19 Free Festive Things To Do In Toronto This December That Will Make Your Wallet Jolly
Have fun without going broke!
At Christmas time, the only thing not full of cheer is usually your wallet. From all the holiday food you just have to try, mulled wine dates, Christmas festivals, gift shopping, and more, you can go from feeling festive to feeling broke pretty quickly. Luckily, there's lots of holiday fun happening around the city that won't break the bank. This year, enjoy the season without worrying about your account by visiting some of these Toronto free Christmas events.
While places like WinterFest and Aurora Winter Festival are magical to see, ticket prices can start to add up fast.
This doesn't mean you have to turn into Scrooge and hate the holidays. There's lots of exciting festive fun to be had that won't cost you a dime.
You can watch some of your favourite holiday films in theatre for free, wander through the iconic Christmas Market, and take some complimentary DIY craft workshops.
Skate for no cost at several stunning rinks, and see a magical garden filled with winter blooms.
The Fairmont Royal York has a giant two-storey gingerbread house installation made of real candy, and it's certainly a sight to see. You can take a trip upstairs at their new Thirsty Elf Christmas bar, although this will require you to pull out your wallet.
Toronto Christmas Market
Price: Free Tuesdays - Fridays, $8 - $12 on Friday evenings & weekends
When: November 14, 2019 - December 22, 2019
Address: 373 Front St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Wander through Toronto's iconic Christmas market for free to get all the holiday cheer.
Winter Solstice Parade
Price: Free
When: December 21 2019, 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Address: 160 Baldwin St., Unit 10, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ignite the night at the annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade, which celebrates the return of warmth and light.
Allan Gardens Winter Flower Show
Price: Free
When: December 1, 2019 - January 12, 2020
Address: Allan Gardens, 19 Horticultural Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: See some incredible Christmas floral displays in this conservatory that will have you forgetting all about the snow.
Evergreen Winter Village
Price: Free
When: November 30, 2019 - December 22, 2019
Address: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy a snowy outdoor ice rink and lots of local vendors selling unique food and gifts.
Spaces Queen West Karaoke
Price: Free
When: December 11, 2019, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Address: 180 John St., 7th Floor, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas tunes and enjoy some festive drinks and treats.
Union Station Ice Rink
Price: Free
When: Until January 4, 2020
Address: Union Station, 65 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can skate for free on Toronto's largest outdoor ice rink for the first time ever this year.
Fairmont Gingerbread House
Price: Free
When: Limited time
Address: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Marvel at this massive two-storey structure made out of real gingerbread and candy.
DJ Skate Nights
Price: Free
When: Saturdays, December 14, 2019 - February 15, 2020
Address: 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Skate in style at the Harbourfront Centre, which hosts dance party skate nights on Saturdays.
Revue Cinema Christmas Movie
Price: Free
When: December 18, 2019 - 6:45 p.m.
Address: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Watch the holiday favourite National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation for free this year. While there is no admission, guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for charity.
Holiday Fair In The Square
Price: Free
When: December 7, 2019 - December 22, 2019
Address: 100 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get in the Christmas spirit at this massive holiday celebration with rides, vendors, and more.
Hudson's Bay Holiday Windows
Price: Free
When: Limited time
Address: 176 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Gaze upon the iconic Hudson's Bay windows, which have transformed into Christmas wonderlands.
Hygge Holiday Market
Price: Free
When: December 7, 2019, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Address: Stackt, 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Visit this sustainable Christmas market and explore all the festive activities and vendors there.
Bentway Skate Trail
Price: Free
When: December 20, 2019 - February 17, 2020
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Skate around this giant figure eight and enjoy hot chocolate and boozy drinks from the winter village.
Nespresso Nordic Winter Garden
Price: Free
When: November 19, 2019 - December 22, 2019
Address: Nespresso Nordic Garden, 39 Parliament St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Relax in this magical winter garden pop up, and take part in some of the free DIY workshops being offered.
Swedish Christmas Fair
Price: Free
When: December 7 - December 8, 2019
Address: 585 Dundas St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Experience a traditional Swedish Christmas Market and sip on heart-warming mulled wine.
Cineplex Community Day
Price: Free
When: December 7, 2019
Address: Various Cineplex locations
Why You Need To Go: Watch Christmas favourites like Elf and A Christmas Story for free at Cineplex.
Tunnel Of Glam
Price: Free
When: December 1, 2019 - January 6, 2020
Address: 1501 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Wander through an 80ft tunnel covered in over 14 million reversible sequins.
Toronto Vegan Christmas Market
Price: Free
When: December 14, 2019, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address: 8 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Explore a market filled with everything vegan, including delicious plant-based treats.
Leslieville Winter Market
Price: Free
When: November 10, 2019 - December 22, 2019
Address: 1300 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Shop for all sorts of unique gifts at this local market.