Toronto’s holiday season is packed with festive experiences, from Christmas markets and holiday light displays to New Year’s Eve fireworks and citywide celebrations. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Toronto during the holiday season or planning how to ring in the New Year, this guide highlights the top Toronto events happening now through early January.
Holiday Events and Activities in Toronto
The Distillery Winter Village
The historic Distillery District transforms into a festive Christmas market featuring twinkling lights, Santa sightings, holiday food and drinks, live carolers, and unique shopping from local artisans. One of the most popular Toronto Christmas events, the Distillery Winter Village runs until January 4.
Cavalcade of Lights
A beloved Toronto holiday tradition, Cavalcade of Lights is on until January 7 at Nathan Phillips Square. This free event features a towering Christmas tree, public skating, and illuminated art installations throughout the downtown core, with displays lit nightly from 5-11pm.
Casa Loma: Christmas at the Castle
On select dates until January 3, Casa Loma hosts one of the city’s most enchanting Christmas experiences. Visitors can explore beautifully decorated rooms, including a 20-foot tree in the Great Hall, enjoy live performances, and meet Santa in Toronto’s iconic castle setting.
The Distillery Winter Village (left); Cavalcade of Lights (top right); Christmas at the Castle (bottom right)
Holiday Lights
Running on select dates through January 3, Holiday Lights invites visitors to enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling outdoor displays across the Casa Loma grounds, along with beautifully decorated indoor spaces. Live entertainment includes magic and fire shows, Christmas carolers, appearances by Santa, and seasonal characters like Olaf and winter princesses.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Until December 21, Sankofa Square at Yonge and Dundas transforms into a lively holiday destination. Winter Glow features festive lights, music, classic rides, seasonal treats, and community programming, making it one of the most joyful holiday events in downtown Toronto.
Harbourfront Centre Winterfest
Winterfest at Harbourfront Centre brings festive lights, holiday markets, food vendors, train rides, and live performances to Toronto’s waterfront. It’s a standout Toronto winter activity for all ages, running until December 31.
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
On select dates until January 3, Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest features millions of lights, festive live shows, select rides, Santa visits, and seasonal food. It’s the perfect event for those seeking family-friendly Toronto Christmas activities.
Ice Skating at Evergreen Brick Works
Open December through March, weather permitting, the Evergreen Brick Works skating rink is one of the most unique places to skate in Toronto. Set among snow-covered gardens and historic architecture, it also features an eco-friendly refrigeration system for sustainable winter fun.
Mirvish Productions’ The Sound of Music
Now on stage through January 4 at the iconic Princess of Wales Theatre, this timeless musical brings the story of Maria and the von Trapp family to life with classic songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “Edelweiss,” creating a truly memorable holiday theatre experience.
Harbourfront Centre Winterfest (top left); Ice skating at Evergreen Brick Works (bottom left); Mirvish Productions’ The Sound of Music (right)
New Year’s Eve Events and Celebrations in Toronto
Toronto Waterfront Fireworks
One of Toronto’s most anticipated New Year’s Eve celebrations, the city’s official fireworks light up the inner harbour on December 31. This free event begins at 10pm, featuring pop-up performances and live entertainment, before culminating in a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display at midnight, visible from waterfront locations across the city.
Harbourfront Centre New Year’s Eve
Ring in 2026 along Toronto’s waterfront at Harbourfront Centre, Sherbourne Common, and the Toronto Music Garden. Enjoy live music, an 11:59pm countdown, fireworks, dance lessons, circus performances, and short film projections.
Distillery Winter Village: New Year’s Eve
From 10pm to midnight on December 31, the Distillery Winter Village hosts a festive New Year’s Eve countdown with a live DJ, dancing under the lights, and a midnight fireworks display.
Union Winter at Union Station
Running until January 18, Union Winter transforms Union Station into a seasonal festival with an indoor roller rink, free skate rentals and lessons, DJ nights, and 19+ winter mixers, ideal for celebrating before or after New Year’s Eve.
Toronto Waterfront Fireworks (left); Distillery Winter Village NYE (top right); Union Winter (bottom right)
New Year’s Eve Parties in Toronto
The Carlu
Celebrate with a three-course dinner, a complimentary glass of wine, and live DJs playing Top 40 hits, mashups, and hip-hop.
Gatsby’s House at Hotel X
This upscale New Year’s Eve celebration features a four-hour prepaid bar, top DJs, casino-style games, and a glamorous setting.
Jubilee Queen New Year’s Eve Boat Party
Departing on December 31 at 8:30pm, this fully heated, covered boat party offers dancing, skyline views, and front-row access to Toronto’s waterfront fireworks.
Lavelle
Lavelle is hosting a rooftop New Year’s Eve party featuring a bold denim-disco theme, live music, DJs, canapés, bottle service, and skyline views.
Liberty Grand New Year’s Eve
Running from 9pm to 3am, this multi-room event at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex features top DJs and a wide mix of music styles for an all-night celebration.
Oria’s Resolution 2026 Black & White Gala
Oria’s immersive New Year’s Eve party features dramatic lighting, handcrafted cocktails, and high-energy music. Dance under dazzling lights, sip signature drinks, and countdown to midnight with Toronto’s most stylish crowd.
The Carlu (top left); Lavelle (top right); Liberty Grand’s New Year’s Eve (bottom left); Oria (bottom right)
Toronto’s holiday season is full of magic, from festive markets and sparkling lights to skating rinks and waterfront fireworks. Stay cozy in layers as you explore, book tickets for popular shows in advance, and check event details like start times or dress codes for evening parties. Whether you’re enjoying a family-friendly outing or ringing in the New Year with friends, Toronto offers endless ways to celebrate the holidays. Gather your loved ones, mark your calendar, and make this winter season unforgettable in the city!
Which holiday event are you looking forward to most? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, X, or Instagram) and let us know!