Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year. As soon as the weather gets chilly and the first whispers of "the holiday season" fill the air, I can barely contain my excitement.
Toronto is magical city to be in during the holidays. There are tons of events and activations to enjoy throughout the city that will put you in the festive spirit.
I have a few favourite spots that I try to make it to each holiday season. From festive bars to magical Christmas markets, these places are go-to events for anyone in search of holiday wonder.
Here are my top picks for Christmas events in Toronto, as someone who can't get enough of the festive season.
WinterFest
Price: $29.99 + per ticket
When: Select dates from November 17, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr., Vaughan, ON
Why You Need To Go: WinterFest is one of my all-time favourite Christmas events and I go at least once a year. Canada's Wonderland is almost unrecognizable beneath an array of dazzling lights and holiday cheer.
From the sparkling tree-lighting ceremony to gliding around on Snow Flake Lake, there's so much to do at the park. One of the highlights is all the festive food and drinks you can enjoy and I always leave with a full stomach.
The menu includes things like holiday-themed funnel cake, turkey dinners, steaming hot chocolate and warm boozy drinks like mulled wine.
There are tons of twinkling photo ops where you can snap an Insta-worthy photo with your friends or loved ones.
WinterFest website
Fairmont Royal York
Price: Free
Address: 100 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Fairmont Royal York puts me in the Christmas spirit every year. The historic hotel lights up with festive charm and I love gazing at the ornate windows and attending the dazzling gold tree lighting ceremony.
One of my favourite things about Christmas at the Fairmont is Gingerbread Lane. The activation features a life-sized world made of real gingerbread.
You can wander along a laneway lined with fragrant gingerbread and breathe in the sweet smell of there holidays. The installation is in the East Lobby and has over 8500 freshly baked gingerbread bricks, real icing and 12 types of candy.
There are several festive events taking place at the hotel during the holiday season, including holiday tea and holiday dining.
Fairmont Royal York website
Miracle
Price: $14 + per cocktail
When: Opening November 17, 2023
Address: 875 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Miracle is one of the best ways to get in the holiday "spirit." The boozy bar looks like Clark Griswold's dream-come-true and is decked out in more Christmas decor than you can imagine.
The menu is full of themed cocktails served in festive glasses and mugs. You can sip your way into the Christmas season with drinks like the Christmapolitan, Holiday Spiked Chai, Snowball Old Fashioned, Jingle Balls Nog, Hot Buttered Rum and Mulled Wine.
If you love a festive photo op then this is the place to be. There are endless spots to snap a holiday photo with your BFFs.
The pop-up also serves non-alcoholic drinks like hot chocolate and snacks like cookies and party mix.
Miracle Toronto website
Casa Loma
Price: $45 + per person
When: December 1, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Address: 1 Austin Terr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Casa Loma is enchanting during any season, but it's especially magical at Christmastime. The majestic landmark is transformed into a winter wonderland inside-and-out and I always look forward to visiting.
The Holiday Lights Tour takes you through the sparkling gardens and rooms filled with festive decor. From life-sized nutcrackers to a candy-themed Christmas extravaganza, the event immerses you in tons of Christmas magic.
The interior of the castle is decked out in ornate Christmas trees and more. I feel like I'm celebrating the holidays at Hogwarts as I wander through the historic halls.
Casa Loma website
Distillery Winter Village
Price: Free to $30 per person
When: Until January 7, 2024
Address: Distillery District, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's no better place to enjoy the holidays than the Distillery Winer Village. This enchanting Christmas market has European vibes and feels like a little trip to the North Pole.
From the towering Christmas tree to the carollers singing classic holiday tunes, the air is filled with festive cheer. You can shop for goodies and gifts from the quaint vendor cabins that line the streets.
There are lots of installations where you can snap that holiday pic, including a new photo op for dogs. You can also check out the new candy cane forest or grab a boozy drink at the new Feliz Navidad bar.
This year's tiered ticketing system gives you options to skip the line so you don't have to wait around to experience this Christmas wonderland.
The Distillery Winter Village website
Thirsty Elf
Price: Prices vary
When: Thursday to Saturday, November 22 to December 22, 2023
Address: 100 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Thirsty Elf is another one of my favourite holiday events in Toronto. The tiny bar transforms into a Christmas extravaganza and is brimming with jolly decor.
There are so many festive cocktails to sip, including Gingerbread Beach House, Chestnuts Roasting, Christmoose S'more and some non-alcoholic options.
The drinks are served in themed glassware that would make even the Grinch smile.
Thirsty Elf website
Bloor-Yorkville
Flower installation at Holt Renfrew.
Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Price: Free
Address: Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bloor-Yorkville is a magical destination during the holiday season. I love strolling along the sparkling streets, peering into the twinkling store windows and sipping on seasonal coffee.
Eataly is one of my favourite spots to visit in the neighbourhood. It has so many great Christmas gifts and goes all-out for the holidays. Plus, the hot chocolate is so rich and delicious.
Fleurs de Villes NOËL adds even more festive-ness to the area. The giant, holiday-themed flower installations are beautiful additions to the already ornate streets.
Bloor-Yorkville website
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.
The Elora Christmas Market. Courtesy of the Elora Christmas Market
The Elora Christmas Market. Courtesy of the Elora Christmas Market
The Elora Christmas Market. Courtesy of the Elora Christmas Market
