10 Free Things To Do Around Toronto This Christmas So You Can Be Jolly Without Being Broke
Holiday fun doesn't have to be expensive!
Distillery Winter Village. Right: Three people skating.
Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most expensive time of the year. Luckily, you don't have to miss out on all the fun in order to save some money.
These free Christmas events around Toronto are full of festive vibes so you can enjoy the season without going broke. From dazzling light festivals to quaint Christmas markets, here are 10 holiday events around the city to keep you (and your wallet) jolly.
Holiday Magic
Price: Free
When: November 25, 2023
Address: Village of Yorkville Park, ON
Why You Need To Go: This festive ceremony features a concert and "spectacular display of lights and music that fills the neighbourhood with holiday cheer."
You can see Bloor-Yorkville transformed with a dazzling array of lights and watch a live performance from Matt Dusk. Throughout the holiday season, you can browse through the ornate shops and listen to songs from strolling carolers dressed in Victorian-era costumes.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Price: Free
When: November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Address: Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a festive road trip to Niagara Falls to see the city lit up in Christmas splendour. The Winter Festival of Lights features over 3 million lights and more than 75 displays that can be seen by foot or car.
You can wander along illuminated pathways and even see the magnificent falls glow with colour.
The event includes a hot chocolate trail with 36 unique flavours to sip on to keep you cozy and warm.
Distillery Winter Village
Price: Free to $30 per person
When: Until January 7, 2024
Address: Distillery District, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It just isn't Christmas without a trip to this Toronto Christmas market. The Distillery Winter Village is back and you can see its tallest tree yet as well as shop from vendor cabins and bask in the festive atmosphere.
This year, there is a new candy cane forest to explore as well as returning favourites like carollers and treats. The event is free to visit during the day, so it's worth planning an early trip to this spot if you want to save some money.
Skating at the Bentway
Price: Free
When: Opening December 16, 2023
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can glide beneath the "Northern Lights" at this magical skating trail in Toronto. The Bentway is bringing back its figure-eight skating experience beneath the Gardiner with a new art installation "inspired by the glowing hues of the northern lights."
There will be several free offerings throughout the winter, including free skate rentals, free hot chocolate and free skating lessons. There will also be a new Holiday Market at The Bentway’s Strachan Gate where you can enjoy food stalls and shop from vendors.
Fantasy of Lights
Price: Free, donations accepted
When: December 2, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Address: 55 Elgin Park Dr., Uxbridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can travel through a glittering wonderland at this light trail near Toronto. The Uxbridge Fantasy of Lights features an illuminated pathway with over 95 light displays to add some sparkle to your season.
From twinkly tunnels to magical scenes, it's an enchanting way to get in the Christmas spirit. The trail can be explored by foot or from the comfort of your car.
Fleurs de Villes NOËL
Price: Free
When: December 6 to 10, 2023
Address: Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Wander through a festive floral dreamland at this free event in Toronto. Fleurs de Villes NOËL is a self-guided trail that takes you past holiday-themed flower displays.
The creations are made by local Toronto florists and include a Holiday Sleigh at The Colonnade, a Skating Scene at the Yorkville Village Oval, a North Pole Sign with Reindeer in Yorkville Lane, a Mrs. Claus Mannequin in Yorkville Lane and more.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Price: Free, donations accepted
When: December 1 to 23, 2023
Address: 5100 Yonge St., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: This year, Holiday Fair in the Square is "transforming Mel Lastman Square into a magical winter wonderland."
The event is brimming with festive fun, and you can explore the artisan marketplace, toast a s'more, sip mulled wine and more.
The Polar Point Bar offers cozy, festive drinks while Santa's Village makes for the perfect photo op. You can indulge in treats from the food trucks and enjoy rides and games for an enchanting holiday outing.
Friday Harbour Christmas Market
Price: Free
When: Select dates from November 24 to December 30, 2023
Address: 3999 Friday Dr., Innisfil, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take a trip outside the city to check out this authentic European-style Christmas market. The event includes cozy warming lounges, a glistening tree and vendors in cute cabins with all sorts of unique goods.
Window Wonderland
Price: Free
When: November 24, 2023 to January 31, 2024
Address: The Junction, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Junction's enchanting Window Wonderland is returning for its fourth year and you can explore an "outdoor art gallery featuring 20 spectacular augmented reality (AR) window installations and five murals, all designed by local and international artists."
An app on your phone brings the artwork to life, creating a unique and magical holiday experience.
Holiday Hills
Price: Free
When: November 17 to December 31, 2023
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Holiday Hills at STACKT is a dazzling winter wonderland complete with immersive installations, photo ops, cozy lounges with boozy drinks and more.
You can wander through a 120-foot immersive Tunnel of Lights, indulge in gooey gourmet s'mores and search for gifts at the local shops and pop-ups.
Holiday Hills 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.