Best Things To Do In Toronto In December

Wondering what to do for Christmas in Toronto?

Toronto in December is snowy, festive, and packed with exciting things to do.

The weather creates a winter wonderland setting that gets you in the mood for the holiday season.

And in addition to the city’s many attractions, there are Christmas events in Toronto that are fun for the whole family. 

Here is a rundown of some of the very best sights and experiences on offer in December to help you plan the perfect winter visit.

Note that if you’re visiting Toronto during winter, you’ll find some good ideas here too.

Christmas Markets

Christmas in Toronto wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its Christmas Markets.

Inspired by Europe’s Christkindlmarkt they are considered among the top ten in the world.

Head to the Distillery District for the most popular one (which has just been renamed the Distillery Winter Village).

Here you’ll find a giant Christmas tree, tempting food stalls, carolers, and illuminated wooden cabins selling seasonal items.

From around the first week in December up until Christmas Eve, you can also find a traditional market at Nathan Philips Square – with plenty of activities going on to keep the kids busy as you shop.

Alternatively, head to the slightly quieter market at Chinatown.

If you love this kind of thing, you should definitely consider visiting France during the holiday season to explore the best Christmas markets in France.

Santa Claus Parade

This 117-year-old tradition may be one of the most memorable Christmas activities in Toronto for children – and one they’ll never forget.

Consisting of over 2000 volunteers in costume and a wide variety of decorated floats, the parade is a beautiful and noisy spectacle.

More than 20 marching bands play classic tunes and carols, and displays range from nursery rhyme characters from the turn of the last century to modern, animated Harry Potter floats.

The parade lasts for around 2 and a half hours, the highlight – of course – being the arrival of the big man himself.

It usually starts at Bloor and finishes at St Lawrence Market, although the route can be subject to change.

The National Ballet of Canada’s Nutcracker

Performed annually since 1955, this lavish production re-enacts the beloved holiday tale in magical style.

Some of the country’s top musicians, dancers, and artists come together to create an incredible spectacle, which features more than 180 dazzling costumes in each performance.

If you are visiting with children, then aim to arrive 45 minutes before the start of the show for ‘Nutcracker Story Time’. It is designed just for little ones and helps enhance their experience.

This enchanting ballet takes place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

As one of the most popular Christmas events in Toronto it sells out regularly, so be sure to book your tickets early.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a cool castle that is great to visit at any time, but especially in December when it is decorated for the festive season.

Located right in the centre of Toronto, this majestic building – once the largest private residence in Canada – has 98 beautiful rooms, elaborately decorated with period furnishings.

There are secret passageways to explore and fantastic views of the city’s skyline from its towers.

It truly becomes a fairytale palace from the end of November onwards, filled with sparkling lights and trees.

Follow the illuminated trail through the grounds, see the 40-foot Christmas tree in the Great Hall and finish your experience with a visit to Santa’s Workshop. 

Cavalcade Of Lights

This eye-catching display was first created in 1967 to feature city hall – which had just been built – along with Nathan Phillips Square in front of it.

Now, it marks the beginning of a series of holiday-related events, starting with the lighting of the tree at the end of November.

All the buildings around Nathan Phillips Square are strewn with LED  lights and the opening evening features everything from free musical performances and fireworks to a DJ-led skating party.

Every night until Christmas you can enjoy the display of lights against city hall whilst wandering through the tunnels made with thousands of bulbs.

There is even an enchanted forest, with gently illuminated ice sculptures to discover.

Kensington Market

Located just to the west of Chinatown, this bohemian neighborhood is one of the most lively and culturally diverse in the city.

Indie shops selling vintage clothes and accessories sit side by side with artists’ studios and little restaurants serving wonderfully unique dishes from all over the world.

Non-stop entertainment is provided by the area’s musicians and street performers, and there are so many eccentric characters to spot that sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and people-watch for an hour or two!

In December, the Kensington Market makes a great place to pick up unique gifts, or you can try a Christmas food tour and enjoy some culinary treats and mulled wine.

Don’t miss the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade on December 21st, a free event designed to celebrate warmth and light.

Window Wonderland at The Junction

For something a little different, check out this free immersive urban art walk.

From late November until early January, the Dundas Street West neighborhood of the Junction is turned into a captivating outdoor gallery.

20 different augmented reality (AR) installations are displayed here, created by local and international artists.

They link classical art with digital technology and are designed to add a new dimension for visitors.

To make pieces come alive, you simply point your phone cameras at the artworks displayed on the windows.

This activity is family-friendly and a great experience to enjoy with kids.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

A visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village gives you a glimpse into what life was like for those who settled in the area in the latter half of the 19th century.

It makes a great day out for the whole family, with 40 heritage buildings to explore and friendly farm animals to meet.

December sees the addition of many festive events, with the entire village decorated for the season.

You can have Christmas dinner, enjoy storytime with Santa, or – best of all – take a stroll along the High Street at night.

The mixture of twinkling fairy lights in the trees, crackling bonfires, and oil lamps will create a magical atmosphere guaranteed to fill you with the Christmas spirit.

Toronto’s Museums 

No matter what you are interested in, you will find a museum in Toronto to suit you!

One of the most iconic is the Hockey Hall of Fame, home to the Stanley Cup and one of the world’s best collections of hockey artifacts.

Children and adults alike will love the Museum of Illusions, which is filled with immersive and interactive experiences.

The Art Gallery of Ontario in the Grange Park neighborhood of downtown Toronto has a collection of more than 90,000 artworks to explore.

In contrast, the Royal Ontario Museum has something for everyone, with exhibits related to culture, natural history, and more.

Looking for something a little more unusual?

Then check out the Bata Shoe Museum, which has the biggest collection of shoes and footwear-related objects in the world.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Toronto in December – and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to locations!

The most scenic of all has to be the Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Centre, located along Lake Ontario’s picturesque shoreline.

Admission is free, skates are available to rent at low prices, and there is music to enjoy as you glide around the ice.

Alternatively, try the rink at Nathan Phillips Square – it’s also the site of the world-famous ‘Toronto’ sign so it is a great spot to get a photo.

Other locations include High Park – where there are organized hockey games for children – Greenwood Park, which has a cover and is ideal in bad weather; and Christie Pits Park, located in the city’s west end.

St. Lawrence Market

There’s nothing like the frosty temperatures of winter to help you work up an appetite.

And there’s no better place to satisfy it than at this bustling food market – a Toronto landmark dating back to 1902.

You’ll find all different kinds of culinary delights at the St. Lawrence market, from cured meats to specialty cheeses and international delicacies.

Named the number one food market in the world by National Geographic in 2012, the standards at St. Lawrence Market are high.

Whether you are sampling the fresh produce or dining at one of its many restaurants, you are guaranteed the very best quality.

Saturday farmers markets and Sunday antique markets are held here all year round, and there are often extra events over the holiday season, including cooking demos, chocolate samplings, and more.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Toronto In Winter

From museums and fine dining to outdoor pursuits against a winter wonderland backdrop, Christmas in Toronto offers something for everyone.

I hope this guide has helped you plan your stay in this dynamic city and that you enjoy every moment of your visit.

If you need ideas on what to wear during your trip to Toronto, you can check out our guide on what to wear in Canada in Winter.

Need more inspiration about Canada? Read one of the following blog posts:

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