Toronto during the holidays is magical, and twinkling lights can be found around every corner of the city. Here are some of the top spots to get you in the spirit.
Distillery Historic District
Toronto Christmas Market
Unsurprisingly, some of the most magical holiday light displays in the city can be found at the popular Toronto Christmas Market in the city’s charming Distillery Historic District. Running this year from Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, December 22, the Christmas Market will be brimming with festive displays. With strings of Christmas lights strung above the streets, charming vendor booths twinkling with lights, large fluorescent ornaments and, of course, the towering Christmas tree, the Market is a veritable paradise of festive décor.
Nathan Phillips Square
Every holiday season, City Hall boasts some of the prettiest Christmas displays in the city. Lace up for a nighttime skate amid the glimmering lights at Nathan Phillips Square and marvel at Toronto’s magnificent official Christmas tree.
Plus, throughout December, experience Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square, where you can buy hand-crafted delights, savour tasty treats, cozy up with a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy live entertainment – all the while surrounded by twinkling holiday lights.
Eaton Centre
If you’ve never seen Canada’s largest Christmas Tree, you’re missing out! Make your way to the Eaton Centre this holiday season to witness 100 feet of sparkling holiday magic, complete with a twinkling star at the very top. If you can’t make it to the unveiling in November, come by anytime from mid-November throughout December to soak up the dazzling displays (and get some Christmas shopping done too!).
Casa Loma
During the holidays, Toronto’s beloved castle-in-a-city turns into a winter wonderland, decked out with twinkling holiday lights, glowing displays and festive decorations fit for the North Pole. Last year, Canadian Winterland Nights at Casa Loma featured 10 designer Christmas trees, stunning light displays including reindeer, stars and golden arches, a stunning fountain of twinkling lights and much more! Stay updated by checking Casa Loma’s website for more details.
Bloor-Yorkville
Each year, Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood gets the festive treatment as its streets are lit up with glittering displays, dazzling ornaments and twinkling strings of lights during Yorkville Holiday Magic. See the festive displays lining the streets throughout the neighbourhood and the clever window displays of the high-end stores along Bloor and make your way to the Village of Yorkville Park (115 Cumberland Street) to view the majestic Christmas tree. The official lighting ceremony will feature live performances and seasonal refreshments.
Yonge-Dundas Square
There’s always something happening in Toronto’s vibrant, bustling Yonge-Dundas Square – and that couldn’t be more true than during the holidays! Take a break from Christmas shopping and stop by the Square for Illuminite, Yonge-Dundas’ magical tree lighting ceremony, complete with vibrant entertainment, a 360 degree theatrical experience, stunning light displays and the lighting of the 52,000 LED Christmas tree and other whimsical light installations. Illuminite 2018 takes place on Saturday November 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Koreatown
For a twist on the classic holiday light experience, head to Christie Pits park at Bloor & Christie to feast your eyes on the massive illuminated tiger lounging between the subway station and the park. 22,000 orange and white LED bulbs and 1,300 pounds of aluminum make up Baekho the tiger, who symbolizes well-being and prosperity according to Korean mythology.
Financial District
Come holiday time, the normally all-business Financial District transforms into Christmas lights central. Office towers sprout festive displays both indoors and out. See the avant-garde displays and the twinkling lights hanging from the ceilings of the soaring atrium at Brookfield Place, and the massive ornamented trees and wreathes at First Canadian Place. Make your way to Commerce Court and feast your eyes on the trees adorned with elegant white lights that dot the courtyard, before heading to the TD Centre, where towering, bejewelled Christmas trees spiral towards the high ceilings.
Looking for even more festive fun? Check out our Top Things to Do in Toronto For the Holidays – from vibrant tree lighting ceremonies to charming window displays and classic Christmas theatre performances, there’s so much to see and do in Toronto during the holiday season.