There’s no better way to experience the holiday magic of Toronto than by exploring all the twinkly Christmas lights around the city.
Nathan Phillips Square
If there was one place in the city that we would recommend to go see Christmas lights in Toronto it would be Nathan Phillips Square. You can’t miss all the holiday buzz that swells up every year with Toronto’s official towering 60-foot Christmas tree, and fun family activities like nighttime skating. Set against the backdrop of the Toronto neon sign, there’s nothing that embodies Christmas in Toronto more than that. 100 Queen St. W.
Distillery Winter Village
You can’t find a more quintessential holiday setup than the Distillery District during the holidays. The cobblestone pathways lined with independent shops, excellent restaurants, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and pearly string lights all create the perfect festive atmosphere.
This year's 51-foot tall White Spruce Christmas tree features 400 custom midnight blue ornaments, 1,700 shiny and matte gold balls, and 70,000 twinkling lights. The tree (sponsored by Christian Dior this year) also features 1,000 custom DIOR star charms. You can experience the Distillery Winter Village (formerly known as Toronto Christmas Market) from November 17 to December 31, 2022. 55 Mill St.
Explore magical Yorkville during the holidays
Bloor-Yorkville
The neighbourhood of Bloor-Yorkville is usually glitzy in its own right year-round but gets transformed into a scene from every Christmas movie ever made. The streets are lit up with twinkling string lights, high-end stores go all out with their window displays and the striking Christmas tree shines like the crown jewel. Indoor shoppers are delighted with the whimsical displays inside Yorkville Village as well. Main intersection of Bloor Street and Yorkville Avenue.
Casa Loma
This self-guided outdoor walk lets you experience the dazzling themed lighting display throughout the tunnels and gardens of the historic castle. Among the various holiday light displays is Ebenezer Scrooge’s Mansion from beloved seasonal classic, A Christmas Carol with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Find more information about dates and ticket prices by checking Casa Loma’s website. 1 Austin Terrace
Yonge-Dundas Square
There’s a reason why Yonge-Dundas Square should be on your list of best holiday lights in Toronto. The area is buzzing with festive excitement this time of the year and the added magic of the stunning light displays will surely get you in a festive mood. 1 Dundas St. E.
Financial District
One of Toronto’s best holiday lights transformation takes place in the Financial District. The business area steps into the holiday spirit with gusto by embracing the season wrapped in a magical envelope of lights. You’ll find majestic trees both indoors and outside. Be sure to take a gander to see the string of twinkling lights in Brookfield Place, First Canadian Place and the TD Centre.
Glow Christmas
This indoor Christmas festival runs during December and is the perfect spot to be immersed in holiday magic. With festive food and drinks, live entertainment, a holiday market and the lights garden, Glow Christmas is an experience the whole family will enjoy. 1020 Martin Grove Rd.
Journey Into Enchantment
Pack the car with cozy snacks, fill your thermoses with hot cocoa and take a short drive to Mississauga for a magical drive-thru light show. Journey Into Enchantment stretches over 2km long and features over two million lights! Between November 25, 2022, and January 1, 2023, take the whole family to enjoy this unforgettable holiday experience. 6845 Millcreek Dr., Mississauga
Holiday Nights of Lights
For those interested in venturing outside the city, Holiday Nights of Lights in Vaughan provides an immersive light experience. With over 1.5 million LED lights synchronized to your favourite festive tunes, this walk-thru will put you in the holiday spirit.
Once you've left the light show, you can stroll through Mistletoe Lane. This pop-up includes Santa's Den, shops, midway rides, holiday axe throwing, food trucks and more! 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
