Catch #festivevibes at these Toronto holiday festivals, fairs and celebrations.
As the holidays approach, dark nights turn bright as festive lights start twinkling across the city. Looking to catch the spirit?
From live music to light shows, gift shopping to festive food and drink, here are 10 family-friendly Toronto holiday festivals worth planning a trip around.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Returning to the Exhibition place, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (November 1–10, 2024) combines edge-of-your-seats equestrian events with delicious culinary experiences for a ten-day indoor fair experience.
The world’s largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition includes live music and dance performances, butter sculptures, kids’ farm play zones and the crowd-fave SuperDogs.
Tkaronto Music Festival
The Tkaronto Musical Festival (November 7–9, 2024) showcases three nights of Indigenous music at Massey Hall’s TD Music Hall. Attendees can pick between individual event tickets or a festival pass to listen to popular acts spanning musical genres.
This year’s lineup includes performances by swing-blues-boogie-jazz band Blue Moon Marquee, hip-hop fusion electronic band The Halluci Nation, singer-songwriter Evan Redksy and other top talent.
Distillery Winter Festival
The Distillery Winter Festival (opening November 13, 2024) is back for another crowd-pleasing year. Centred around the towering holiday tree in the core of the Distillery District, this popular winter festival draws visitors to a European-inspired market that features outdoor craft and food vendors.
In addition to daily festive programming, the festival throws a great New Year's celebration, with midnight fireworks above Trinity Square.
Cavalcade of Lights
Since 1967, the Cavalcade of Lights (November 30, 2024–January 7, 2025) has added festive cheer to the city with a sparkling multicultural holiday light display at Nathan Phillips Square.
Onlookers can wander through the light displays or skate on the outdoor ice rink in front of the glow of the multi-coloured TORONTO sign.
For the best views, you’ll want to pop by in the evening or plan your visit around one of the musical performances scheduled throughout the holiday season.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Holiday Magic (opening November 23, 2024) kicks off the holiday season in Yorkville with a free outdoor concert and magical tree lighting ceremony.
The neighbourhood goes all out—tastefully, of course—with festively decorated tree-lined streets and joyful light displays, creating the perfect backdrop for winter photos taken between shopping and dining stops at local shops and restaurants.
Holiday Hills at STACKT
Celebrate the holiday season at STACKT with their annual Holiday Hills winter festival (November 15–December 29, 2024).
Spread throughout North America’s largest shipping container market, this holiday market offers an immersive experience with small businesses, seasonal vendor pop-ups, culinary experiences and daily programming and performances.
Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for someone on your list or a unique space to sip mulled wine and enjoy #festivevibes, the Holiday Hills market is one downtown hotspot you won’t want to miss.
One of a Kind Show
One of Toronto’s most popular holiday shopping events, as well as the largest show of its kind in North America, the One of a Kind Show (November 21–December 1, 2024) returns to the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place for 11 days of shopping, tastings and interactive experiences.
The show welcomes Canadian makers to showcase handmade and artisanal objects and small-batch culinary treats so discerning shoppers can snag unique gifts that would be hard to find anywhere else.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Held in North York’s Mel Lastman Square, Holiday Fair in the Square (December 6–23, 2024) is a nearly month-long festive celebration that transforms the area around the North York Civic Centre into a winter wonderland with artisan marketplace stalls and a fireside lounge that serves hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Visitors can also go skating on the outdoor rink, which is open daily, weather permitting.
Christmas at the Castle
Get into the holiday spirit in style by visiting Casa Loma for their annual Christmas at the Castle (select dates, December 5, 2024—January 4, 2025). The magic of the season comes to life with a more than 12-metre (40-foot)-tall Christmas tree, glittering holiday decor and sparkling holiday lights, indoors and out.
Children can stop by Santa’s workshop for fun activities, while social media savants can snap and share the many photo opportunities throughout the castle. Plan your visit after 5:30 p.m. to see the holiday lights after sundown.
Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown
Celebrate the Lunar New Year (January 29, 2025) in downtown Chinatown. Past years have featured a weekend of lion dances, musical performances, activities and street food.
For a celebratory sit-down meal, make a reservation at the neighbourhood’s MICHELIN-recognized restaurant R&D, which will serve Lunar New Year dishes all weekend long.
