Top Things To Do in Toronto This December

From holiday markets and pop-ups to limited-time festivals, tiki-themed hotspots, and MICHELIN-recognized cuisine, here are 20 exciting ways to enjoy Toronto in December.

1. Embrace holiday traditions in Toronto

From skating at Nathan Phillips Square to The Nutcracker, check out these Toronto holiday traditions that stand the test of time.

2. Shop local at Toronto holiday markets and pop-ups

Wow everyone on your list with uniquely Toronto gifts that you can score at these holiday markets and pop-ups.

3. 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.

4. Create memories at these festive events

Make your spirits bright at these Toronto holiday events… but hurry: they’re only here for a limited time!

5. Immerse yourself in Toronto’s holiday lights

Winter nights bring bright, sparkling lights! Here’s where to enjoy beautifully illuminated Christmas trees and holiday lights in Toronto.

6. Host 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.

7. Wander an outdoor holiday market

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

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. Bliss out to classical Christmas music

Go for baroque this month with classical music concerts like Christmas faves from Bach, Tchaikovsky and Handel—including a sing-along version of Messiah.

10. Load up on tasteful foodie gifts

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

11. Toast the holidays

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

12. Say cheers with these sober sips

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

13. 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.

14. Visit Toronto with the fam

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

15. Plan a Toronto Maple Leafs weekend

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

16. Chill out at a 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.

17. Festive dinner, but make it cozy

Celebrate the season with a festive meal among friends. These restaurants serve incredible cuisine in relaxed and intimate settings.

18. Create your own Toronto souvenirs

Create your own souvenirs of the 6ix at these Toronto craft studios and maker spaces. (Psst: they double as great gifts, too!)

19. Make a stop at Union Station

Whether you’re exploring downtown, catching a train or headed to the big game, stop by Union Station for yummy eats, urban art, local gifts… and the perfect Instagram pics.