Christmas Event Guide Sponsored by York-Durham Heritage Railway

Hang up the mistletoe and tinsel, and start planning your family holiday schedule… it’s time to unwrap our Christmas Event Guide for Toronto and the GTA 2023! Plus, stay tuned because there is so much holiday fun happening this year that our festive coverage will continue to grow.

Especially during the holidays, we can really appreciate spending time with our loved ones. There are so many different types of family-friendly activities to partake in this year. Check out light displays, performances, markets, festivals, food events, and much more! Don’t miss out on riding the rails this year with York-Durham Heritage Railway, who is hosting families at four different Christmas themed train rides this festive season.

York-Durham Heritage RailwayYDHR Square

Ride into holiday fun this Christmas season with the York-Durham Heritage Railway (YDHR) while experiencing the spectacular countryside of the Oak Ridges Moraine, just a short drive north of the big city in the town of Uxbridge. This year, they are hosting four separate and exciting train rides, which are a must-do for train enthusiasts but also nature lovers.
Get more details here!


YPT Wonderful LifeYoung People’s Theatre (YPT): “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”

Ring in the holidays with YPT as they present “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, with an ensemble cast retelling this beloved story. Reimagined for the stage and adapted as a radio broadcast, you become the live studio audience of the radio play, set in a 1940s studio!
Get more details here!


Bingemans Gift of Lights & Jingle Bell Rock

Kitchener-Waterloo becomes a festive party this year with Bingemans Gift of Lights and Jingle Bell Rock! This family-friendly holiday lights display lets you take in spectacular tunnels and lighting decorations, in your car or on foot. This iconic attraction sparkles with over a million lights.
Get more details here!


Black Creek Pioneer Village

Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village at Festive Fun at the Village. In the daytime, enjoy a traditional holiday with Santa At The Village, with an option to have a VIP visit with the jolly fellow. Then, spend a magical evening at Festive Nights, featuring historic buildings in their festive finery.
Get more details here!


Casa Loma ChristmasCasa Loma

Families can revel in the magic of the holiday season at Toronto’s historic castle, Casa Loma, returning with their two special Christmas events: Christmas at the Castle and the Holiday Lights Tour. Guests can drop in to wish Santa a Merry Christmas in his jolly toy workshop, or venture through a wintery scene after dark with landscaped gardens and mysterious tunnels set aglow.
Get more details here!


Cirque du Soleil Crystal Square

Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL

This holiday season, the renowned Canadian circus troupe astounds audiences in Oshawa and Hamilton with CRYSTAL, their coolest arena show ever! CRYSTAL is a groundbreaking performance where the magic of Cirque du Soleil meets the ice. This is their first-ever on-ice show that combines ice skating, juggling and acrobatics for an unforgettable display of athletic prowess and artistic grace.
Get more details here!


Boldly Productions: “Chris Mrs.”

Celebrate the holiday season with the World Premiere of “Chris, Mrs. – A New Holiday Musical”! This uplifting story is full of mischief and mistletoe, plus even some twisted ankles and tangled heartstrings. Sure to tickle your funny bone and stir your emotions, “Chris, Mrs.” is bound to be a new holiday musical tradition.
Get more details here!


Holiday Fair in the Square

This year, the heart of North York transforms into a magical winter wonderland! The free Holiday Fair in the Square outdoor festival heads north to Mel Lastman Square, the heart of North Toronto, featuring tempting food vendors, talented roaming performers, exciting rides and games, and fun photo ops.
Get more details here!


Holiday Nights of Lightsholiday nights square

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.
Get more details here!


Pickering Museum Village

Give your family a fairytale holiday season at the Pickering Museum Village “A Storybook Christmas” event. Teddy takes visitors on a festive adventure to follow along with. Plus, guests visit with the man in red and discover all the joys of a traditional holiday season. Grab your coat and get into the Christmas spirit!
Get more details here!


Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO):  “Home Alone” In Concert

There’s no need to scream… Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) brings “Home Alone” in Concert back to Roy Thomson Hall for the holiday season! This beloved family comedy about Kevin, a boy mistakenly forgotten at home at Christmas, features the delightful score by legendary composer John Williams.
Get more details here!

York Durham North Pole

Christmas Light Displays in the GTA

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!
Get more details here!


Santa Sightings in the GTA

Santa Claus is coming to town! The Family Fun Toronto Guide to Santa Sightings in the GTA has arrived with bells on. The man with the bag is back for the Ho-Ho-Holidays so check out all the different ways you can catch up with the jolly fellow.
Get more details here!


Santa Claus Parades in the GTA and Southern Ontario

There are Santa parades happening all over the GTA once again this year. Whether it’s a local neighbourhood parade or a huge extravaganza, the childrens’ eyes always widen with excitement at the sight of the big guy.
Get more details here!


Santa Breakfasts Santa Breakfasts in Toronto and the GTA

Combining a holiday visit with Santa with the deliciousness of breakfast foods is the stuff Christmas dreams are made of! Create festive memories with your family, enjoy a delicious breakfast spread and have a jolly good time with Santa.
Get more details here!


Guide to Holiday Concerts and Shows in Toronto

A great idea for a special festive treat for you and your family is to take in a concert, play or dance performance over the holidays and school break. Plus, it’s a fantastic excuse to get dressed up and hit the town!
Get more details here!


Guide to Christmas Markets and Craft Shows in Toronto and the GTA

Instead of going to the big and busy mall, you can get your shopping done in style and support local artists at the same time! Embrace the movement to shop local with our Guide to Christmas Markets and Craft Shows in Toronto and the GTA.
Get more details here!


Christmas Neighbourhood & BIA Events in Toronto

Many Toronto BIA groups are hosting holiday events this year, celebrating the season in the city’s diverse and welcoming neighbourhoods. Celebrate the holidays with your neighbourhoods at shopping and food events, festivals and more.
Get more details here!


Cheap & Free Christmas Events in Toronto and the GTA

Christmas can get expensive and we all want to give our families a memorable holiday season, including spending time together at festive events around town. So, consider us your special frugal elf as we present our gift to you: our Guide to the Best Cheap and Free Christmas Events in Toronto and the GTA.
Get more details here!


Christmas Tree Farms in the GTA and Southern Ontario

There’s nothing like the smell and feel of a real Christmas tree to get you in a holiday mood! There are farms all over the GTA and Southern Ontario where you can find the perfect tree to decorate your home.
Get more details here!


Christmas Farm Events in the GTA and Southern Ontario

Ontario’s beautiful farms are especially picture-perfect at Christmas time. Make a day of it with markets, wagon rides, tree-cutting and visits with Santa. Whatever experience is on your wish list, you can find it with these farm holiday events.
Get more details here!


Where to Buy Christmas Treats in Toronto

For many sweet-tooths, one of the best aspects of the holidays is the sweet treats! There’s so many goodies to choose from, like chocolates, candy, cookies and cakes. Mmmm! We’ve done our delicious research and compiled a Christmas Treat Stores in Toronto to Sweeten Up Your Holidays!
Get more details here!


Guide to the Best Independent Toy and Gift Stores in Toronto

There are so many terrific independent toy and gift stores in Toronto, you’ll have no trouble finding your kids the perfect gift while supporting your local economy.
Get more details here!


Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Independent Book Stores in Toronto

While there are always chain stores and online sellers, there’s something more personal and thoughtful about shopping from our local bookstores. Plus they are filled with great gift ideas for any member of the family.
Get more details here!


York-Durham Heritage RailwayYDHR Square (YDHR) invites families to ride into holiday fun and experience the spectacular countryside of the Oak Ridges Moraine, just a short drive north of the city in Uxbridge. Whether you and your family members are fans of Santa Claus, high tea or dancing, these special trips will make for a magical festive experience that captures the spirit of the holidays.

This year, they are hosting four separate and exciting Christmas themed train rides. They are a must-do for train enthusiasts but also nature-lovers!

Premium North Pole Experience Light Up Event — “How the Train Saved Christmas”
Experience holiday enchantment under the stars as York-Durham Heritage Railway presents their beloved Christmas story on rails, “How the Train Saved Christmas”. As the sun sets and you step into this world of wonder and joy, this magical train transforms into a portal to the North Pole, which includes numerous activity stations! During the journey, families also get to have an intimate meet-and-greet with Santa and children receive a special keepsake.

North Pole Experience & Train Ride
York-Durham Heritage Railway also offers the North Pole Experience & Train Ride during daytime hours. From the moment you step onto the beautifully decorated train, the Conductor Elves bring Santa’s train to life! Like the evening event, guests are immersed in the interactive fun of Santa’s Grand Station. There, the North Pole comes to life right before your eyes with delightful activities for all ages.

Christmas High Tea & Train Ride
With the York-Durham Heritage Railway train decorated at its finest for the Christmas season, take a trip back in time and watch the countryside roll by. Then, feast upon delectable pastries and cakes, along with the finest beverages, as you travel through the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine in all its winter splendour. All the while, enjoy the special Christmas tea white-glove service, accompanied by delightful music.

The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience
Start a new enchanted Christmas tradition for your family with The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience. As the lights twinkle across the coaches, the evening starts with a champagne toast to celebrate. Then, guests indulge in a true English heritage Christmas tea experience. Meanwhile, the sights onboard include dance performances and even a visit with Father Christmas himself.

Walk through a Winter Wonderland with more Holiday Events here