What to know
- Toronto is welcoming the holiday season with nine Christmas tree lighting ceremonies throughout November.
- The first celebrations kick off on Nov. 12 at CF Eaton Centre and the Distillery Winter Village.
- Other neighbourhood celebrations include Rosedale, Yorkville, Leslieville and Uptown Yonge.
- Many events feature live music, carolers, Santa appearances, seasonal activities and festive food and drinks.
- The city’s official Christmas tree lighting will take place at Nathan Phillips Square on Nov. 28 as part of the annual Cavalcade of Lights.
Ready for the holiday season, Toronto? With Mariah Carey already defrosted and residents putting up their holiday decorations, the city is welcoming several festive tree lighting ceremonies throughout November.
Whether you’ve chosen to already embrace the holiday cheer or will be waiting for the cold to arrive, there are plenty of tree lighting ceremonies to get into the glimmering spirit.
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Toronto’s Tallest Holiday Tree Lighting
Date: Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
Location: CF Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.)
If you’re a holiday enthusiast just waiting until Remembrance Day to start kicking off celebrations, this event might be the one for you.
The earliest tree lighting ceremony happening in the city is for the famous Eaton Centre tree, and includes a countdown, the grand reveal of the tree, its famous snowfall light show, live music performances, and even an appearance from Santa.
Distillery Winter Village
Date: Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
Location: Distillery Historic District (55 Mill St.)
You might have to choose between two of the city’s most popular lighting ceremonies, as the Distillery District Christmas tree is also set to light up on Nov. 12.
One of the most famous Christmas-themed attractions in the city, the Distillery Winter Village kicks off with the vibrant lighting event, with attendees invited to welcome the holiday season, take photos, enjoy some carol singing, and explore local vendors for gifts and seasonal eats and drinks.
Those aiming to attend the event should secure their tickets online. Tickets go for $16 each online, with free entry for those getting in before 4 p.m. on weekdays and for kids under nine. According to the event’s website, all profits will go towards local charities and community initiatives.
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Cavalcade of Lights: Rosedale Main Street
Date: Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Scrivener Square (20 Scrivener Square)
Holiday enthusiasts can also kick off the season by visiting a Cavalcade of Lights on Rosedale neighbourhood, where the tree lighting ceremony will be paired with an array of holiday activities.
In addition to the symbolic tree lighting, the event offers a whole experience for the whole family to enjoy, including an Après-ski experience at 10 Scrivener Square, a Cavalcade Express Train ride for the kids, appearances by carolers, Santa, and some other winter favourite characters, along with live music featuring holiday classics and modern hits.
The total event will take place from 2–6:30 p.m. along Yonge Street between Woodlawn Avenue and Crescent Road, but the tree lighting ceremony will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at Scrivener Square.
Fairmont Royal York: Annual Tree Lighting
Date: Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.
Location: Fairmont Royal York’s Lobby (100 Front St. W.)
Known for its vibrant holiday cheer, the Fairmont Royal York hotel is also hosting its beloved annual lighting ceremony along with other festive traditions.
The hotel invites everyone to join in on the fun and watch as its lobby becomes a scene straight out of a Christmas movie, with twinkling lights illuminating its grand tree, along with carols, live music, and a Santa visit.
The event is free to attend, but access may be limited due to crowd control.
Light Up the Night: Harbourfront Centre
Date: Nov. 20 at 6:45 p.m.
Location: Harbourfront Community Square (235 Queens Quay W.)
Another beloved holiday-themed event is at Toronto’s harbourfront. Kicking off the HarbourFrost winter experience, the ceremony will light a 33-foot tree and invite residents to embrace the season.
The ceremony will be accompanied by holiday character appearances, crackling fire pits, and performances from Illuminair Entertainment, Inkloosiv Voices, and Hala Circus Arts.
Light it Up: UPtown Yonge
Date: Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: 14 St. Clements Ave.
Another neighbourhood getting ready to celebrate the season is Uptown Yonge, which is bringing its annual tree lighting ceremony back on Nov. 20.
The event will include the traditional lighting along with festive music, carolers, hot chocolate and visits by Santa and the Ice Queen.
‘Flick the Switch’ Lighting Ceremony in the Village of Yorkville Park
Date: Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.
Location: Village of Yorkville Park (Cumberland St. & Bellair St.)
Welcome the holiday season with a full on themed event at the Village of Yorkville Park. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the holiday lights sparkling up in the park and along Bloor Street, while enjoying live performances.
This year’s event will be hosted by TV personality Melissa Grelo along with The Senior Choir of The Rosedale Day School, and joined by Juno Award-winning artist and Order of Canada recipient Molly, who will be performing some favourite Christmas tunes.
The event is free to attend and no RSVP is required.
Leslieville’s Wanderlust
Date: Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.
Location: Leslie Grove Park (1158 Queen St. E.)
Another beloved holiday event is happening in Leslieville, which will host the 20th edition of its Wanderlust event, with tons of opportunities to join in on some holiday fun.
Besides the tree lighting, attendees can enjoy a coffee party at Greenwood Cafe & Baxter’s Vinyl, local business offers, Santa’s village train, marshmallows roasted in a fire pitch, and DJ beats.
The entire event runs from 12–6 p.m. along Queen Street East from Simpson Park to Vancouver Avenue, with the tree lighting ceremony taking place at Leslie Grove Park around sunset.
Cavalcade of Lights: Nathan Phillips Square
Date: Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.)
The city’s annual Cavalcade of Lights transforms Nathan Phillips Square into a vibrant winter wonderland, filled with free themed programming, from live performances to public ice skating.
The event’s opening day ceremony includes the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree at the square, perfect for officially welcoming the holiday season.
While the event is taking place from Nov. 28 to Jan. 7, the tree lighting is set to happen on Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
