Looking for holiday events in Toronto but feeling either overwhelmed by all the options or not even sure where to start? Trust us, you’re not alone.
Every year, the city turns into a giant festive playground packed with Christmas markets, light shows, concerts, and pop-up bars… and somehow you’re still sitting there thinking “Where do I even start?”
This guide is your shortcut to the good stuff. We are sharing the most magical Christmas events in Toronto that are worth bundling up for.
And because nothing kills holiday cheer faster than parking struggles, you can skip that part completely. Just book your spot with the Indigo Neo app and enjoy the season stress-free.
Ready to make this year’s Christmas unforgettable? Let’s get into it.
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Holiday Festivals/Fairs in Toronto
Holiday Markets In Toronto
The Distillery Winter Village
When it comes to one of the most iconic Christmas events Toronto has to offer, the Distillery Winter Village is it. Located in the historic Distillery District at 55 Mill Street, this market transforms cobblestone laneways into a glowing winter wonderland from November 13, 2025, through January 4, 2026.
Expect everything from Canada’s most photographed Christmas tree, live caroling and performances, artisan vendors, to a Santa’s village and outdoor holiday bars. If you want to know more about the Distillery District, we have a detailed post breaking everything down for you.
WHERE TO PARK:
Aqualuna: 155 Merchants’ Wharf
10-minute walk to the venue
Open 24/7, this underground lot offers 52 parking spaces, and is within walking distance to the district.
Holiday Hills Market at STACKT
For a fresh spin on Christmas in Toronto, check out Holiday Hills at STACKT Market, running from November 14 to December 28, 2025. Located at 28 Bathurst Street, STACKT transforms into a lively winter village filled with local vendors, seasonal pop-ups, and tons of places to pick up unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else. It’s one of the best spots for anyone searching for Christmas Markets in Toronto that feel fresh and creative rather than traditional.
WHERE TO PARK:
Portland Commons: 530 Front Street West
6-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground garage offers 242 parking spaces for convenient access at any time of day. EV charging is available on-site.
We Love Willowdale Christmas Market
If a community-focused, neighbourhood-feel Christmas Market outing appeals to you, then the We Love Willowdale Christmas Market at Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St., North York) is just the ticket. Taking place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the market features 50+ artisan vendors, live entertainment, hot chocolate, a Santa photo op, many kid activities, and a festive tree lighting around 6:30 p.m. This is a go-to for holiday activities in Toronto that don’t require battling downtown crowds, just friendly vibes, local shopping, and community cheer.
WHERE TO PARK:
25 Sheppard Avenue West
13-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot has 400 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
Winter Market at St. Lawrence Market
Located at 92 Front St E, the beloved St. Lawrence Market hosts its Winter Market event from November 20 to December 22, 2025, running Thursdays through Sundays. Admission is free, and the affair includes handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods, seasonal food, drinks, entertainment (including Santa photos on weekends), and 75+ makers and vintage sellers to explore every Saturday and Sunday.
If you’re after Christmas things to do in Toronto that combine great food, local vendors, and easy access, this market hits the mark.
WHERE TO PARK:
35 Church Street
2-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot has 300 parking spaces. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
Holiday Market at EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace
For a more upscale twist on holiday activities in Toronto, the Holiday Market at EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace (181 Wellington St W, The Ritz-Carlton) runs Thursday to Saturday evenings, November 8 to December 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. The setting offers European-style holiday market vibes: think artisanal vendors, elevated snacks, and seasonal cocktails, fitting for couples or friend groups seeking things to do in Toronto for Christmas that feel refined and festive.
WHERE TO PARK:
145 Wellington Street West
3-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot has 80 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site. Payment at this location is available on-site only.
Riverside Holiday Market
Taking place at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Riverside Holiday Market offers free admission, hot chocolate, live music, kids’ crafts, and shopping with 20+ local vendors. Bring your kids to get a free meet & greet with Santa!
WHERE TO PARK:
45 Baseball Place
6-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot has 205 parking spaces.
Holiday Festivals/Fairs in Toronto
The ‘Live’ Swedish Christmas Fair 2025
The “Live” Swedish Christmas Fair returns on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the George Brown College Waterfront Campus (51 Dockside Drive, Toronto) and is entirely free to attend.
This event stands out among the many holiday events Toronto offers by bringing Scandinavian traditions into the heart of the city. As part of this fair, you can expect a wide selection of Swedish-designed products, traditional Swedish food including the “Taste of Sweden” smörgåsbord, folk dancing, choir performances, the Lucia procession (a Swedish festival of light), and even a book corner and children’s craft area.
WHERE TO PARK:
Corus Quay: 25 Dockside Drive
2-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot is open 24/7, offering 80 spaces for convenient access to the event.
Winterfest 2025 at Harbourfront
On the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W), Winterfest 2025 opens Friday, November 28 and runs through Wednesday, December 31. It kicks off the season with a tree lighting ceremony on November 28 at 7pm.
This festival offers an expansive mix of holiday activities: a holiday market (indoor/outdoor), train rides through light-filled paths, a giant wooden maze, marshmallow fire pits, food trucks, live music, and a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display. It’s one of the season’s most festive Christmas events for families, couples, and friends.
WHERE TO PARK:
CIBC Square: 81 Bay Street
15-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot is open 24/7, offering 366 spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
Holiday at The Well
From November 12 to December 28, 2025, the vibrant mixed-use complex The Well (486 Front St W) transforms into a Nordic-inspired winter celebration and is among the most immersive of the Christmas events in Toronto. Visitors will find a Vendor Village with eight small business pop-ups, a holiday pop-up lounge, skating on site, skating performances, holiday movie screenings, Jazz nights, carols, Santa photoshoots, and even an ice skating disco experience. The event blends holiday activities with elegant ambience; think fire-pits, warm lighting, and curated programs.
WHERE TO PARK:
320 Front Street West
5-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot has 590 spaces and is open 24/7. EV charging is available on-site.
Cavalcade of Lights
One of the signature holiday festivals you cannot miss is the Cavalcade of Lights, which kicks off an entire season of winter wonder at Nathan Phillips Square. The event runs from November 29, 2025, through January 7, 2026.
Expect a grand lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, over 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights, nightly illumination, free public skating with free skate rentals on Saturdays, interactive light and sound installations, live music and performances, and plenty of festive energy around the downtown core.
WHERE TO PARK:
First Canadian Place: 109 Adelaide Street West
6-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot has 1036 spaces and is open 24/7. EV charging is available on-site.
Holiday Magic at Yorkville
Nestled in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, spanning the Village of Yorkville Park at Cumberland and Bellair Streets and the surrounding Bloor Street area, Holiday Magic kicks off Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., then the lights and festival ambience continue until December 31.
This elegant Christmas event features a lighting ceremony hosted by TV personality Rick Campanelli, live performance by Shawn Hook, strolling Victorian-era carolers, and tree-lined streets lit up with festive displays.
WHERE TO PARK:
Yonge and Bloor Garage: 2 Bloor Street East
4-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot has 414 spaces and is open 24/7.
Holiday Concerts in Toronto
Shrek The Musical
For families or friends looking to get into a playful theatrical experience as part of their holiday events, Shrek The Musical at Young People’s Theatre (165 Front Street E) is a standout. Running from November 13 through December 30, 2025, this production brings the beloved ogre’s story to the stage with big tunes, vivid sets, and plenty of humour.
WHERE TO PARK:
26 Wellington Street East
9-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot is open 24/7 and offers 128 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
The Nutcracker by The National Ballet of Canada
When it comes to timeless Christmas events in Toronto, the National Ballet of Canada’s rendition of The Nutcracker is at the top of the list. This year’s show runs December 5–31, 2025, making it a true holiday season staple. Set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score and choreographed by James Kudelka, this version marks the 30th anniversary of the company’s beloved production.
WHERE TO PARK:
199 Richmond Street West
4-minute walk to the venue
This underground lot is open 24/7 and offers 110 parking spaces.
TSO Holiday Pops (by Toronto Symphony Orchestra)
For a festive musical experience with a shared sing-along twist, TSO Holiday Pops at Roy Thomson Hall hits the mark. Scheduled for December 10 to 11, 2025, this concert fuses classical orchestra, seasonal favourites, and audience participation.
Led by guest conductor Sarah Hicks and featuring lyricist Mikaela Bennett, the program includes “Sleigh Ride”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and lively carol-sing-along moments that amplify the spirit of Christmas in Toronto.
WHERE TO PARK:
145 King Street West
4-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 209 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
Holiday Activities in Toronto
The Original Santa Claus Parade
One of the most cherished holiday events in Toronto is The Original Santa Claus Parade, returning on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. with a vintage-meets-modern float lineup, community bands, and the big man himself arriving in style. This parade is a standout; you can expect 27 handcrafted floats, marching bands, and performers as they wind their way through downtown Toronto, lighting up the city with festive energy.
WHERE TO PARK:
280 Bloor Street West
20-minute walk to the parade starting point
This spacious underground garage is open 24/7 and features 210 parking spaces. EV charging available on-site.
Holiday Lights at Brookfield Place
For a more low-key but no less magical experience, check out the holiday lighting installations at Brookfield Place (181 Bay Street). Known for its grand “Winter Garden” atrium and interactive holiday art installations, this location offers a standout example of holiday activities in Toronto beyond the usual market or concert.
WHERE TO PARK:
Brookfield Place: 181 Bay Street
1-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 1450 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
Tinseltown Toronto
If you’re searching for a fun, out-of-the-ordinary holiday activity in Toronto, Tinseltown at Novotel Toronto Centre offers just that: a whimsical holiday wonderland filled with lights, installations, and photo-ops. Taking place from December 7 to December 29. The experience includes welcome drinks, themed dining, signature cocktails, and holiday entertainment.
WHERE TO PARK:
Commerce Court: 18 Wellington Street West
8-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 551 parking spaces. EV charging is available on-site.
Project Gigglewater Holiday Bar
If you love festive cocktails, over-the-top holiday decor, and cozy vibes, the Project Gigglewater Holiday Bar in Toronto needs to be on your winter bucket list. Located in the heart of Dundas West, this seasonal transformation of the already-popular cocktail bar delivers one of the most unforgettable holiday activities Toronto has to offer. The entire space gets a full Christmas makeover, with twinkling lights, garlands, themed glassware, and floor-to-ceiling decor that feels like you’ve walked straight into a vintage holiday movie.
WHERE TO PARK:
1544 Dundas Street West
6-minute walk to the venue
This 24/7 underground lot offers 23 parking spaces.
Conclusion
Toronto truly comes alive during the holidays. Whether you’re exploring a Christmas market, catching a festive show, or warming up with seasonal cocktails, the city is packed with holiday events that make winter feel fun and magical.
And to keep every outing stress-free, book your parking ahead with the Indigo Neo app so you can focus on enjoying the season, not circling the block.
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