The season of giving can certainly add up! December is an expensive month and we don’t blame you if you’re trying to save a buck or two when you leave the house. Luckily, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Toronto that won’t break the bank. These are 15 free and cheap things to do in Toronto this December.
Cavalcade of Lights
Toronto’s free, glittering winter festival runs every day in December!
Enjoy free skating, stunning art installations and dazzling lights – the perfect place to visit with friends and family.
When: Every day in December
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Cost: Free
BloorYorkville Holiday Magic
Spectacular light displays will illuminate the Bloor-Yorkville area all December long.
The holiday lighting will wind along the tree-lined streets, free to enjoy this festive season.
When: Every day in December
Where: Bloor-Yorkville
Cost: Free
The Junction Window Wonderland
Toronto’s award-winning winter art exhibition, Window Wonderland returns and will run all December long!
This free outdoor art gallery will feature 20 augmented reality (AR) window installations and ten murals, all designed by local and international artists.
When: Every day in December
Where: The Junction
Cost: Free
Barkada Holiday Market
Shop clothing, jewelry, home decor, art and accessories at this adorable market.
Happening at Stackt, the first 20 shoppers in line will receive a swag bag packed with local goodies!
When: December 1st, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Stackt Matket, 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Free admission
Toronto Art Crawl
100+ talented Toronto artists and artisans will have their work on display at Queen West’s The Great Hall. Food vendors and a DJ will be on-site, too.
When: December 1st, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St W
Cost: Free admission
The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works
This winter market at Evergreen Brick Works has it all.
Visitors can check out vintage clothing, handmade art and more from 60+ vendors. There will also be a food court and food trucks selling mouth-watering treats and drinks.
Admission is free.
When: December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave
Cost: Free admission
Regent Park Film Festival
Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) spans four days, showcasing work from rising and renowned filmmakers all aimed to resonate with and relate to the diverse lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities.
The final day of the Regent Park Film Festival is on December 1st so head over to catch some amazing flicks, free of charge.
When: December 1st, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Where: Daniels Spectrum Cultural Centre, 585 Dundas St E
Cost: Free
Queen East Winter Windows
Queen Street East is bringing the holiday spirit with window art by local artists on 45+ storefront businesses in Riverside and Leslieville.
Elevate your winter stroll by checking out the free installations all around the east end from December 1st – 13th.
When: December 1st – 13th, 2024
Where: Riverside & Leslieville
Cost: Free
Holiday Hills
Toronto’s “coolest winter wonderland” is happening at Stackt Market, bursting with “epic holiday vibes and daily events.”
Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts, snapping some cute photos or want to see some beautiful light displays, this is the spot for you in December.
When: December 1st – 29th, 2024 starting at 4:00 PM
Where: Stackt Matket, 28 Bathurst St
Cost: Free admission
Shomigo Holiday Market
Over 40 vendors selling food, gifts, vintage finds and handmade crafts will be on display at this holiday market.
There will also be live music to enjoy while you shop!
When: December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: 81 Bay St
Cost: Free admission
Winter Glow
Winter Glow is back for December and this year, there will be a massive 45-foot Ferris Wheel in Sankofa Square.
Starting December 5th and running until December 22nd, Winter Glow will take over the former Yonge-Dundas Square with carnival rides, midway games, delicious treats and holiday music.
When: December 5th – December 22nd, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St E
Cost: Free admission and ride tickets for $6 each
Holiday Fair In The Square
Stroll through the artisan marketplace, warm up in the Fireside Lounge while sipping a hot chocolate or mulled wine and toasting your very own s’more or snap some Instagram-worthy pics!
This free holiday fair is family-friendly and free to attend.
When: December 6th – December 23rd, 2024
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St
Cost: Free admission
Holiday Market at Toronto Botanical Gardens
This holiday market will showcase 60 local vendors selling planet-friendly and botanically-themed products.
Guests can also lounge by the campfire or grab snacks and drinks at a food truck or at one of the indoor vendors.
When: December 13th – December 15th, 2024
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Cost: Free admission
Winter Skating at the Bentway
The Bentway, Toronto’s figure eight skating trail under the Gardiner opens for the season on December 21st.
Free to enjoy, all you need to do is strap on some skates.
When: Opens December 21st, 2024
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: Free admission
NYE at Celebration Square
Fireworks, skating, food trucks, music, need we say more?
Ring in the new year at Celebration Square starting at 8:00 PM with a fireworks show to kick off 2025.
When: December 31st, 2024 starting at 8:00 PM
Where: Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr
Cost: Free admission
Enjoy these free and cheap things to do and happy holidays, Toronto!
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