The holiday magic is back in the GTA, as beautiful lights, markets, and events get you in the festive spirit.
Kids will be home from school, and friends will be off work, so why not visit these fun events?
The Distillery Winter Village
The famous 56-foot Christmas tree at Distillery Winter Village. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia
The Distillery Winter Village is an annual outdoor holiday market at The Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto.
The event includes local craftspeople, live entertainment, photo ops, a visit from Santa and his elves, a gorgeous Christmas tree, an Illumination experience, retail shops and vendor cabins. In addition, various restaurants, cafés and outdoor bars.
The family-friendly event is open daily. However, depending on the day, tickets may need to be purchased, and hours may vary.
Tickets are required after 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and every day from Dec. 18 to 31.
The ticket price ranges from $15 to $45, and kids nine and under are free. Tickets can only be purchased in advance.
The Distillery Winter Village advises visitors to take public transit or a ride share service. Additional information on commuting is on their website.
Parking is available, but limited and some locations require a payment.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Holiday Fair in the Square is open to all age groups and all proceeds go towards Epilepsy Toronto. Photo credit: Holiday Fair in the Square
Holiday Fair in the Square is a family and furry-friendly event in North York.
The event is helping to raise money for Epilepsy Toronto.
The free event includes an artisan market, a Polar Point bar, a fireside lounge, Santa’s Village, live entertainment, various food trucks, rides and games, and skating rink.
The Holiday Fair runs from Dec. 1 to 23, excluding Mondays. However, the hours vary depending on the day of visitation.
The Holiday Fair in the Square is located at 5100 Yonge St., North York. There are various parking lots near the location and the subway is easily accessible.
Winterfest
As families pass the gates and security at Canada's Wonderland Winterfest, a breathtaking view of the park is displayed for families to take pictures of. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia
Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland offers various activities for families to do together.
The event includes live entertainment, lights and sights, a skating rink, rides, crafts tables, a reindeer roundup, and cookie decorating.
Winterfest also offers various food options, such as funnel cakes, loaded mashed potato bowls, holiday drinks, savoury snacks and various holiday entrees.
The event is open every Friday to Sunday from now until Jan. 6. However, hours may vary.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates, but the prices may vary. 2023 season’s pass holders are eligible to attend Winterfest for free.
Parking is available, but can only be paid for at the grounds of Canada’s Wonderland.
Holiday Lights Tour
Casa Loma's Christmas castle and tour is open until Jan. 8, 2024. Photo credit: Casa Loma
Casa Loma has transformed into a spectacular Holiday Light Tour.
The self-guided two-kilometre walk includes an astonishing lighting display in the gardens and tunnels. However, the trail does not have access to a tour inside Casa Loma.
The event also includes live performances, and kids are invited to visit Santa in his castle workshop.
There are two ticket options guests can purchase, a general Holiday Lights Admission or Holiday Lights VIP Experience. Prices of tickets differ.
The VIP Experience includes admission for two people, a line by-pass, and food & beverage vouchers per guest.
Tickets can be purchased online or on the grounds of Casa Loma. However, prices vary. Furthermore, children three and under are free when accompanied by an adult who has a ticket, and strollers are not permitted.
Visitors are advised that tickets are valid for the date and time indicated on the ticket. In addition, tickets are non-refundable but are exchangeable to a new date.
The Holiday Lights Tour can be entered using the southwest corner of the property at Davenport and Walmer Roads.