 500 ornaments and surrounded by some 300,000 lights.

There's plenty more planned for the opening night, including musical performances and dances, which you can find out about here.

Cavalcade of Lights runs until Jan. 7, 2024.

Skating season begins
Toronto loves to skate and 'tis the season to sharpen those blades.

The city has opened 41 skating rinks as of Nov. 24, with nine more expected to open by Dec. 2.

The rinks are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you can check the status of your neighbourhood ice by heading to the city's website.

This winter, the city's partnered with Desjardins Group to run a mobile Skate Lending Library to help people learn how to take to the ice in an affordable fashion. You can find details about how to access the program here.

The Distillery Winter Village

The Distillery Winter Village kicked off on Thursday with its annual tree-lighting ceremony. This year’s Christmas market runs until Jan. 7, 2024 and features its tallest tree yet -- a 56-foot silver fir. CBC’s Patrick Swadden has more on what to expect at this year’s village.
A big tree-lighting ceremony marked the opening of the popular downtown event, which runs until early in the new year.

You'll need tickets to get into the annual holiday market at busy times (initially, that's Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4 p.m., though more times will be ticketed in December). Organizers say proceeds go to charity.

You can find out more here.

Santa Claus events and photos
Scarborough Town Centre is back with Planet Santa -- something it dubs "the region's most festive and immersive Santa set," totalling 4,500 square feet and a hot air balloon installation.

And if your kids want photos with Santa Claus, look no further than your local mall. Prices are generally about $15.

Cadillac Fairview malls, including Fairview, Sherway Gardens, Eaton Centre and Markville have photo sessions with Santa from Nov. 17 through to Dec. 24. Other malls like Dufferin Mall, Vaughan Mills and Square One offer Santa photos as well.

In addition to kid and family photos, Yorkdale Mall and Scarborough Town Centre are offering sessions for pet photos.

No holiday windows at The Bay this year
Speaking of construction, the full closure of Queen Street downtown will see one tradition get shelved: The Bay's fancy window displays.

"We unfortunately are not able to deliver our famous Holiday window experience for customers and passersby," the store confirmed in an email statement, adding the inside of its shop will still be well-decorated.

Holiday Fair in the Square
Mel Lastman Square in North York will be transformed into a "magical winter wonderland," its organizers say.

It'll feature an artisan marketplace, a fireside lounge, rides, games and Santa Claus himself.

The Holiday Fair was created by Epilepsy Toronto in partnership with local businesses. A portion of the proceeds goes toward supporting the charity's services.

The fair is open from Dec. 1-23 at various times, but is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.

You can find out more here.

Sounds of the Season at CBC Toronto
This station's annual fundraiser in support of local food banks is set for Friday, Dec. 8 at the Toronto Broadcasting Centre.

That day will feature a special live edition of CBC Radio's Metro Morning and more fun events, but you can make a donation at any point before the year's end.

You can find more information about the event in the coming days by clicking here.

High Park Zoo Snowflake Walk
High Park Zoo is hosting a snowflake walk on Dec. 17, where guests can stroll through the zoo in the dark, see the surrounding trees lit up and hear carollers singing. The trees themselves will be "standing on parade" from Dec. 8 to Jan. 1.

The zoo says tickets are pay-what-you-can, with the suggested entry for a family being $10. It says all proceeds will go toward zoo upgrades.