Winter events and activities in Toronto prove we’re a city that isn’t afraid of the cold and despite this “hibernation” term floating around, there are a slew of major parties, events and festivals happening both inside and out.
Here are our picks for things to do this winter in Toronto.
1. Toronto Christmas Market 2018
The magic of the Christmas season returns to Toronto, Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, with the 9th annual Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery Historic District. Ranked one of the best Christmas Markets in the world, the festival features hundreds of unique and locally handcrafted products, stunning light canopies, family friendly entertainment, heated mulled wine, beer and hospitality gardens, and Santa and the elves, all in an atmosphere so romantic you can’t help but fall in love with the holiday season all over again. Rediscover the magic of Christmas.
Admission is free of charge on weekdays until Friday at 5pm. A not-for-profit organization, Toronto Christmas Market charges $6.00 admission on weekends starting at 5pm on Fridays. CHILDREN 2 AND UNDER ARE FREE! Although the Toronto Christmas Market is not active on Mondays, the shops and restaurants of the Distillery Historic District are open 7 days a week.
2. Aurora Winter Festival
The Aurora Winter Festival inspires the festive spirit through magical winter experiences. Escape into a hidden village by the North Pole, filled with captivating light displays and magical characters, and enjoy the market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other activities. From visiting Santa’s Workshop, to lacing up your skates on the Frozen Pond, there is something for every age.
The 24-day festival, presented in partnership with the Canadian National Exhibition, is the first of its kind in the Toronto market.
The Aurora Winter Festival will offer a wide selection of attractions that will transform Ontario Place into the ultimate winter wonderland.
Highlights will include:
- an outdoor ice-skating pond
- 50-foot LED light dome programmed with flowing Aurora lights
- Santa’s workshop
- a tube park with a 170-foot -long slide covered in artificial snow
- Carnival rides
- Main Street is lined with over 30 holiday inspired food and market vendors.
3. Winter Flower Show 2018
Breathtaking floral scenes with thousands of colorful blooms, vines and lush plants from around the world transform our conservatories into memorable, must-see winter destinations.
Take part in family-friendly activities like sing-along with Victorian carolers while enjoying crisp hot apple cider.
Allan Gardens Conservatory Winter Flower Show
December 2 to January 9
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended hours until 7 p.m. on December 2, 8, 9,1, 16, 22, 23
Centennial Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show
December 9 to January 9
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended hours until 7 p.m. on December 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
4. A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle
Casa Loma is transforming into a winter wonderland just in time for Christmas with a month of signature holiday decor, outdoor light displays, performances, Santa’s Workshop, festive food and drink options, as well as a holiday market.
Daytime programming: December 1 to January 6.
Evening programming runs Dec 17 to Dec 23, 5-9 p.m. every night.
5. Evergreen’s Winter Village
This winter village has something for everybody, no matter what tickles your holiday fancy. For the foodies, there is an ever-changing roster of food trucks lined up inside to satisfy any food craving, from steamed dumplings to gluten-free baked goods and gooey grilled cheese (literally drooling). For the shopaholics, peruse the Holiday Etsy Market for the cutest crafts and handmade goodies. And for the outdoor enthusiasts, take a walk in the snow-topped trails of the Don Valley. This event takes place from December 2 to December 23, 2017 (plus, December 26 to 29) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m with free admission.
