Explore Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights This Holiday

Things to do at the Cavalcade of Lights

Opening Night

On Saturday, November 29, the annual Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square kicks off with live music starting at 6 p.m. before a tree-lighting ceremony of Toronto’s official Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m.

Live musical performances

DJ Classic Roots
Christmas caroling by The Candy Cane Carolers
Afro-Brazilian percussion by Maracatu Mar Aberto
Electric violinist, Dr. Draw
Klezmer parade band, The Horah Machine
Featured performance by Juno Award nominee, Tyler Shaw

Holiday tunes, DJs, and choirs will also perform throughout the festival season.

More Opening Night highlights

Public ice skating
Figure skating performance
Diya decoration workshops with artist Aakhya Singh
Candlelight concert
Circus acts including a fire performance and hula hooping

As for the sights, thousands of dazzling LED lights—using energy-efficient bulbs—are displayed throughout the Square, transforming the area into a twinkling winter wonderland come nightfall.

Through January 7

Free skate rentals

Enjoy the magic of the Cavalcade of Lights with free skate rentals every Saturday from 4-10 p.m. starting December 6. Glide along the ice under the shimmering glow of the city's dazzling holiday lights, and don't miss the captivating art installations.

Menorah Lighting: December 14–22

Every evening during Hanukkah, the City’s official Menorah is illuminated at approximately 4 p.m. One additional candle is lit each night.

New Year's Skating Party: January 4

Glide into the new year with a skating party hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto City Council. The celebration features free skate rentals (while supplies last), hot chocolate, local DJs and winter activities for all ages.

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.