Christmas Events in Toronto

By Lori Bosworth

Christmas is a little over a month away, but you know the time will fly by fast. One of the best things about the Christmas season in Toronto is the opportunity to spend time with family and friends at holiday events. Attending Toronto Christmas concerts is always fun. We’ve highlighted some cool Christmas events in Toronto 2017 that you’ll want to enjoy with your loved ones.

Toronto Christmas Market at The Distillery District

The Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District will be one of the most popular Christmas events in Toronto 2017. Wander among the outdoor vendors’ market to find the perfect holiday gift, visit Santa at Santa’s House, get a pet photo with Santa on Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. or listen to holiday musical performances on the main stage while gazing at the 52-foot white spruce Christmas tree. You can also enjoy a drink at the beer and wine gardens and listen to roaming Christmas carollers. Children will enjoy the Ferris wheel, carousel and life-sized gingerbread house. This year, there will be a $6 admission charge on weekends (beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays), but weekdays remain free. The Toronto Christmas Market opens on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 4 p.m. and runs to Saturday, December 23, 2017.

Nathan Phillips Square Tree Lighting

Watch the massive Christmas tree lighting at the 49th Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square just in time for the holidays on Sat., Nov. 25, 2017 at 6 p.m., then enjoy live musical performances (artists to be announced), followed by skating and fireworks. Nathan Phillips Square will continue to be lit up every night from dusk until 11 p.m. until Dec. 31, 2017.

The Fort York Frost Fair

The Fort York Frost Fair takes place Sat., Dec. 9, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the festive season by visiting Fort York’s historic buildings where merchants will be selling 18th-and-19th-century-inspired merchandise. Print a Frost Fair souvenir or dress up in heritage clothing. Merchants dressed in period clothing will be staffing the stalls. Sample handmade shortbread, heritage chocolate and gourmet pretzels. Warm up at the Officers’ Mess Kitchen hearth. Watch the Royal Veteran Battalion practice exercises and musket firing on Saturday. Admission is Adults $14.01, Seniors (65+) $10, Youth (13-18) $10, Children (6-12) $5.99, 5 and under Free. Fort York is located at 250 Fort York Boulevard (north of Lake Shore Blvd., west of Bathurst St.), 416-392-6907.

Festive Nutcracker Tea at the King Edward Hotel

Enjoy a Nutcracker Afternoon tea at the King Edward Hotel from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2017 between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sundays. (Nutcracker Afternoon Tea is not available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Dec. 24, and 25, 2017). The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea takes place in the lobby beside the Christmas tree and in Victoria’s. The Festive Nutcracker Tea is $54 per person (more with sherry or champagne) and includes fine loose leaf teas, finger sandwiches, scones, Devonshire cream and festive pastries. Reservations required. Call 416-863-4106 or email festivedesk@omnihotels.com to reserve.

Make Your Own Glass Holiday Ornament at Harbourfront Centre

Let your creativity blossom at Harbourfront Centre’s Make Your Own Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop on Dec. 2, Dec. 9 or Dec. 16, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Workshop is for Adults 18+ and is $40 for one ornament and $100 for three ornaments. Workshop takes place at Craft and Design Studio, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. Contact craft@harbourfrontcentre.com to register.

The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada

For some, Christmas is not Christmas without seeing Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. James Kudelka’s version of The Nutcracker runs 120 minutes, which includes a 20-minute intermission. The National Ballet of Canada performs the holiday ballet from Dec. 9-30, 2017 at the Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W., 416-345-9595. Tickets are $39, $55, $65, $70, $90, $95, $105, $120, $135, $140, $150, $175 and $190.

Adult Christmas Wreath Workshop at Todmorden Mills

Participate in creative Christmas events in Toronto 2017 such as the Adult Christmas Wreath Workshop at Todmorden Mills. Choose from a selection of evergreens, natural materials and ribbon to create your natural wreath on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Todmorden Mills. Enjoy complimentary hot mulled cider and a holiday treat. Workshop is $30 plus tax. Reserve your spot at 416-396-2819.

Christmas by Lamplight at Black Creek Pioneer Village

If you’re looking for traditional Christmas events in Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village hosts Christmas by Lamplight on Sat. Dec. 9, Sat. Dec. 16 and Sat. Dec. 23, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Walk through the village dressed in seasonal decorations, listen to a choir in the village’s old church, sample chestnuts, apple cider, and other holiday treats, listen to Christmas tales, participate in a Victorian carol sing-along and learn how to make period decorations. Santa makes an appearance each night. Admission is Adults $29.95 on Dec. 9 and 16 and $34.95 on Dec. 23, 2017 plus H.S.T. and Children under 12 $24.95 on Dec. 9 and 16 and $29.95 on Dec. 23, 2017 plus H.S.T. A turkey dinner is also available for an extra charge. Black Creek Pioneer Village is located at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway (Jane St. and Steeles Ave.), 416-667-6295.

Santa Claus Parade Toronto

Get the kids bundled up because the Santa Claus Parade takes place on Sun., Nov. 19, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. This well-loved Toronto Christmas event begins at Bloor and Christie Streets and then continues down University Avenue where it heads south until Wellington St. W. The parade then turns east along Wellington Street to Yonge Street and south to Front Street and ends at Jarvis Street.

Wreath-Making at Colborne Lodge

If you’re looking for creative things to do at Christmas, you can make a fresh pine wreath at the Toronto’s historic Colborne Lodge in High Park then enjoy a tour of the house. Light refreshments served. Adult wreath-making classes are $32.50 plus H.S.T. and take place Sun. Nov. 19, 2017 at 10 a.m., Thurs., Nov. 23, 2017 at 7 p.m., Sun., Nov. 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. and Thurs., Dec. 7, 2017 at 7 p.m. Adult/youth classes for one adult and one youth are $50 plus H.S.T. and are scheduled on Sat., Nov. 18, 2017 at 10 a.m., Sat., Nov. 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. and Sat., Dec. 2, 2017 at 10 a.m. One additional adult is $32.50 and one additional youth is $17.50 plus tax. Purchase tickets for wreath-making classes online. Call 416-392-6916 for more information.

Do you know of other Christmas events in Toronto 2017? Please let us know in the comments.