8 festive date ideas in Toronto to go on with your favourite person for $30 or less

You can enjoy some of these Christmas outings for free.

Two people standing by Christmas decor. Right: Two Christmas-themed mugs.

WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland. Right: A Toronto Christmas bar.

Lead Writer, Travel

Christmas is one of the most romantic times of the year. With glittering streets, softly-falling snow, cozy drinks and sweet treats, it's the perfect season to plan a date with your favourite person.

These Toronto date ideas will have you feeling merry and bright. From skating rinks to cookie villages, these affordable activities range in price from free to $30 per person.

Here are eight cheap date ideas in Toronto to enjoy this holiday season.

WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland

Price: $29.99 + per person

When: Select dates from November 16, 2024 to January 4, 2025

Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr., Vaughan, ON

Why you need to go: WinterFest transforms Canada's Wonderland into a Christmas paradise and it's a romantic spot for a festive date. You can dig into themed treats, wander thorough millions of lights, glide around an ice rink and more.

WinterFest Website

Miracle Toronto

Price: $16 to $21 per cocktail

When: November 15 to December 29, 2024

Address: 875 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON

Why you need to go: Add a bit of booziness to your holiday outing at this over-the-top Christmas Bar. Miracle Toronto has endless decor and a menu filled with festive drinks.

Miracle Toronto Website

Cavalcade of Lights

Price: Free

When: November 30, 2024 to January 7, 2025

Address: 100 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON

Why you need to go: You don't have to spend a dime in order to enjoy some holiday cheer. This event features glittering light installations and free skating, with free skate rentals available every Saturday between December 7 and January 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cavalcade of Lights Website

STACKT Holiday Hills

Price: Free admission

When: November 15 to December 29, 2024, closed on Mondays

Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON

Why you need to go: This free Christmas festival is brimming with romance. You can enjoy glittering installations, holiday shopping and activities such as s'mores huts and a sparkly speakeasy (some activities are paid).

STACKT Website

Ginger's Cocktail Bar

Price: $25 for reservation, which includes a $5 donation to The Daily Bread Food Bank as well as $20 towards the bill

When: November 15 to December 24, 2024

Address: 12 Sousa Mendes St., Toronto, ON

Why you need to go: This new glittering Christmas bar will take you on the sweetest date to candy land. You can enjoy festive goodies and enchanting cocktails in a sparkly paradise.

Ginger's Cocktail Bar Website

Distillery Winter Village

Price: Free to $39.50 per adult

When: November 13, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Address: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON

Why you need to go: The Distillery Winter Village has "romance" written all over it. You can stroll along cobblestone streets under a canopy of glittering lights, sip cozy drinks, indulge in festive treats and more.

Distillery Winter Village Website

Holiday Fair in the Square

Price: Free, donations accepted

When: December 6 to 23, 2024

Address: 5100 Yonge St., North York, ON

Why You Need To Go: This festive date spot is worth a visit. The fair is home to lots of Christmas-themed activities including a marketplace, Fireside Lounge with boozy drinks, Santa's Village and food trucks.

Fair in the Square Website

Gay Lea Shortbread Village Pop-Up

Price: Free

When: December 5 to December 22, 2024

Address: The Well, 4186 Front St. West. Toronto, ON, lower level

Why You Need To Go: You can take a trip to "Canada's largest shortbread village" for a super sweet date. From December 5 to December 15, you can even decorate your own shortbread cookie.

Gay Lea Instagram

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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