6 Top Christmas Markets And Events In Toronto, Canada

christmas markets in toronto
Pala
Pala 
Updated
| 3 min read

Toronto is indeed a beautiful city to explore, so make sure you come here whenever you get an opportunity. It is Canada’s largest city, as well as Ontario’s capital. No matter when you plan to visit, you will not regret your decision as there are so many things to do in this city throughout the year. There are two Little Italies and three Chinatowns. A visit to the famous CN Tower is a must, too. It was initially constructed for broadcasting signals to meet the needs of the railway company in Canada. Your kids would simply love to explore the Toronto Zoo with endless species of animals and long walking trails. However, Christmas is when the city truly comes alive, and spending the festive season here can be so much fun. Case in point, here are the top Christmas markets and events in Toronto, Canada, that are packed with activities and wares.

1. The Distillery Winter Village

Distillery District, Toronto, Canada, 2006
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mathew Ingram used under CC BY 2.0

This Christmas market features all manner of activities to cater to different tastes and can indeed make this festive season truly magical for you and your loved ones. The Distillery Winter Village, formerly called Toronto Christmas Market, is an annual event that features a wide range of handcrafted products, hospitality gardens, various types of beers and other drinks, and much more. Entry to the market is free for all except on weekends and after 5pm on Fridays.

The Distillery Winter Village

Address: The Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 1G3, Canada

Website: The Distillery Winter Village

Dates: 18 November – 31 December 2021

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

Special hours: Dec 20 (Mon): 12pm - 9pm; closed on Dec 24 - 26; Dec 27 - 31: 12pm - 9pm

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2. Casa Loma's Christmas at the Castle


The castle Casa Loma has decided to house a wonderful winter event known as Christmas at the Castle. The castle that already looks like an image from a fairy tale will feature specially designed Christmas trees to welcome the festive season. You will be also able to admire various other designer décors that will make this holiday season even more memorable for you. The castle will open its door from 25 November to 30 December so that visitors can explore and admire its beautifully lit winter gardens. They can also watch a show by circus performers and magicians. Other highlights of this unique Christmas event are bands singing live carols, Santa’s workshop, and several other exciting activities.

Christmas at the Castle

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada

Website: Christmas at the Castle

Dates: 25 November - 30 December 2021

Christmas at the Castle opening hours. 9:30am - 4pm (daily)

Holiday Lights opening hours: 5pm - 10pm daily

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3. Polar Express in IMAX 3D


Polar Express is one of the first movies that have been beautifully converted into IMAX 3D. Enjoy a scintillating experience of watching this film in 3D and get fully immersed into the spirit of Christmas. It will be showcased at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere. The movie narrates the tale of an ordinary young boy and his extraordinary train ride to the North Pole.

Polar Express in IMAX 3D

Address: Cinesphere at Ontario Place 955 Lake Shore W, Toronto, Ontario M6K 3B9

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4. Conservatory by Candlelight

Christmas peacock
Source: Photo by Flickr user Rina Pitucci used under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you are planning to visit Toronto in December or January, make sure to drop by the Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory to enjoy spectacular displays of numerous beautifully decorated flowering plants. We recommend that you visit these conservatories on a weekend, preferably in the evening to also marvel at the beauty of the many lit candles.

Centennial Park Conservatory

Address: 151 Elmcrest Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9C 3S2, Canada

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Website: Centennial Park Conservatory

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Toronto Tour Guide

Robert G

Robert G

5. Cavalcade of Lights

Cavalcade of lights old city hall 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Glogger used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The illumination of the well-known Christmas Tree in Toronto’s Nathan Philip Square formally marks the beginning of the holiday season in the city. It is indeed an extremely special annual event, which takes place at the Cavalcade of Lights and is truly a visual treat for the onlookers. The event also features some great performances by popular musical artists of the country. For 2021, the event will not include a fireworks display, but a reimagined program will be held to maintain social distancing.

Cavalcade of Lights

Address: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, Canada

Website: Cavalcade of Lights

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6. The Sisters Touch of Christmas


Welcome to this fabulously decorated Christmas shop in Bolton, which is just about 35 km (21 mi) from the city of Toronto, Orlando. Over the years, The Sisters Touch of Christmas has emerged as an exclusive and preferred Christmas store in the vicinity. Here, you will also find a special bakery section especially for the holidays that sells many varieties of yummy and homemade Christmas treats. All treats are beautifully packaged in the spirit of Christmas. The store also sells lovely gift items for kids, an impressive collection of ornaments, unique centerpieces, themed garlands, and much more.

The Sisters Touch of Christmas

Address: 14155 Caledon King Townline S, Bolton, ON L7E 5R7, Canada

Dates: From now till 24 December

Opening hours. Thu - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm

Special hours: Dec 20 - 23: 10am - 7pm; Dec 24: 10am - 3pm

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Celebrate Christmas in Toronto in style

Christmas in Toronto
Source: Photo by user Dan Gaken used under CC BY 2.0

Christmas is a joyous occasion that brings friends and family together through fun and festivities, and Toronto is rife with them. Regardless of whether you love to follow old traditions or experiment with new elements, these events and Christmas markets would definitely excite and enthral you.

When you’re visiting Toronto this Christmas, be sure not to miss them.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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