Are you looking for a way to get into the festive mood instantly? Gather with fellow revellers to oooh and aaaah at a huge lit-up tree! These events are often the introduction to any exciting holiday festival or market, and they’re all FREE! Bundle up and get into the spirit with our Guide to the Best Tree-Lighting Ceremonies in Toronto and the GTA.
The Distillery Winter Village
Date: November 12, 2026 — January 3, 2027 (Tree-Lighting Ceremony: November 12 at 6:00 PM)
The Distillery Winter Village returns for revellers to embrace the holiday spirit of a traditional outdoor Christmas market, including light displays, Santa visits, live performances, and more.
Harbourfront Centre: HarbourFrost
Date: November 20 — December 20, 2026 (Tree Lighting Ceremony: November 20, 2026 at 6:45 PM)
Harbourfront Centre presents HarbourFrost, a new free holiday event featuring an opening holiday tree-lighting ceremony, Makers Market, live performances, holiday lights and more.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic — Tree Lighting Ceremony Concert
Date: November 21 — December 31, 2026 (Tree-Lighting Ceremony: November 21, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Bloor-Yorkville toasts the festive season with the Holiday Magic festival of lights and music at the central Village of Yorkville Park, starting with an official tree-lighting ceremony and a concert by Molly Johnson.
Leslieville BIA: Wanderlust
Date: November 21, 2026 (Tree-Lighting Ceremony: sunset at Leslie Grove Park)
Leslieville BIA hosts the Leslieville Wanderlust shopping event, with free activities such as live DJs, food and drink samples, decorated shop windows, plus Santa’s Village and a tree-lighting ceremony at Leslie Grove Park.
NeighbourLink North York: We ❤️ Willowdale Christmas Market
Date: November 28, 2026 (Tree-Lighting Celebration 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
NeighbourLink North York hosts We ❤️ Willowdale Christmas Market, with 50+ artisan vendors, food and drink, a scavenger hunt, Santa photos, and their annual Festive Tree Lighting Celebration.
City of Toronto: Cavalcade of Lights
Date: November 28, 2026
More details coming soon!
Bass Pro Shops: Santa’s Wonderland
Date: Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting: November 7, 2026, 5:00 PM; Photos with Santa: November 8 — December 24, 2026 (except November 11 – Remembrance Day)
Go fishing for Christmas fun when Bass Pro Shops opens Santa’s Wonderland for the holiday season! Kids can drop their letter to Santa at the official North Pole mailbox, plus families can take photos with Santa and receive a free 4 x 6 photo and shareable video.
Village of Streetsville: Christmas in the Village
Date: November 20-21, 2026 (Tree Lighting Ceremony: November 20, 7:00 PM)
The Village of Streetsville in Mississauga returns with their free Christmas in the Village event, including the traditional tree-lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa, live music, horse-drawn carriage and mini train rides, and much more.
Stouffville Holiday Market
Date: November 20-21, 2026
Celebrate the holidays at the Stouffville Holiday Market, featuring a local artisan vendor marketplace, a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa, and more.
Burlington Festival of Lights
Date: November 27, 2026 — January 3, 2027 (Official Tree & Park Lighting: November 27, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
The free Burlington Festival of Lights brightens up Burlington’s waterfront once again this holiday season. Participate in the Official Tree & Park Lighting, see the Santa Claus parade on December 6, and more!
Friday Harbour: The Holiday Market
Date: November 20 — December 27, 2026 (Tree-Lighting Ceremony: November 28 at 5:00 PM)
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Friday Harbour Market featuring twinkling lights and décor, roaming elves and carollers, photo ops with Santa, and more.
Brampton Winter Lights Festival
Date: November 28, 2026
The City of Brampton celebrates the holiday season with the Winter Lights Festival in Downtown Brampton, including free, family-friendly activities, a Tree Lighting Ceremony and Miracle on Main Street, the Brampton Santa Claus Parade, and more.
