/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24540531/The_Legend_of_Zelda__Tears_of_the_Kingdom___Official_Trailer__2_____The_Legend_of_Zelda__Tears_of_the_Kingdom___Official_Trailer__2_2023_3_27_123238.488_1080p_streamshot.png "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has dropped to $30 for the first time")
One of the most magical parts of the holiday season is experiencing the dazzling Christmas lights! Toronto is one of the best cities in the world to witness holiday light displays — it’s filled with iconic locations displaying everything from traditional lights to interactive art installations. To help guide you to the most charming displays, here are some of the most enchanting spots around Toronto to see Christmas lights.
stackt market’s Holiday Hills
North America’s largest shipping container market is back with the popular Holiday Hills festival, and a major feature is the tunnel of lights — a 100-foot-long light installation that perfectly frames a breathtaking backdrop of the CN Tower for the most stunning, Toronto-centric holiday photo op. Check out their full schedule for local vendor markets, live entertainment, workshops and delicious culinary adventures among the curling lanes, cozy fire pits, s’more huts, whiskey speakeasies and more.
High Park Zoo’s Snowflake Walk
An annual tradition for the High Park Zoo, the Snowflake Walk happens after the sun sets on Dec. 15 and transforms the zoo into a wintry paradise. Every tree along the path will be decked out in sparkling lights, and as you take in the sights, carolers will serenade you with holiday favourites and Santa will pay a special visit to the kids. Best of all — there’s a sweet treat in store for all visitors!
Nathan Phillips Square — Cavalcade of Lights
The square is one of the most perfect spots to experience the magic of the holiday season! The beloved Cavalcade of Lights is a free event that transforms City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with a brilliant display of lights, a towering Christmas tree, a skating rink bathed in lights, winter solstice celebrations, and international lantern, fire and light festivals! Opening night takes place this Saturday and will be filled with tree lighting, festive lighting displays, live music and public skating runs! From Nov. 30, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025. 100 Queen St. W.
Holiday Fair in the Square
This annual holiday tradition never disappoints — taking over Mel Lastman Square this year, the space will be filled with lights as visitors stroll through the artisan marketplace, relax with a drink from the Polar Point Bar in hand by the fireside lounge, toast a s’more or two, snack on some treats from local food trucks and so much more. New this year, be dazzled by the Holiday Maze, a human-sized maze decked out in festive lights from head to toe with fun surprises around every corner. Runs from Dec. 6-23.
Distillery Winter Village
The historic Distillery District transforms into a magical holiday marketplace adorned with thousands of festive lights, decorations and a 55-foot, silver fir Christmas tree! In addition to the enchanting lights, visitors can meet with Santa at Santa’s Village, warm up with delicious hot chocolate, mail their letters to Santa at the North Pole Post and listen to live carollers. Runs until Jan. 5. Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St.
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The park features millions of lights and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street, placing you in a world of holiday magic! This immersive holiday experience is perfect for the whole family; holiday-themed entertainment includes ice skating on Snowflake Lake, more than a dozen live shows, exciting rides and more. Runs on select nights until Jan. 4, 2025.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Bloor-Yorkville will be illuminated with thousands of lights and a stunning Christmas tree until Dec. 31! At this one-of-a-kind display of festive lighting, visitors can also look forward to shopping, dining and taking in the neighbourhood’s art and cultural attractions surrounded by the magical lighting along tree-lined streets. After a day of shopping, check out the urban campfire benches along Bloor Street (between Church Street and Avenue Road) — they light up in holiday colours when in use! Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St & Bellair St).
Toronto Eaton Centre | Sankofa Square
The Eaton Centre has turned into a winter wonderland, filled with daily tree lightings and snow shows. The mall has one of the largest indoor Christmas trees in North America, standing at an impressive 114 feet tall! The spectacular indoor lighting display extends outdoors to a winter carnival at Sankofa Square. Beginning Dec. 5, head over to Yonge and Dundas to enjoy a magical winter festival, filled with gorgeous lights, a 30-foot tree, rides, delicious snacks, campy holiday hits, live entertainment, special theme days and giveaways! 220 Yonge St | 1 Dundas St E.
Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle
Who wouldn’t want to experience the magic of Christmas in a historic castle? Stroll through thousands of dazzling lights inside and outside the castle and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Before you leave, check out the 40-foot-tall tree in the Great Hall! Kids are invited to visit Santa in his castle workshop and participate in festive arts and crafts. This will be a holiday-lighting event you won’t want to miss! 1 Austin Terrace.
