Toronto is about to glow. As the city leans into holiday mode, beloved tree-lighting traditions are popping up everywhere — from neighbourhood strips to iconic downtown destinations.
Expect snowfall effects, carols under café lights, skating under thousands of bulbs, and that collective countdown moment we never get tired of.
If you’re ready for cocoa, mittens, and a lot of sparkle, here are six can’t-miss tree lighting events illuminating Toronto this year.
DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE
Where: 55 Mill St., Toronto (Distillery Historic District)
When: Thursday, November 13 at 6 p.m.
Join thousands as Santa flips the switch to illuminate Toronto’s signature holiday destination. The ticketed event kicks off at 6 p.m., but it’s best to arrive early for live music and entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. — part of a full-day celebration marking the start of the season.
Profits from opening night sales will benefit local charities, and the massive tree will later be repurposed into mulch for homes in the GTA.
CF TORONTO EATON CENTRE
Where: 220 Yonge St.
When: Tree lighting begins November 14, hourly shows start at 1 p.m. daily
The Eaton Centre kicks off the season with North America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree — a stunning 114-foot spectacle that lights up every hour with festive music and indoor snowfall.
The show runs daily through December 31, with holiday photo sessions alongsidethe tree backdrop available on-site.
ROSEDALE MAIN STREET– CALVALCADE OF LIGHTS
Where: 22 Scrivener Square, Yonge St. from Woodlawn Ave. to Crescent Rd., Toronto
When: Saturday, November 15 — 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.)
Celebrate the arrival of the holiday season with the annual Cavalcade of Lights on Rosedale Main Street.
Beginning at 2 p.m., the event features live music, family-friendly activities, a petting zoo outside Ramsden Park, and a mini train ride for kids.
The tree lighting ceremony starts? at 5:30 p.m., followed by après-ski vibes and a DJ dance party at 10 Scrivener Square from 6–8 p.m.
FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK
Where: 100 FrontSt. W.
When: November 19 at 5 p.m.
Step into a grand holiday tradition: the lobby of Toronto’s iconic Fairmont Royal York will sparkle, as its magnificent Christmas tree is lit to kick off the season. Guests can take in festive décor, seasonal music,and the official lighting moment at 5 p.m.
BLOOR-YORKVILLE HOLIDAY MAGIC
Where: Village of Yorkville Park – 115 Cumberland St., Toronto
When: Saturday, November 22, 5 – 7 p.m.
Celebrate the season in style as Bloor-Yorkville transforms into a winter wonderland. The evening features lively performances led by singer-songwriter Shawn Hook, rising R&B star STORRY, and is hosted by TV personality Rick Campanelli.
At the heart of the event is the signature “flick-the-switch” moment when twinkling holiday lights across the park and along Bloor Street will illuminate in unison.
This free, all-ages event supports the food-rescue charity Second Harvest, and visitors can enjoy the light display through December 31.
THE CITY OF TORONTO’S CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St. W., Toronto
When: Opening Night: November 29, 6 – 10 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season at this celebrated downtown event, where Toronto’s official Christmas tree and dazzling light installations will be switched on amid live music, performance art and free public skating.
The illuminated “TORONTO” sign and the rink provide ideal photo-ops, while the lights stay up nightly through January 7.
Highlights include:
- A high-impact lighting ceremony and opening-night program with main-stage performances and an immersive family-friendly show.
- Nightly free skate rentals and a lit-up ice rink under thousands of lights.
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