Thanksgiving 2025 in Toronto: Best Restaurants, Events & Things to Do

Best restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner in Toronto 2025

Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration, a cozy family gathering, or a casual night out, Toronto has restaurants to suit every type of Thanksgiving dinner.

From elegant fine dining to hearty spreads and wallet-friendly turkey dinners, there are plenty of group-friendly restaurants that make celebrating Thanksgiving 2025 in Toronto effortless and memorable.

Here are some ideas for Thanksgiving dining in Toronto:

• Café Boulud at the Four Seasons Hotel – A $150 refined Thanksgiving dinner ideal for special occasions

• The Old Mill Toronto – A festive buffet-style holiday feast in a historic setting, great for large families and wheelchair-accessible dining

• Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar – A classic turkey dinner with pie for $23 in lively Yorkville

• Planta – A modern vegan feast available dine-in or take-home, tied to Toronto’s farm-to-table scene

• Enjoy a pumpkin pie donut from Bloomer's

• Head to Black Creek Pioneer Village for harvest treats and hands-on activities like bread making and butter churning

Insider tip: Restaurants often release their Thanksgiving menus in early September, so make reservations well in advance to secure your spot.​

Thanksgiving weekend events in Toronto 2025

Beyond the table, Thanksgiving in Toronto is a time to celebrate community, culture, and the colours of fall. The city comes alive with special Thanksgiving weekend events in 2025, from seasonal festivals to family-friendly outings.

Highlights for Thanksgiving weekend in Toronto:

• Toronto Pumpkinfest – A seasonal favourite with live entertainment, pumpkin-themed treats, and kid-friendly activities.

• Pumpkinville Toronto – Wander through an illuminated maze of over 1.5 million lights, with glowing photo ops, midway rides, carnival games, and more than 15,000 pumpkins.

• Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland – Thrill seekers can experience haunted mazes, live shows, and heart-pounding rides.

• Toronto Haunted Ghost Tours – Experience the city's spooky side with guided walks through historic downtown Toronto and haunted landmarks.

• Ontario Culture Days (until October 12) – Celebrate arts and culture across Toronto with live music, dance, theatre, gallery tours, film screenings, and neighbourhood festivals.

• Toronto Turkey Trot – Run, walk, or trot your way through a scenic 5K, kids’ 1K, or dog-friendly walk at Cherry Beach on Thanksgiving Monday — turkey costumes encouraged!

Insider tip: Many Toronto Thanksgiving events are family-friendly and free, making them an easy addition to your weekend plans.

Outdoor things to do in Toronto this Thanksgiving

Toronto in October is one of the best times to enjoy the crisp autumn air and brilliant fall colours. Over the long weekend, both locals and visitors head outdoors to soak up the season.

Some top outdoor activities for Thanksgiving 2025:

• Fall Hiking & Scenic Walks — Hit Toronto’s best trails and ravines, like High Park, Moore Park Ravine, Rouge National Urban Park, or Riverdale Park to admire fall colours.

• Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking & Corn Mazes Near Toronto – Take a scenic drive to local farms for pumpkin picking, apple orchards, and family-friendly corn mazes across the Greater Toronto Area.

• Evergreen Brick Works Trails – Combine nature walks with seasonal markets.

• Toronto Fall Farmers' Markets – Sample seasonal produce, baked goods, and artisanal specialties across the city.

• Scarborough Bluffs – Take in dramatic lake views framed by autumn leaves.

• Toronto Islands – Hop on the ferry for biking, walking, and waterfront views.

Insider tip: Thanksgiving weekend is peak time for fall foliage—check Toronto’s colour reports to catch the leaves at their most vibrant.

Planning tips for Thanksgiving in Toronto 2025

A little preparation makes Thanksgiving weekend smoother, especially if you’re visiting from out of town. With busy restaurants and holiday schedules, planning ahead ensures you make the most of your trip.

Key tips for Thanksgiving Weekend:

• Reserve early – Group-friendly restaurants often sell out weeks in advance.

• Check what’s open on Thanksgiving Monday – Major attractions like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium are typically open.

• Use transit when possible – The TTC runs on a holiday schedule Monday, but it’s still the easiest way to navigate downtown.

• Bundle dining with activities – Pair a festive meal with an event or outdoor excursion.

• Consider day trips – Extend your long weekend with scenic drives or winery tours.

Insider tip: For visitors, booking accommodations near downtown restaurants and event venues saves travel time and adds convenience.