Cavalcade of Lights

Date(s): Nov. 30, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2025
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: Free 

Since 1967, Cavalcade of Lights has brightened Toronto’s holiday season with its glowing light installations. The annual festivities occur at Nathan Phillips Square and feature sparkly lights, fireworks, live entertainment and ice skating. This year’s theme is “Shine,” so expect the festivities to truly sparkle.

Things to do at the Cavalcade of Lights

Opening Night

On Saturday, November 30, the annual Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square kicks off with live music and circus performances starting at 5 p.m. before a tree-lighting ceremony of Toronto’s official Christmas spruce at 6:40 p.m. The opening ceremony includes live musical performances by Zaynab Wilson MoZayic and Moskitto Bar. Holiday tunes, DJs and choirs are enjoyed throughout the festival season. 

Opening night also features public ice skating (5-6:40 p.m.) and a skating showcase (7:15-7:40 p.m.). Last year, attendees were treated to a showcase by 2022 Olympian and two-time national champion Madeline Schizas, and this year, you can expect to see two-time national pairs medalist team Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud in the rink, as well as the North Toronto Skating Club and Toronto Metropolitan University Skating Club. Afterwards, public skating commences until 10 p.m.

As for the sights, thousands of dazzling LED lights—roughly a million—are displayed throughout the Square, transforming the area into a twinkling winter wonderland come nightfall. Square entertainment includes stilt-walking, fire performances and hoop dancing.

Through January 7

Enjoy the magic of the Cavalcade of Lights with free skate rentals every Saturday from 4-7 p.m. Glide along the ice under the shimmering glow of the city's dazzling holiday lights. Join the skating party on Saturday, December 7 for a night of festive fun. And don't miss the captivating art installations, including the luminous Lunar Lanterns and majestic Twin Dragons. It's an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.

Tips for attending the Cavalcade of Lights

When attending the Cavalcade of Lights, be sure to arrive early to get a good seat for the fireworks show and enjoy the live performances. Also, dress in layers since Toronto can get chilly this time of year. 

Accessible ramps are available, and there are dedicated areas near the skating rink and the stage for wheelchair access. Underground parking and accessible bathrooms are also available on the premises. 

How to get to Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square is a community space located right outside Toronto’s City Hall that attracts millions of visitors yearly with its popular events. Getting here is relatively easy, no matter how you choose to do it. If you want to take public transportation, the closest subway is Queen Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University). 

However, several bus and streetcar routes stop close to the Square, such as the 6 Bay bus or 501 Queen streetcar, and the GO Transit takes you directly to Union Station, the stop where Nathan Phillips Square is located. 

If you end up driving, there is municipal parking in a garage under Nathan Phillips Square and other parking lots close by, all of which have their own fees.

Spread holiday cheer in Toronto

While attending the Cavalcade of Lights festival, don’t forget to explore everything else the Square has to offer, including historic art and sculptures like The Archer by Henry Moore. Plus, being located downtown helps make the Square an easy access to the city’s tastiest eateries, such as Cactus Club Cafe and Earl’s Bar + Kitchen.

Make this season bright by checking out the Cavalcade of Lights and see why it’s one of Toronto’s top events of the year.