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Holiday Events & Winter Festivals in Toronto
November 6th to January 31st – CELESTIA Toronto
Step inside the historic Cathedral Church of St. James for CELESTIA, an immersive light-and-sound experience that transforms the cathedral’s architecture with breathtaking 360-degree projections, an orchestral score, and captivating visual storytelling. Select performances also feature a live vocal ensemble.
Where: Cathedral Church of St. James, 106 King Street East, Toronto
When: November 6th to January 31st, select dates
Admission: Ticketed. Grab your tickets here.
Runs Through January – Harry Potter: Visions of Magic Toronto
Explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter through an immersive, self-guided experience featuring interactive installations, imaginative environments, and magical discoveries. Visitors can journey through mysterious locations inspired by the wizarding world, using an interactive wand to bring elements of the experience to life.
Where: YZD, 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
When: Runs through January, select dates
Admission: Ticketed. Grab your tickets here.
Runs Through December 31st – Everest: The First Ascent Toronto
Journey to the world’s highest mountain through an immersive experience exploring the history, challenges, and extraordinary achievements of early Everest expeditions. Combining visual storytelling with an adventurous atmosphere, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the remarkable story of the mountain’s first ascent.
Where: The Tenor, 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto
When: Runs through December 31st, select dates
Admission: Ticketed
November 13th to January 3rd – STACKT Market Holiday Hills
Toronto’s STACKT Market transforms into a festive destination for Holiday Hills, bringing seasonal installations, holiday shopping, food and drink experiences and community celebrations to its outdoor marketplace.
Where: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst Street, Toronto
When: November 13th to January 3rd
Tuesday to Friday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Free
November 20th to December 20th – HarbourFrost Toronto 2026
Toronto’s waterfront comes alive with HarbourFrost, a winter celebration featuring dazzling light installations, circus performances, festive entertainment, free train rides and seasonal activities. Visitors can also enjoy skating, live music, and the Toronto debut of the Shaw Festival’s A Christmas Carol.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
When: November 20th to December 20th
Admission: Free and ticketed experiences
November 21st to December 31st – Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Lights
Experience the elegance of the holiday season as Bloor-Yorkville illuminates its streets, trees, and public spaces with beautiful seasonal lighting displays, transforming the neighbourhood into a picturesque destination for evening strolls and festive outings.
Where: Village of Yorkville Park and Cumberland Street, Toronto
When: November 21st to December 31st
Admission: Free
November 21st – Leslieville Wanderlust
Celebrate the season in Leslieville as Queen Street East comes alive with festive shopping, local businesses, entertainment and neighbourhood activities. This community celebration offers a charming opportunity to discover independent shops while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Where: Queen Street East, from Jimmie Simpson Park to Vancouver Avenue, Toronto
When: November 21st, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free
November 21st to 29th – The LEGO® Workshop
Get creative this holiday season with a LEGO-themed workshop at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Families and LEGO enthusiasts can enjoy a hands-on experience celebrating imagination, creativity, and the joy of building together.
Where: CF Toronto Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge Street, Toronto
When: November 21st to 29th
Admission: Free
November 21st to January 7th – Cavalcade of Lights
One of Toronto’s signature holiday traditions returns to Nathan Phillips Square, transforming the heart of downtown with a magnificent Christmas tree, dazzling light displays and a festive atmosphere. The illuminated square offers a beautiful backdrop for holiday photos and seasonal outings.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
When: November 21st to January 7th
Admission: Free
November 27th to January 31st – Window Wonderland 2026
Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood transforms into an outdoor art gallery as Window Wonderland returns with 32 augmented reality experiences across storefront windows and murals. Using the Artivive app, visitors can watch colourful artworks come to life through animation and interactive digital storytelling.
Where: The Junction neighbourhood, Toronto
When: November 27th to January 31st
Admission: Free
December 4th to January 2nd – Christmas at the Castle
Casa Loma transforms into a festive destination with beautifully decorated rooms, designer Christmas trees, Santa’s Workshop and live holiday entertainment. Families can explore the historic castle while enjoying seasonal performances, festive activities, and memorable photo opportunities.
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
When: December 4th to January 2nd, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Ticketed
December 4th to January 2nd – Holiday Lights at Casa Loma
Experience Casa Loma after dark as the castle and its grounds illuminate with dazzling holiday displays. The evening experience features festive installations, live entertainment, seasonal characters, and enchanting outdoor scenes throughout the historic property.
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
When: December 4th to January 2nd, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission: Ticketed
December 6th – Village Wonderland 2026
Celebrate the holiday season at Variety Village with a community-focused festive event featuring family-friendly activities, seasonal entertainment and opportunities to come together in the spirit of the holidays.
Where: Variety Village, Toronto
When: December 6th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Holiday Events & Winter Festivals Across the GTA
Peel Region – Mississauga, Brampton & Caledon
November 21st to 22nd – Christmas Canadian Pet Expo
Celebrate the holidays with your furry companions at the Christmas Canadian Pet Expo, featuring pet-friendly shopping, exhibitors, specialty products, and activities for animal lovers. The seasonal event brings together pet enthusiasts and businesses for a festive weekend.
Where: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
When:
November 21st, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
November 22nd, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Ticketed
December 4th to 13th – Mississauga Festival of Trees
Discover a creative holiday celebration at the Mississauga Festival of Trees, featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, artistic installations, and festive experiences. Hosted at the historic Small Arms Inspection Building, the event combines seasonal charm with local creativity.
Where: Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga
When: December 4th to 13th, select times
Admission: Free
York Region – Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill & Surrounding Communities
November 8th to December 24th – Bass Pro Shops: Santa’s Wonderland
Step into Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops for a festive family experience featuring Christmas decorations, seasonal displays, and opportunities for children to meet Santa and capture holiday memories.
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
When: November 8th to December 24th, select times
Admission: See booking details
November 21st to January 3rd – WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a spectacular holiday destination for WinterFest, featuring millions of twinkling lights, festive entertainment, seasonal food and drink, holiday-themed attractions and family-friendly activities throughout the park.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
When: November 21st to January 3rd, select times
Admission: Ticketed
December 4th – A Holiday Night at the Estate
Celebrate the holiday season with an elegant evening at The Arlington Estate, featuring a festive atmosphere, dining, and entertainment in a beautifully appointed event venue.
Where: The Arlington Estate, 8934 Huntington Road, Vaughan
When: December 4th, 6:30 pm until late
Admission: Ticketed
Durham Region – Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa & Surrounding Communities
November 20th to December 26th – Journey Into Enchantment
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Journey Into Enchantment, a festive drive-through light show featuring illuminated displays, colourful installations and dazzling seasonal scenes designed for families to enjoy from the comfort of their vehicles.
Where: 462 Kingston Road East, Ajax
When: November 20th to December 26th, select times
Admission: Ticketed
Halton Region – Burlington, Oakville, Milton & Halton Hills
November 26th to January 3rd – Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens
Explore the beauty of the Royal Botanical Gardens after dark as Winter Wonders transforms the grounds into an illuminated experience featuring spectacular light displays, artistic installations and festive scenes inspired by nature.
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
When: November 26th to January 3rd, select times
Admission: Ticketed
November 26th to January 3rd – RBG Express
All aboard the RBG Express for a festive railway-inspired experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens. This seasonal attraction invites families to enjoy the charm of the holidays through a train-themed experience in a botanical setting.
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
When: November 26th to January 3rd, select times
Admission: Ticketed
November 27th to January 3rd – Burlington Festival of Lights
Burlington’s waterfront shines bright as the annual Festival of Lights transforms Spencer Smith Park with colourful illuminated displays and festive installations. Visitors can enjoy a scenic evening stroll along the lakeshore while taking in the holiday atmosphere.
Where: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
When: November 27th to January 3rd, select times
Admission: Free
December 5th to 13th – Christmas on the Rails
Experience a nostalgic holiday celebration at the Halton County Radial Railway Museum, where historic streetcars and seasonal decorations bring a vintage charm to Christmas. Families can enjoy a unique festive outing surrounded by railway history.
Where: Halton County Radial Railway Museum, 13629 Guelph Line, Milton
When: December 5th to 13th, select dates and times
Admission: Ticketed
December 5th to 20th – Santa at the Fairgrounds
Bring the family to Milton Fairgrounds for a festive visit with Santa, giving children a chance to enjoy holiday activities and create special seasonal memories in a welcoming community setting.
Where: Milton Fairgrounds, Milton
When: December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Beyond the GTA – Innisfil & Midland Area
November 20th to December 27th – Friday Harbour: The Holiday Market
Friday Harbour Resort transforms into a picturesque holiday destination with a festive market, seasonal shopping, food and drink experiences, and waterfront holiday entertainment.
Where: Friday Harbour Resort, 3999 Friday Drive, Innisfil
When: November 20th to December 27th, select times
Admission: Ticketed
November 26th to December 13th – First Light at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Step back in time for First Light, a beloved holiday tradition that illuminates the historic Sainte-Marie among the Hurons site with thousands of candles. The experience brings together heritage, seasonal entertainment, and a magical evening atmosphere.
Where: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland
When: November 26th to December 13th, select evenings, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Ticketed
Whether you’re exploring the city, discovering a new neighbourhood or planning a weekend getaway, these events offer memorable opportunities to celebrate with family and friends.
As always, keep up with what’s happening across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.
