Top Things to Do in Toronto This Month

Discover current events, festivals, and fun things happening in Toronto.

The city is alight with magic and wonder! From spellbinding holiday performances to sparkling winter festivals, last-minute gift shopping to indulgent limited-time-only menus, now’s the time to immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Here are 20 exciting ways to enjoy Toronto in December.

1. Immerse yourself in holiday performances

From The Nutcracker to Handel’s Messiah, check out these Toronto holiday musicals, theatre and performances that stand the test of time.

2. Shop local at Toronto boutiques and studios

Spread joy with Toronto gifts from local designers, artisans and craftspeople geared to everyone on your list, from design hounds to wellness gurus (and everyone in between).

3. Toast the holidays at festive pop-up bars

Sample unique seasonal cocktails and finger foods at these holiday bars and pop-up experiences in Toronto.

4. Explore Toronto’s fine dining scene

Plan ahead to score a table at MICHELIN-recognized, hard-to-book and other prestige restaurants in Toronto this December

5. Wander a European-style winter market

Soak up holiday vibes at the Distillery Winter Village, a European-style festive outdoor market held in one of Toronto’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods

6. Visit Toronto with the kids

Bring the littles on a December getaway where every day is action packed! Kick off or cap your holiday season with these iconic all-ages Toronto activities.

7. Check out teen-friendly Toronto

Avoid eye rolls and embarrassment with Toronto attractions that are cool enough for even the most discerning teens.

8. Discover a real-life winter wonderland

Have visions of sugar plums at Casa Loma, Toronto’s fairy-tale castle, while it’s decked out with dazzling holiday lights, epic Christmas trees, live music and Santa’s castle workshop.

9. Make your spirits bright at these holiday events

Count down the holidays with these limited-time-only festive events and experiences where you can capture holiday memories with friends and fam.

10. Go on a hot chocolate bender

Sip a hug in a mug at these Toronto coffee shops and cafés that serve Toronto’s best hot chocolate.

11. Sit down to a Kwanzaa feast

Celebrate international holidays in one of the world’s most diverse cities. Check out these great restaurants for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other winter celebrations.

12. Bite into edible art

Satisfy your eyes as well as your appetite at these incredible Toronto restaurants where jaw-dropping food presentation is as notable as unforgettable flavour.

13. Say cheers with these sober sips

Raise a festive glass with these festive, zero-alcohol ideas for sipping, sharing, shopping and more.

14. Soak up laidback island vibes at a Toronto tiki bar

Zombies and Mai Tais and rum punch—oh my! Catch tropical vibes with exotic sips and island eats at these tiki hotspots in Toronto.

15. Skate an enchanted lake or hop on a roller coaster

Take the fam to Canada’s Wonderland, where amusement park thrills and chills come as mild or as wild as you want during its all-ages WinterFest extravaganza.

16. Plan a Toronto Maple Leafs weekend

Make the hockey lover in your life extra merry with the ultimate gift: a game weekend in Toronto! Here’s how to build an epic Toronto hockey getaway.

17. Explore subway art

Enhance your urban explorations with art appreciation, visiting these Toronto subway stations featuring public art installations on display year-round. 

18. Load up on delectable foodie gifts

Spark delight with mouthwatering gifts from Toronto’s most flavourful foodie hotspots, including cool bottle shops, tasteful boutiques and indie coffee roasters.

19. Make a stop at Union Station

Whether you’re exploring downtown or headed to the big game, stop by Union Station for cool activities and Instagram pics during TD Union Winter (think: roller skating, live music and food!).

20. Tap your toes at Toronto jazz hotspots

Take five at Toronto jazz clubs and bars, where you can groove to local and touring musicians. Or feast your senses and your appetite at these jazz brunches across town.