Holiday shows, festive markets, free train rides and outdoor skating are coming to Toronto’s beautiful waterfront as HarbourFrost returns to Harbourfront Centre just in time for the holiday season.

Running from November 20th to December 20th, the month-long festival brings live music, roaming performers, local shopping and family activities to the waterfront. The season’s ticketed theatre lineup also includes the Toronto debut of the Shaw Festival’s epic production of A Christmas Carol.

Opening Night and Tree Lighting

The festivities begin on November 20th at 6:45 pm with the annual Christmas tree lighting in Community Square. Visitors can gather around fire pits, meet holiday characters and enjoy a special performance by the InKloosiv Voices Choir as Harbourfront Centre lights up for the season.

Fire Performances, Free Skating and Festive Train Rides

Spectacular fire displays and choreography take centre stage with Illuminair: Frost & Fire, a series of free outdoor performances inspired by winter themes.

The spectacle continues throughout the grounds, where roaming performers from Hala Circus Arts will bring Snow Queens, Ice Princesses, Frosted Fawns, Toy Soldiers, Nutcrackers and Poinsettia Princesses to life with hoops, dances and stilt walks.

Families can explore aboard The Redpath Express, which offers free festive train rides, or lace up at the returning Jumpstart Community Rink for free outdoor skating along the waterfront through March.

Alongside the outdoor attractions, Music will carry the celebrations from the stage to the rink, with free live performances spanning gospel, soul, jazz, Caribbean rhythms and holiday favourites. The celebrations will extend into the new year with free DJ Skate Nights every Saturday starting December 19th, bringing music and an evening on the ice together against the waterfront backdrop.

You can view the full schedule of events here

Shop Local at the Holiday Markets

For holiday shoppers, Frostbite Lane and the HarbourFrost Makers Market offer a chance to buy handmade gifts and products from local vendors.

Browse the stalls, meet local makers and pick up something special while enjoying the waterfront festivities.

A Christmas Carol Makes Its Toronto Debut

A season highlight is the Toronto debut of the Shaw Festival’s production of A Christmas Carol at Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Theatre.

Running from November 12th to December 23rd, the production brings Charles Dickens’ holiday classic to life through inventive puppetry, traditional carols, audience participation and a Toronto-themed advent calendar.

The ticketed theatre lineup also includes Sleeping Beauty: A Merry Magical Pantomime, running from December 18th to 20th.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, browsing for gifts or heading out for an evening on the ice, HarbourFrost brings plenty of reasons to visit Toronto’s beautiful waterfront this holiday season.

As always, keep up with what’s happening across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

HarbourFrost Toronto 2026

When: November 20th to December 20th

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Admission: Free and Ticketed