It’s the most magical time of year in Toronto as the city gets decked out in twinkly lights, festive decor, and the aromas of gingerbread, peppermint and mulled wine.
Getting out and enjoying the holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank.
To help you get the most out of the season and stretch that wallet, below is a list of free activities in Toronto and low-cost options to enjoy the holiday season in Toronto on a budget.
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Things to do
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
There are many skating rinks and trails in Toronto, but Nathan Phillips Square is the most iconic location this time of year.
With City Hall as the backdrop, the square illuminated with twinkly lights, plus Toronto’s official Christmas tree and menorah, there’s no other skating experience quite like it.
You can bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site for $15 per adult and $10 per child (12 and under) for a 2-hour window.
Museum crawl
If you’re looking for something to do during that in-between period leading up to New Year's Eve, why not take your time exploring some of Toronto’s iconic museums?
While entrance fees can add up, the Museum Pass will allow you to stretch your wallet even further. For one exclusive price, the Museum Pass grants you entrance to five museums including the Aga Khan Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, Little Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and the Textile Museum.
Holiday markets & events
Holiday Hills at Stackt Markt
Stackt Markt is back with its 3rd Annual Holiday Hills event. Enjoy a 100-foot-long immersive light tunnel, festive photo ops, live entertainment, and culinary delights from local vendors.
There’s also a 5,000 sq. ft. winter patio with curling lanes, fire pits, s’mores huts and brand activations, plus holiday-themed DIY workshops. Admission is free.
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Distillery Winter Village
Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday or before 4 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday to save on the entrance fee. This holiday favourite in Toronto brings the magic of a European Christmas Market to the city.
The 55-foot tree features over 70,000 twinkly lights and 1,000 Dior replica perfume bottles and took over 4,000 hours to design and create.
Winterfest Toronto
Located along Toronto’s waterfront at the Harbourfront Centre, Winterfest Toronto is the city’s newest and largest winter experience.
Every weekend from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, enjoy an array of fun activities and experiences including an indoor and outdoor artisan market, free ice skating, food trucks, marshmallow fire pits, a 33-foot walk-in tree, train rides and more. Admission is free.
Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market
Offering an eco-minded, nature-inspired, and relaxed shopping experience, the annual Holiday Market at the Toronto Botanical Garden occurs over two weekends during the holiday season (November 22 to 24 and December 13 to 15, 2024).
Admission is free, and there are lots of activities for the whole family. There are fire pits, live music, local food offerings, a garden shop, local artisans, free family activities on Saturdays, free demonstrations on Sundays, and photo ops throughout the property.
Christmas lights and holiday window displays
Fleur de Ville Noel
This self-guided floral trail takes over the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood with over 20 floral installations.
This year, local Toronto floral artists will create pieces inspired by beloved holiday songs. Fleur de Ville Noel will take place from December 4 to 8, 2024 and is best viewed during daylight hours.
Holiday Magic at Yorkville Village
Once the sun goes down, enjoy a one-of-a-kind display of holiday lights in Yorkville Village. Holiday Magic takes over Yorkville Park and sections of Bloor Street with light installations, illuminated tree-lined streets, and even benches that light up to resemble campfires when used.
The Cadillac Fairview Winterville Tree
The 114-foot tree is the tallest tree in North America and every hour on the hour from noon until 8 p.m., enjoy a spectacular light and snow show at the Toronto Eaton Centre.
Each time it snows, Cadillac Fairview will also donate $500 to CF Play Makers, a program committed to building play spaces to inspire more children to play and stay in sports, with a total gift of $100,000 dollars. This runs until December 31, 2024.
Holiday window displays
Throughout the city, retail windows are transformed for the holiday season and make for a great self-guided tour.
Some of the most popular window displays can be found at The Hudson’s Bay on Queen Street, the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street, and the Fairmont Royal York.
The Junction Window Wonderland features 20 augmented reality (AR) window installations and ten murals, transforming the stretch of Dundas Street West into a free outdoor art gallery.
Eat & drink
Afternoon Tea at Hazukido in Yorkville
Most Afternoon Tea experiences in the city can run $75+ per person, but at Hazukido in Yorkville, their sets are just $20 a person.
This includes a two-tiered caddy of savoury and sweet croissant bites, a refillable pot of loose-leaf tea, and even a free Polaroid picture taken when you order two sets. You can also add on a fondue experience for $3.99. Reservations required.
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Hot chocolate crawl
Between ice skating sessions and wandering the festively decorated streets, there’s nothing that’ll warm you up both body and soul better than a deliciously crafted cup of hot chocolate.
Some of the top spots for hot chocolate include ChocoSol, Cacao 70, Chocolata and Soma Chocolatemaker (order the Maya drinking chocolate if you like a spicy kick!).
Self-guided brewery tour
Round up your favourite humans of legal age and explore Toronto’s beer scene on your own self-guided brewery tour.
Not sure where to start? Download the Toronto Brew Pass and select from 23 participating breweries to create your own beer tour.
You can visit up to 4 breweries per day, and the best part is that by purchasing the Toronto Brew Pass, you’ll save money at each stop.
