Christmas Day doesn’t mean everything shuts down—there are still plenty of things to do in Toronto. Whether you’re seeking festive fun or a quiet escape, the city has you covered. From cozy celebrations to offbeat adventures, Christmas Day in Toronto proves there’s always something to do, no matter how you choose to spend it.
The Toronto Zoo
Yes, the Toronto Zoo IS open on Christmas Day! There are over 3,000 animals and 10 km of walking trails. Lot’s to do, lot’s to see!
When: December 25, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 2000 Meadowvale Rd
Cost: Adults: $27.95 and children: $19.57
Ripley’s Aquarium
When: Dec. 25, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 288 Bremner Boulevard
Cost: $46+
Window Wonderland
Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood has transformed into a free outdoor art gallery with 20 augmented reality window installations and five murals.
The fourth annual Window Wonderland event runs until Jan. 31, 2025. This urban art walk features artwork designed by local and international artists.
Visitors can bring the artwork to life using an AR app, Artivive – a first of its kind for the city.
When: Until Jan. 31, 2025
Where: Along Dundas St W – map
Cost: Free
Miracle Toronto
Guests can expect all the Christmas excitement from kitschy holiday decor, a delightful array of holiday-inspired cocktails, visits from Santa and cheerful events.
The bar is hosted by the award-winning team behind Civil Liberties so expect some of the best cocktail creations around.
It’s cute, it’s cozy, it’s Christmas and they’re open on the 25th.
When: Dec. 25, 2024 – 2 p.m., to 2 a.m.
Where: Third Place, 875 Bloor St W
Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights
Toronto’s Casa Loma has transformed the castle grounds into a winter wonderland for the holiday season
Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour experiences will take over Casa Loma right into Jan. 4, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., respectively.
On Dec. 25, 2024, Holiday Lights will not be available however the Christmas at the Castle experience will be.
Start your day surrounded by holiday magic that takes over the castle, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight other signature trees by talented Canadian designers
When: Dec. 25, 2024 – 9:30 a.m., to 5 p.m.
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: $44.49
Irie Christmas Market
Nothing screams holiday spirit like supporting local artists and small businesses! Stop by the Irie Christmas Market and check out some amazing vendors like Gwaan Goodies, and Powa Tonics.
When: Dec. 25, 2024 – 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 100 Yore Rd
Cost: Free
Cineplex
Grab the fam and hit up your local Cineplex location on Christmas Day
When: Dec. 25, 2024
Where: Locations across the city
Cost: $15+ (varies)
Winter Skating at the Bentway
The Bentway, Toronto’s figure eight skating trail under the Gardiner opens for the season on Dec. 21.
It’s free to enjoy and all you need to do is strap on some skates or rent them for $12.
When: Dec. 25, 2024 from 12 p.m, to 9 p.m.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: Free admission
Christmas Dinner at O’Grady’s
Enjoy a festive Christmas Dinner at O’Grady’s Restaurant On Church. This experience includes a three-course turkey dinner. Bring friends, family even your neighbour! Just make sure everyone dining with you has a ticket for the timeslot you plan on booking.
When: Dec. 25, 2025- 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Where: O’Grady’s Restaurant On Church – 518 Church St
Cost: $43.88
Cavalcade of Lights
Grab your skates and hit the rink! Family skating on Christmas sounds so wholesome, so why not plan a mini trip to Nathan Phillips Square for some skating fun.
This year’s Cavalcade of Lights will have stunning art installations to check out. ECHO is an interactive piece where guests can “explore the hidden power of their unique voices.” One of the other pieces featured at the festival is called Lunar Lanterns. According to the city, “This installation invites the diverse communities of Canada to come together and share their stories.”
When: Dec. 25, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St. West
Cost: Free
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