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Happy holidays! The most magical time of the year has arrived and we’re feeling festive. If you are too, you’re in luck because Toronto and the GTA has so many amazing holiday season events and activities to enjoy. Here are our top picks for local and seasonal fun.

Illumi by Cavalia

Be sure to check out illumi by Cavalia, right here in the heart of Mississauga. It’s a magical nocturnal journey featuring thousands of light sculptures spread across 600,000 square feet. It features more than 20 million twinkling LED lights and the world’s largest tree of lights -- it’s not going to disappoint! At 47 meters high, the Tree of Lights is twice the size of the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree in New York and is comprised of 44,000 interactive luminous spheres that will transform the night sky. Expect dynamic displays of giant snowmen, candy canes, reindeers, gnomes, sparkling snowflakes, and more. New additions in 2024 include a candy cane tunnel of lights, two brand-new universes and photo opportunities with Santa Claus until Christmas Eve. If you’re a pet owner, check out “Doggie Nights” on November 17th and December 5th to discover the dazzling world of lights with your dog(s). Be sure to get your tickets online.

OOAK

The One Of a Kind (OOAK) Winter show is heaven for anyone looking for a fun way to hunt for unique gifts for the holidays, so be sure to get your tickets and head out to the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place. Where else can you meet and shop from over 600 artisans all at once?

Holiday Hills 

Visit STACKT Market to experience a true winter wonderland at Holiday Hills at STACKT Market. This ongoing event is bursting with holiday spirit and fun daily events. Visit for free, eat well, and pick up a few unique gifts while you wander through twinkle-lit stalls. This event is on all December long until the 29th.

Distillery Winter Village

There’s a ton of festive fun to be had in the Distillery District of Toronto during Distillery Winter Village. It’s open daily this month from 10am, with tickets required after 4pm. Explore the wares of vendors in adorable tiny cabins while you sip on festive beverages and nosh on outlandish treats like chimney cones and smoked turkey legs. It’s a joy to visit the cobblestone village any day and time, but there are scheduled events and attractions to discover throughout the month that can make your visit extra special like meeting Santa, tree lightings, and even a Taylor Swift-inspired scavenger hunt.

Cavalcade of Lights

Running all month long, Cavalcade of Lights offers a magical holiday experience in the heart of downtown Toronto. It’s a free event that transforms City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland. Admire a huge, glittering tree; skate to the music with friends and family; and enjoy the glow of thousands of energy-efficient light bulbs. You can bring your own skates or rent them.

WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland 

Don’t miss WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (in Vaughan) this holiday season! It’s on now until January 4th and is a glittery spectacle to behold. It’s an immersive holiday experience for the whole family. It features ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows and holiday entertainment, festive rides, delicious food and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, seasonal shopping, millions of sparkling lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street. ​Be sure to get tickets online while you still can.

Holiday Fair in Mel Lastman Square

The annual Holiday Fair in the Mel Lastman Square (North York) will transform the area into a glittering winter wonderland. Stroll through artisan market stalls hunting for unique gifts for your loved ones, warm up in the Fireside Lounge while you sip on a soothing hot chocolate or mulled wine, visit Santa Claus and more! 

Christmas at the Castle

Enjoy an old-timey Christmas this month at Christmas at Casa Loma. Casa Loma will host a wide range of activities and performances for the whole family. Expect exquisite holiday decor including a 40-foot tree in the Great Hall and 8 other trees decorated by talented Canadian designers. The kids will love visiting Santa Claus in his castle workshop and doing festive arts and crafts. Be sure to get tickets online.

The Nutcracker Ballet

From December 6th to 31st at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, catch a wondrous performance of The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada. James Kudelka’s The Nutcracker is a family-friendly production and an unforgettable tribute to the imagination. The adventure unfolds at a Christmas Eve party in a 19th-century barn. Siblings Marie and Misha discover delights beyond their wildest dreams, from magical creatures to savoury treats and the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Sit back and listen to Tchaikovsky’s famous score as you admire the beautiful performance, magnificent sets and fabulous costumes of this classic ballet masterpiece. Be sure to get tickets online.

We hope you’ll explore these fabulous holiday season events in the GTA! Toronto loves the holiday season, so this is just the tip of the iceberg.

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