Explore Winter Festivities in the Greater Toronto Area
This blog was written in collaboration with the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko.
As winter settles in, the Greater Toronto Area comes alive with exciting festivals celebrating the season. Join the community to explore the winter festivities and make this winter memorable. Most of the festivals are outdoors, so make sure to dress warm for the weather.
1. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
When: November 1-10, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place, Princes’ Boulevard
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the largest indoor agricultural event in the world. It showcases livestock, produce, and equestrian competitions. Attendees can explore the farm-to-table market, watch horse shows, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
2. Toronto Christmas Market
When: Open starting November 13, 2024
Where: Distillery District
The Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District is a festive holiday event with twinkling lights, artisan vendors, and seasonal treats. Visitors can stroll through the charming market, sip gluehwein (mulled wine), and enjoy carolers and live performances.
3. Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
When: Open starting November 16, 2024 to January 4, 2025 (on selected dates)
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest is a one-of-a-kind holiday event in Vaughan, just outside of Toronto. This event features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street.
4. Winter Festival of Lights
When: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Where: Niagara Falls
The Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a palette of breathtaking colours with millions of twinkling lights, engaging displays, and interactive experiences.
5. Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
When: November 23, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Where: Village of Yorkville Park
The Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic annual traditions returns this year to welcome everyone for the holiday season. Enjoy a free concert, carollers, one-of-a-kind display of festive lighting, and more. The official lighting ceremony will happen on November 23, from 5 pm to 7 pm.
6. Santa Claus Parade
When: November 24, 2024
Where: Starts at Christie Pits and ends at St. Lawrence Market
This popular Santa Claus Parade will kick off the Christmas season in Toronto and for the whole country. The event has been part of the community for 119 years and will feature a 5K Fun Run, amazing floats, bands, marchers, the Celebrity Clowns, Mrs. Claus and Santa.
7. Cavalcade of Lights
When: November 30, 2024
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
This late-November event kicks off Toronto’s holiday season with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, live performances, and fireworks show. Ice skating under twinkling lights at Nathan Phillips Square continues through winter.
8. Holiday Fair in the Square
When: December 6-23, 2024 (closed on Mondays)
Where: Mel Lastman Square
The holiday fair in the square is one of the annual holiday traditions you don’t want to miss. Explore unique artisan vendors, enjoy delicious holiday treats, and enjoy festive entertainment for the whole family.
Some of the events have free admissions, so make sure to check their official websites for details and up-to-date information.
To learn more about the festivals happening in Toronto, feel free to visit the city of Toronto’s event calendar at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar/
Are you a new immigrant in the Greater Toronto Area or Ontario? Visit the YMCA GTA Newcomer Information Centre to get reliable settlement information and available programs for newcomers.
