What to know
- Halloween has barely ended, but Christmas decorations and holiday displays are already appearing across Toronto.
- Some residents say Nov. 1 marks the perfect time to start celebrating, especially with Mariah Carey’s annual ‘It’s time.’
- Others believe people should wait until later in November or even December before putting up their decorations.
- Now Toronto spoke with residents and visitors to hear when they think the holiday season should officially begin. While opinions differ, some say there’s nothing wrong with embracing the Christmas spirit early.
Halloween is barely over and the weather still feels like early fall in Toronto, but many residents are already putting up their Christmas trees and twinkling lights.
Only days ago, Toronto was filled with spooky vibes, as residents took over the streets in their favourite costumes to celebrate, party, and trick-or-treat on Halloween. The very next day, many ghoulish decorations were gone and some were already putting up their Christmas trees.
Even before Halloween, some stores were already putting out their holiday-themed sales, and even the Eaton Centre’s iconic tree cover was already up.
On one hand, Christmas is still two months away and there’s still no signs that winter weather is about to hit Toronto anytime soon.
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On the other hand, Christmas icon Mariah Carrey has already defrosted, a new holiday catalog is showing up on streaming services, and many residents have already declared the glimmering season has arrived.
But which side of the debate are Torontonians on? Now Toronto took to the streets to hear from the city’s residents and visitors when they think it’s acceptable to switch into the Christmas mood.
Residents, visitors weigh in
For visitor Jordan R., the end of Halloween and Mariah Carey’s ‘It’s time’ proclamation are enough to declare the Christmas season has officially started.
“I think Nov. 1 is perfect to put Christmas decorations up. Once Halloween is done and Mariah Carey is defrosting, that’s when it’s time to go,” she said. “Halloween ends Oct. 31st. It’s done and dusted. Nov. 1 is Christmas time.”
Shona Campbell, who is visiting Toronto from Ireland, said she normally starts to celebrate later on, but has decided to welcome the holiday spirit earlier this year so she can enjoy the holidays in Toronto.
“I think you can put it ahead now. Like, don’t be like a screw; [it’s] just a bit of fun. I love Christmas, so I don’t see the [problem]. Why not? I have friends that I think left [Christmas decorations] up for a whole year last year,” she told Now Toronto.
Other residents are not so quick to welcome the holidays. Torontonian Melina M. says it’s way too early for Christmas trees to go up. According to her, it’s only acceptable to put on holiday decor and start celebrating at the end of November or in the first week of December instead.
“I think that the spirit of consumerism is to get people to buy for as long as they possibly can,” she said.
“The end of November [is ideal]. That way things are ready to go, and then you have all of December to enjoy your parties, go Christmas shopping, and just enjoy the season instead.”
Similarly, Torontonian Grace D. says it seems too early for the holidays to begin. The resident says people should wait until at least Remembrance Day, on Nov. 11, to start celebrating.
“Two weeks before Christmas [is when] I really get into it all,” she said.
Another resident, Lucy K., said that while she personally waits until December arrives to start celebrating the holidays, she sees no problem in starting it sooner.
“I don’t think it’s ever too early. I think having a Christmas spirit keeps you in a very joyful condition until Christmas actually happens,” she said.
