Twinkle, sparkle and shine… it’s almost Christmas time! What better way to usher in the holiday spirit than with some spectacular light displays across the Greater Toronto Area. Whether indoors or outdoors, by foot or by car, these festivals and shows are bound to instantly get you into a festive mood, especially when there’s carols playing! Embrace the magic and wonder of these Christmas lights in festivals and displays across Toronto and the GTA.
The Distillery Winter Village
When: November 16 — December 31, 2023
Embrace the holiday spirit of a traditional outdoor Christmas market at The Distillery Winter Village, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets of under canopies of Christmas lights, take photos by the huge Christmas tree in Trinity Square and much more.
stackt market Holiday Hills
When: November 17 — December 31, 2023
The stackt market downtown outdoor market hosts the free Holiday Hills festival, with a 120-foot Tunnel of Lights with stunning city views, vendor markets, Family Funday Sundays, and more.
City of Toronto: Cavalcade of Lights
When: November 25, 2023 — January 7, 2024
The City of Toronto hosts Cavalcade of Lights, a free festival that bathes Nathan Phillips Square, transforming City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland every night during the the holiday season.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
When: November 25 – December 31, 2023; Official tree lighting ceremony: November 25, 5:00-7:00pm
This free festival casts a glow on the famous upscale shopping and entertainment area this festive season with lights and music.
Holiday Fair in the Square
When: December 1-23, 2023
Holiday Fair In The Square heads to North York this year with an artisan market, food vendors, performers, a fireside lounge, and photos with Santa.
Casa Loma: Holiday Lights
When: December 1, 2023 — January 6, 2024
Experience the joy and magic of the holiday season at Casa Loma with their Holiday Lights tour that lets visitors tour the historic castle after dark to see dazzling light displays in the landscaped gardens and mysterious tunnels.
Holiday Nights of Lights
When: December 1, 2023 — January 7, 2024
Gather the whole family for all-new displays and interactive activities at Holiday Nights of Lights, now at the Scarborough Town Centre. Be dazzled by the sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and then the spectacular Mistletoe Lane winter fair experience. Plus, Family Fun Toronto readers get a festive treat with 15% off tickets using the promo code FAMFUN.
Yonge-Dundas Square: Winter Glow
When: December 14-23, 2023
Yonge-Dundas Square shines on with Winter Glow, a new holiday fun event in the heart of downtown Toronto, featuring carnival rides, midway games and carnival treats.
Friends of High Park Zoo: Snowflake Walk
When: December 17, 2023
Friends of High Park Zoo hosts the Snowflake Walk, where you can stroll through the Zoo in the dark to see the park’s trees lit up and maybe see some animals too!
Christmas Lights in the GTA
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: First Light
When: November 16 – December 2, 2023
Celebrating 23 years of holiday magic, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons presents a traditional celebration with First Light, including family activities and live musical performances, all aglow with thousands of candles.
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
When: November 17 – December 31, 2023
The amusement park becomes a winter wonderland for WinterFest. Take a starlit walk through a 100-foot-long, coloured LED tunnel. Plus there’s festive shows and food, and an artisan market.
Angus Glen Golf Club: Angus Glen Winter Lights
When: November 17 — December 22, 2023
Angus Glen Golf Club hosts the Winter At Angus series of holiday events, including fine dining and Winter Lights, their annual self-guided light show walking tour.
Kortright Centre Magical Christmas Forest
When: November 24 – December 23, 2023
Escape into the woods at the Kortright Centre, including a winter wonderland at Santa’s cabin with lights, wagon rides, crafts, children’s activities and treats for the whole family!
Halton Hills: Light up the Hills Winter Festival
When: December 1, 2023 – January 14, 2024
Halton Hills is lighting up their parks this holiday season at the Light up the Hills Winter Festival to bring joy and hope to surrounding communities with light displays, free to view.
Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights
When: December 2, 2023 — January 6, 2024
More brilliant than ever, the annual Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights event features light displays every evening, even on Christmas Day!
illumi by Cavalia
When: Continuing until January 7, 2024
illumi by Cavalia is a magical nocturnal outdoor journey that ignites the night with thousands of structures and the Tree of Lights.
Gift of Lights & Jingle Bell Rock at Bingemans
When: November 17, 2023 — January 6, 2024
Head to Kitchener for Gift of Lights & Jingle Bell Rock at Bingemans, a family-friendly event with spectacular lighting displays.
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) Winter Wonders
When: November 23, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (Except November 26, December 24, December 31)
Discover the magic of nature and light at the newest experience from the Royal Botanical Gardens with festive light displays dotting a 1.5 km pathway through the park.
Burlington Festival of Lights
When: November 24, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Drive or walk along the waterfront in Burlington for the annual Festival of Lights for a great free outing for the family this year.
Mississauga Festival of Trees
When: December 8-17, 2023
This festival celebrates the joy of the season with seasonal lights, wood art, markets and workshops, located along the lakeshore.
Lights on Stratford Winter Festival of Lights
When: December 15, 2023 – January 13, 2024
The free annual Lights On Stratford Winter Festival of Lights transforms Stratford’s heritage downtown core and parks with luminous art and interactive light installations.
Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue: Christmas with Wildlife
When: November 16 — December 17, 2023
Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue presents Christmas with Wildlife where guests explore the wildlife centre, have treats, see light displays, and more.
Niemi Farm Christmas Market
When: November 17 – December 23, 2023
Feel the hygge at this outdoor holiday experience with fresh local food, visits with Santa, twinkly forest lights perfect for photo opportunities, kids activities and a Scandinavian flair.
Brooks Farms Festive Nights
When: November 24 – December 23, 2023
Stroll through the evergreen forest with holiday lights and displays, holiday characters and live music by local musicians. Enjoy wagon rides, festive treats and marshmallow roasting, along with a visit with Santa.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
When: November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Get your fill of sparkle and good cheer at the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights. It’s Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival!
Safari Niagara: Safari Lights
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
The Safari Lights drive-thru adventure at Safari Niagara has immersive light tunnels, motion lights, and whimsical animal light displays.
Walk through a Winter Wonderland with more Holiday Events here!
