What to know
- Across the GTA, festive displays and events are returning for the holiday season.
- Toronto highlights include The Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square and the Village of Yorkville Holiday Magic.
- Drive-thru experiences like Uxbridge’s Optimist Fantasy of Lights offer immersive experiences that are accessible by car.
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes many holiday light displays to check out across the Greater Toronto Area!
From downtown to Burlington, and Ajax to Uxbridge, here are some beautiful light displays worth stopping by this holiday season.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
When: Nov. 22 – Dec. 31
Where: Yorkville Village
The Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is returning to Toronto for another season of joy.
Following what has become an annual tradition, the Yorkville neighbourhood will be illuminated with a one-of-a-kind festive lighting allowing visitors and residents to shop, dine and stroll along the area’s decorated, tree-lined streets.
Those with a penchant for Christmas trees should be sure to check out the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 22 at The Village of Yorkville Park. The event will be hosted by Rick Campanelli with musical performances by Shawn Hook and Storry.
Cavalcade of Lights
When: Nov. 29 – Jan. 7
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
The iconic Calvalcade of Lights is returning to Nathan Phillips Square for another season of twinkling lights and holiday spirit.
Opening night celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 11 p.m. with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, ice skating, live music and performances, food and more.
Free to attend, the Cavalcade of Lights runs for six weeks and transforms City Hall into a winter wonderland with a glittering tree and thousands of lights, as well as various art installations, and a Menorah that will be illuminated at approximately 4 p.m. every night of Hanukkah, with one additional candle lit each night.
Starting Dec. 6, free ice skate rentals will be available every Saturday through Jan. 3.
Royal Botanical Garden Winter Wonders
Where: Hendrie Park, Burlington
When: Nov. 27 – Jan. 4
This winter, Burlington’s Hendrie Park will transform into a winter wonderland full of art installations, jaw-dropping displays and lights on lights on lights.
Visitors of Winter Wonders can look forward to taking long walks along the park’s scenic pathways, enjoying festive music, browsing various vendors, and snacking and sipping on holiday goodies.
Plus, guests can head inside to warm up and check out seasonal décor and vibrant plant displays in the Mediterranean Garden and Breezeway or enjoy the whimsical Botanical Train Display.
The experience runs weekly from Thursday to Sunday, with timed tickets available from 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Light Up the Hills
Where: Halton
When: Dec. 1, 2025, to Jan. 11, 2026
Three parks in the Halton Hills region are lighting up for the season.
The Light Up the Hills Festival is returning to Halton for its 18th year, with three displays spread out across the region. This includes Georgetown’s Dominion Gardens Park, the Acton Sports Park, and Glen Williams- Shelagh Law Parkette in Georgetown, starting Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
An ignition event is scheduled for the first day of December from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the lights being flicked on at 7:00 p.m. sharp.
Optimist Fantasy of Lights
Where: 55 Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge
When: Dec. 6 – Jan. 5
Hop in the car and head to Uxbridge for a drive filled with lights that you won’t want to miss. Optimist Fantasy of Lights offers attendees more than 100 light displays created by local community groups, businesses, schools, churches, and families.
The experience is popularly completed by car, but the Fantasy Trail footpath is making a comeback this year, allowing people to enjoy the lights on a stroll if they would rather.
Running for 16 years, this special tradition is hosted by the people of Uxbridge for the people of Uxbridge, claiming to be one of the biggest exhibits of Christmas lights in Ontario.
Journey into Enchantment
When: Select dates Nov. 15 – Dec. 27
Where: Ajax Casino
Just east of Toronto, a drive-thru experience you won’t want to miss is returning for the sixth year running, boasting over two million twinkling lights across beautifully decorated scenes.
Journey into Enchantment is a two-kilometre stretch in Ajax featuring twinkling lights, beautifully crafted displays, synchronized light shows, and beloved holiday characters, all evoking the spirit of Christmas.
The journey starts at the Ajax Casino and costs $30 per vehicle.
You can find the schedule, purchase tickets, and find gift cards here.
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