Toronto transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season, with neighbourhoods and landmarks lighting up in vibrant displays that draw locals and visitors alike. From massive light installations to cozy neighbourhood displays, here’s a guide to the best spots to see holiday lights in Toronto, complete with locations, dates, and highlights.
Plan Your Holiday Lights Tour
Toronto’s holiday light displays bring joy to the season and offer an ideal opportunity to experience the city’s festive spirit. From grand installations at iconic city landmarks to cozy neighbourhood displays, these lights create magical experiences that make the holidays special for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings or a romantic date night, Toronto’s holiday light spots are sure to enchant you.
Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
November 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Toronto’s iconic Cavalcade of Lights kicks off the city’s holiday season with a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony and musical performances. This annual event lights up Nathan Phillips Square with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights, illuminating the space from the city’s towering Christmas tree to the ice-skating rink below. Visitors can enjoy free performances, and hot cocoa, and take in the festive surroundings under the twinkling lights.
Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery District, 55 Mill St.
November 14 – December 31, 2024
The historic Distillery District becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays, with festive light displays adorning cobblestone streets and Victorian-era buildings. The Distillery Winter Village features more than 75 local vendors, light installations, a grand Christmas tree, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect location for a romantic evening stroll or a cozy family outing to soak up the holiday atmosphere.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Select nights from November 15 – December 31, 2024
Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a holiday dreamland for WinterFest, featuring millions of sparkling lights, holiday-themed rides, live entertainment, and festive food. The park’s various themed zones each offer unique holiday experiences, from ice skating on Snowflake Lake to the enchanted Christmas market and holiday treats. WinterFest offers something for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families and friends.
Main Street Markham’s Annual Festival of Lights Celebration
Main Street Markham
November 29, 2024 | 6 – 9 pm
Main Street Markham’s Annual Festival of Lights
Celebration is a beloved community event that ushers in the holiday season with vibrant displays and festive cheer. Each year, this enchanting celebration transforms the historic downtown area into a winter wonderland, captivating visitors with dazzling light installations, seasonal decorations, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The festival typically features ceremonial tree lighting, where families gather to witness the moment the tree is illuminated, symbolizing the spirit of unity and joy during the holiday season.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic 2024
Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland Street and Bellair Street)
Starts November 23, 2024 | 5 to 7 pm
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic marks the official start of the holiday season in one of Toronto’s most luxurious neighbourhoods. Visitors can expect to be dazzled by the official lighting ceremony that transforms Yorkville into a glowing winter wonderland, with glittering lights decorating the park and surrounding streets. Live musical performances by top local talent will set the festive mood, making it the perfect evening for families, friends, and shoppers to come together. Whether you’re strolling through the picturesque streets or enjoying the music, Holiday Magic offers a delightful holiday experience for all, kicking off the season with joy, warmth, and community spirit.
Light up the Square
Mississauga’s Celebration Square
November 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a magical experience at Light Up the Square 2024 in Mississauga! The event begins with the official lighting of Mississauga’s Christmas tree, a breathtaking display of thousands of sparkling lights. As the sun sets, Celebration Square will come alive with illuminated installations and interactive light displays, making it a picture-perfect destination for holiday photos. Whether it’s wandering through glittering pathways or capturing a moment under twinkling archways, visitors are encouraged to explore every corner of the square to experience the full effect of the magical winter lights.
illumi – A Dazzling World of Lights
7174 Derry Crest Dr., Mississauga
November 1, 2024 – January 13, 2025
The epic and imaginary light show features more than 20 million LED bulbs through 13 magical worlds across a 600,000-sq-ft site! After raising its White Big Top throughout the Greater Toronto area with its shows Cavalia and Odysséo over the last decade, the creators of Cavalia are ecstatic to return, this time not with their four-legged stars – but instead, with millions and millions of lights!
Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights and Christmas at the Castle
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
December 5, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Casa Loma becomes a majestic holiday escape with its Christmas at the Castle event, showcasing thousands of lights, decorated Christmas trees, and themed holiday rooms throughout the castle. Outdoor light displays, reindeer encounters, and Santa Claus visits create a whimsical experience that’s perfect for families. Inside the castle, guests can tour lavishly decorated rooms, enjoy seasonal treats, and even meet Santa in his festive grotto.
November 15 – 16, 2024 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Winter Nights, City Lights
Esplanade Park & Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
Participate in the annual winter season celebration! Watch the City of Pickering light up Esplanade Park with festive decor and fireworks. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a new art installation, Instagram-worthy photo ops, artisan markets, and more. St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank will be collecting Food & Toy Donations.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.
