Sitting on the northwestern coast of beautiful Lake Ontario, Toronto is a prominent city in Canada and the capital of the well-known province of Ontario. The iconic CN tower, museums, galleries, soaring skyscrapers, a vibrant entertainment district, beautiful green spaces, and gorgeous beaches, make it one of the most famous tourist destinations. Also, it organizes splendid Christmas celebrations every year. So if you’re wondering what to do on Christmas day in Toronto, you have many choices. From the fascinating Toronto Christmas Market, beautiful Christmas Flower Show, celebratory Santa Claus Parade, and Christmas Wonderland, to Aurora Winter Festival, Toronto has it all to make your Christmas holidays memorable. With Christmas around the corner, choose to spend your winter vacations in this Canadian city with your family and revel in the festive celebrations. Choose among the best themed hotels in Toronto and begin your holiday excursion. Check out these best things to do at Christmas in Toronto!
1. Have fun at The Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Animal Enrichment Days
Posted by The Toronto Zoo on Monday, 25 December 2017
If you are fond of animals, do not miss the Holiday Animal Enrichment Days at Toronto Zoo. Spending time here helps you learn about the significance of the enrichment program of the zoo in a fun way. Watch various amazing animals here being part of the experiences, which are meant for their health and welfare. The organized experiences here include the use of a variety of puzzle feeders, peculiar scents, foods, and some more products from the Enrichment Giving Tree. After watching the animals, please your taste buds by enjoying scrumptious festive treats here.
The Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Animal Enrichment Days
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Website: The Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Animal Enrichment Days
Takes place: December to January
2. Revel in glory at Cavalcade Of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
The commencement of Cavalcade of Lights kicks off the fascinating holiday season in Toronto. It begins with the lighting of the big 60-foot (18-meter) Official Christmas Tree of Toronto and the famous Nathan Philips Square. Have fun at the organized DJ skating party and while watching circus arts and eye-catching fireworks displays. Also, enjoy viewing and listening to amazing live musical performances at this Christmas attraction in Toronto.
Cavalcade Of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2, Canada
Website: Cavalcade Of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Takes place: November to January
3. Celebrate Christmas at Riverdale Farm
Come on by on December 12! We have a craft for you to make, cookie decorating, treats from the kitchen, & a visit from...
Posted by Riverdale Farm Toronto on Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Situated in Toronto’s Cabbagetown, Riverdale Farm is a famous sprawling working farm that raises livestock and features vegetable, herb, and flower gardens, and ponds and wooded areas. It hosts exciting Christmas celebrations and welcomes you to spend a fun family day. Enjoy creating bird feeders and hand-dipped candles and decorating lovely gingerbread cookies. Sample savory snacks from the kitchen of the farm. Santa’s visit will brighten up your face with a smile.
Riverdale Farm
Address: 201 Winchester St, Toronto, ON M4X 1B8, Canada
Website: Riverdale Farm
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Be in awe under the lights of Glow Toronto
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visiting Toronto during Christmas? Bring the holiday spirit indoors and join the fun at Glow Toronto. This indoor winter festival is open to all ages! Held at the Toronto Congress Centre, the event offers vibrant light gardens and illuminated structures as you explore the kiosks that serve tasty grub and delicious drinks. You can do your Christmas shopping at the artisan shops too. Of course, what’s a holiday event without some heart-warming live entertainment? Take the whole family for a day of fun and let the kids have fun on the playgrounds!
Glow Toronto
Address: Toronto Congress Center, North Building, 1020 Martin Grove Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 4W1, Canada
Website: Glow Toronto
Takes place: November to January
Toronto Tour Guide
Robert G
5. Step into the world of Christmas magic with Canada's Wonderland Winterfest
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Have a magical Christmas with family and friends in Canada’s Wonderland. It’s a one-of-a-kind holiday event where you’ll have unlimited fun making special memories. Enjoy more than a dozen live shows from world-class performers, ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, writing a letter to Santa, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, and much more. Relish the festive food, buy perfect holiday gifts, and get ready to be mesmerized by millions of dazzling lights, and hundreds of glorious Christmas trees, including two 50-foot (15.24-meter) Christmas trees.
Canada's Wonderland Winterfest
Address: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Maple, ON L6A 1S6, Canada
Website: Canada’s Wonderland Winterfest
Takes place: November to December
6. Immerse yourself at Window Wonderland at The Junction
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Spice up your trip to the Great White North by visiting this year’s Window Wonderland at The Junction. This urban art walk allows you to immerse yourself in the artwork of local artists. You’ll be walking through the neighborhood, but thanks to the aid of augmented reality, you will be transported to a gallery where you’ll experience the works of the animators. The public art display is the first of its kind in the city. Treat yourself to a unique holiday experience at Window Wonderland.
Window Wonderland at The Junction
Address: The Junction, 2978 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario
Website: Window Wonderland at The Junction
Takes place: November to January
7. Shop for crafts and sweets at Toronto Christmas Market
Are you a shopaholic and looking forward to shopping for amazing crafts and items during Christmas in Toronto? If yes, make sure you visit Toronto Christmas Market that offers your wonderful shopping opportunities. Find locally handcrafted items, beautiful wood carvings, exquisite cloth creations, mouth-blown glass, artistic decorative items, elegant glassware, lovely gifts, and many more amazing things to shop. Do not miss sampling savory delicacies, such as German potato pancakes with sour cream and applesauce. Be pleased to watch Santa and his elves here.
Toronto Christmas Market
Address: 373 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1G4, Canada
Website: Toronto Christmas Market
Takes place: November to December
8. Step into Christmas wonderland at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Make your Christmas more enjoyable by visiting the Christmas wonderland at Black Creek Pioneer Village. It hosts amazing Christmas activities in Toronto every weekend for your kids. Participate in these festive activities and discover old traditions. Enjoy creating beautiful Christmas crafts and have fun decorating cookies. Go for a wagon ride and tour through the village. Listen to a classic Christmas tale from Santa and click a photo with him.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, North York, ON M3J 2P3, Canada
Website: Black Creek Pioneer Village
Takes place: December
9. Visit the Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory
From the Allan Gardens Conservatory 2017 Christmas Flower Show, kalanchoes in detail detail by garden muses: not...
Posted by Paul Jung Gardening Services Inc. on Sunday, 17 December 2017
Delight in the joy of festive spirit by going for the Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory. Numerous beautiful flowering plants, more than 30 spectacular varieties of the lovely poinsettia, and eye-catching topiary creations adorn the sprawling conservatory. Marvel at the sight of jaw-dropping floral scenes that feature several multi-hued blooms, verdant plants, and exquisite vines. On the opening day, participate in family-friendly events along with sing-alongs with festive Victorian carollers. Do not miss having a delicious apple cider.
Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory
Address: Allan Gardens, 19 Horticultural Ave., Toronto
Website: Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory
Takes place: December to January
10. Watch and cheer on the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade
Kensington Market is a popular open-air market featuring numerous local businesses in Toronto. Watch the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade during your Christmas holidays. Cheer on the parade displaying hand-made lanterns, rooftop masking antics, huge puppets, amazing tented scenes of shadow play, and unique stilted dances with musical assistance. View the breathtaking illuminations by the fire breathers and spinners. Embrace the festive spirit and make your Christmas in Toronto, Canada a special one!
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade
Address: Kensington Market, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website: Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade
Takes place: December
11. Feel the magic of Christmas at Casa Loma
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Participate in the festive spirit at Casa Loma during the amazing Christmas at the Castle. Enjoy various praiseworthy performances and fun-filled activities with your entire family. Watch incredible shows that display outstanding performances of a well-known illusionist performer and talented ice skating experts. Marvel at the spectacles of illusions and brilliant festive décor. Admire the 40-foot (12.19-meter) tall tree present in the Great Hall and other beautifully designed signature decors. Encourage kids to take part in the festive creations and experience the joy of developing exquisite arts and crafts. Have fun decorating the savory festive delicacies. A pleasant visit to the ‘Big Guy’ in the castle workshop will add more charm to your evening.
Christmas At The Castle
Address: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Website: Christmas At The Castle
Takes place: November to December
12. Watch the Toronto Santa Claus Parade at St. Lawrence Market
View the splendid Santa Claus Parade in St. Lawrence Market and cheer it on. It is famous for being the world’s longest-running children’s parade. Experience the holiday spirit and watch amazing displays and celebrations as the parade proceeds. The broadcast of this festive parade features across North America. Also, before the commencement of the parade, cheer on the participants for the Holly Jolly Fun Run.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade in St. Lawrence Market
Address: Parliament and Bloor to St. Lawrence Market, Toronto
Opening hours: Toronto Santa Claus Parade
Takes place: December
13. Enjoy Aurora Winter Festival [CLOSED]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy the Christmas magic at Aurora Winter Festival, the biggest winter festival celebrated in the country. The magical festive wonderland offers numerous attractions to make your celebrations special. Tour through the Christmas Market and shop your favorite items. Grab a suitable tube and glide down the ice at the tube park. Put on your ice skating rental and explore the skating rink. Meet magical festive characters and exchange greetings. Tour through well-organized food gardens. Experience the fun as you go for various rides. Admire the interesting theater performances and listen to engaging live music.
Aurora Winter Festival
Address: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website: Aurora Winter Festival
[CLOSED]
14. Be amazed at Jamie Allan's Illusionarium [CLOSED]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Leave it up to Toronto to provide its people with truly unique and bizarre experiences this Christmas. Joining this list of one-of-a-kind activities is Illusionarium. Just by the name itself you already know you’re going to have a trippy time. Brought to us by famous illusionist Jamie Allan, the labyrinth is a group of rooms with psychedelic 3D projections and holograms, creating magical illusions that are beyond comprehension. Keep your mind curious this holiday and partake in an otherworldly experience at Illusionarium!
Jamie Allan's Illusionarium
Address: 1 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5E 1W7 Canada
Website: Jamie Allan’s Illusionarium
[CLOSED]
Immerse in the festive spirit
Toronto is an enchanting city with numerous attractions and landmarks. Christmas celebrations here are splendid and full of fun. So, plan your upcoming winter vacation in this beautiful Canadian city, and book an awesome Airbnb vacation rental in Toronto to make your trip memorable. Enjoy all these best things to do in Toronto this Christmas, and have wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Frequently asked questions about things to do at Christmas in Toronto
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