Santa Claus fans, rejoice! 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 and while visits are still not as up-close and personal as in pre-Covid years, his festive spirit transcends physical distance. Check out all the different ways you can catch up with the jolly fellow…
In-Person Santa Sightings and Visits — Featured
Santa Claus Parades in the GTA and Southern Ontario
There are Santa parades happening all over the GTA this year, and once again, in person! 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.
Black Creek Pioneer Village’s Santa at the Village
Not only is Santa coming to town, he’s coming to Black Creek Pioneer Village! Jingle all the way to the Village to take part in a daytime program of festive fun and joy with the jolly fellow and his elves.
Casa Loma — Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights Tour
Toronto’s landmark castle has festive fun, day or night! During the day, see stunning holiday decorations, including a 40-foot-tall tree and at night, see beautiful light displays. In both events, kids can visit Santa in his castle workshop and interact with live holiday mascots.
Friday Harbour Christmas Market
Bring your whole family to experience a European-style market at this resort community on Lake Simcoe. This outdoor event features include a 40-foot tree, twinkling lights, as well as family photos and festive cheer with Santa and his elves. Plus, warming lounges feature Santa’s workshop and a winter wonderland.
Glow Christmas Toronto
Step out from the cold and into the warmth and magic of Glow Christmas Toronto Light Festival and Market! Transport yourself straight into a Christmas storybook, where holiday-lovers of all ages delight in the joys of the season, including cookie decorating with Mrs Claus and story time with Santa himself.
Holiday Nights of Lights
Holiday Nights of Lights is back bigger and brighter than ever before, so bring the whole family along to enjoy sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and animated tunnels and displays. Wander through the new pop-up experience Mistletoe Lane and snap a photo with Jolly ol’ Saint Nick in Santa’s Den. Plus, Family Fun Toronto readers get a special festive treat with 15% off tickets using the discount code FAMFUN.
Twinkle After Dark
Go on a magical walk with the whole family through Milton’s historic Country Heritage Park. Don’t forget to say Hi to Santa, and make sure your kids bring their wish lists and letters for his special mailbox. Family Fun Toronto readers can get 15% off tickets with the discount code FUN?.
York-Durham Heritage Railway
There are three different train trips where you can have an audience with the big guy: The North Pole Light UP Express, Santa & Mrs. Claus Pancake Breakfast Train to the North Pole and the Santa Express Train Ride.
In-Person Santa Sightings and Visits — Further Events
Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail
This outdoor festival at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area offers spectacular scenery, plus music, kids crafts, hot chocolate and s’mores, visits from Santa and more!
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The amusement park becomes a winter wonderland, with holiday-themed attractions and shows, festive food and an artisan market. Take photos with Santa and even decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus.
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan Truck Tour
The unmistakably red and jolly Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan truck tour is travelling across Canada, bringing people together with its holiday magic.
Fairway of Lights at Angus Glen Golf Club
Fairway of Lights lets you celebrate the mystery of the winter season with a new annual walking light show. Santa also takes time out of his busy schedule to visit on select evenings.
Magical Christmas Forest at Kortright Centre
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!
The Original Santa Claus Parade
It’s a Christmas miracle: the Original Santa Claus Parade is back in person this year! Hit the downtown streets of Toronto to see this event’s larger-than-life and amazingly festive floats.
Santa’s Storytime
This new experience at Gerrard Square Mall offers families an interactive story time and photo-op experience with Santa, where kids can also send letters to the North Pole.
Toronto Christmas Pet Expo
Santa loves all of nature’s creatures, including your pets! Shop for your fur baby, check out the shows at the International Centre, and don’t miss out on getting a pet photo-op.
Waterloo Central Railway’s Vintage Christmas
Join Santa and his Chief Elf this season when you visit the North Pole on a historic train ride from St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market.
Drive-Thru Sightings
The Canadian Tire Christmas Trail
This extremely popular drive-along experience returns for another magical season of show-stopping lights, live entertainment and festive treats over an enchanted 1.5-kilometre journey trail.
Santa Sightings at the Farm
Brooks Farm Festive Nights
This is an evening Christmas adventure for all ages. Enjoy wagon rides, light displays, live music, festive treats and marshmallow roasting, along with a visit with Santa.
Get more details here!
Downey’s Farm Christmas At The Farm
Have some outdoor fun with Santa and the farm animal friends this festive season. Join the wagon ride scavenger hunt, have some hot chocolate and cookies, see the elves workshop and reindeer flight school, and enjoy a visit with the jolly man himself!
Niemi Farm Christmas Land & European Market
Niemi Farm Christmas Land is an outdoor holiday experience with visits to Santa’s workshop and a Polar Express train to meet their farm animals.
Pingle’s Farm Market Christmas Fest
Enjoy some jolly Christmas activities at Pingle’s Farm Market with crafts, hot chocolate, story time, wagon rides and photos with Santa Claus.
Willowtree Farm — Adventures with Santa
Willowtree Farm hosts the family farm adventure Adventures with Santa, including crafts, photos with Santa and roasting marshmallows.
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