Where to See the Best & Most Instagrammable Christmas Trees in Toronto
The first real blast of winter has hit the 6ix, and you know what that means – the city is about to get its holiday glow-up. Forget the cold for a minute, because finding the most beautiful trees is one of the best parts of the season. If you’re on the hunt for where to see the best and most Instagrammable Christmas trees in Toronto, this is your guide to the top spots for 2025.
Just a heads-up, festive folks. Event dates, tree lighting ceremonies, and crowd levels can be a moving target. It is always a good idea to check official websites or social media pages for the most current 2025 details before you head out on your merry mission.
Toronto’s Best Christmas Trees: 15+ Instagrammable Spots
Your Top Tree Questions, Answered
Before we dive in, let’s get a few common questions out of the way.
- Where is the tallest Christmas tree in Toronto? That honour almost always goes to the spectacular tree inside the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. It’s a massive, multi-story behemoth that is truly a sight to behold.
- Where is the most beautiful Christmas tree? This is a hot debate, but many would argue for the tree at the Distillery Winter Village. The combination of the giant, beautifully decorated tree with the cobblestone streets and historic backdrop is pure magic.
- What is the most popular Christmas tree in Canada? When it comes to the species of tree, Canadians generally love the Balsam Fir for its classic Christmas scent and the Fraser Fir for its sturdy branches and great needle retention.
The Most Dazzling Christmas Trees in Toronto
The CF Toronto Eaton Centre Tree
This is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Toronto Christmas trees. It’s a massive, jaw-dropping tree that soars through the central court of the mall. The sheer scale and the thousands of twinkling lights make it one of the most popular Christmas locations in the city.
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- Location: 220 Yonge St, Toronto
- Contact: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-toronto-eaton-centre | 1 416-598-8560
- Pro Tip: For the best photo, head up to the second or third floor. You get a much better vantage point and can capture the full scale of the tree without the ground-level crowds.
The Distillery Winter Village Tree
If you’re looking for pure, uncut festive vibes, this is the spot. The giant tree in Trinity Square is the heart of the Distillery Winter Village. Surrounded by cobblestone streets, charming market stalls, and sparkling lights, it feels like stepping into a European Christmas card.
- Price: FREE (on weekdays) / $$ (ticketed on weekends/evenings)
- Location: The Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St, Toronto
- Contact: www.thedistillerywintervillage.com | wintervillage@thedistillerydistrict.com
- Good For: A full festive experience. Go on a weeknight to avoid the ticket fee and the biggest crowds.
The Official City Tree at Nathan Phillips Square
This is Toronto’s official Christmas tree, and it’s a beauty. Located right in front of City Hall, it’s the centerpiece of the Cavalcade of Lights, one of the best Christmas festivals Toronto has to offer. Paired with the iconic “TORONTO” sign and the bustling skating rink, it’s a classic winter scene.
- Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto
- Contact: www.toronto.ca | 1 416-392-2489
- Pro Tip: This is the heart of downtown Christmas activities. Go in the evening to see everything lit up and to catch the energy of the skaters on the rink.
Christmas at the Castle (Casa Loma)
It doesn’t get more fairytale than a castle at Christmas. Casa Loma goes all out with a spectacular 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall, plus numerous other designer trees throughout the castle. It’s an elegant and enchanting experience.
- Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
- Contact: https://casaloma.ca | (416) 923-1171 | info@casaloma.ca
- Pro Tip: The castle offers two distinct experiences: a daytime “Christmas at the Castle” and an evening “Holiday Lights Tour.” Both are ticketed separately, so decide if you want the indoor or outdoor magic.
The Fairmont Royal York Lobby Tree
For a dose of classic, old-world glamour, step into the lobby of the Fairmont Royal York. Their magnificent tree and lavish decorations are always incredibly elegant and festive. It is one of the best indoor places to visit in Toronto for Christmas.
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- Location: 100 Front St W, Toronto
- Contact: www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/toronto/fairmont-royal-york.html | (416) 368-2511
- Pro Tip: Make it a full experience by grabbing a festive cocktail at their Library Bar or REIGN Bar while you’re there.
Yorkville Village
Yorkville brings the style and sophistication. The entire neighborhood is beautifully lit, but the displays in and around Yorkville Village and the Hazelton Hotel are particularly chic. Expect elegant, designer trees and a very fashionable festive atmosphere.
- Location: 55 Avenue Rd, Toronto
- Contact: https://yorkvillevillage.com/ | 416-968-8600 | info@yorkvillevillage.com
- Good For: A stylish and upscale holiday stroll. It is beautiful to walk through in the evening after a nice dinner.
Yonge-Dundas Square
The heart of the city’s hustle and bustle gets its own festive treatment. The tree at Yonge-Dundas Square is surrounded by massive digital billboards and the constant energy of downtown, creating a very modern and vibrant Toronto Christmas scene.
- Location: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
- Contact: www.sankofasquare.ca | (416) 979-9960
- Pro Tip: This area is always busy, but it’s a great spot for people-watching and feeling the electric energy of the city during the holidays.
Scarborough Town Center
For those looking for Christmas things to do Scarborough, STC is your go-to. They always have a massive, multi-story tree in their center court that is beautifully decorated and serves as the festive hub for the east end of the city.
- Price: FREE
- Location: 300 Borough Dr, Scarborough
- Contact: https://scarboroughtowncentre.com | (416) 296-0296
- Pro Tip: Their “SELFIE STROLL” often includes festive backdrops, making it a great indoor spot to get a bunch of different holiday photos in one go.
The Hudson’s Bay Queen Street Windows
While you’re here to see the iconic, animated window displays, don’t miss the beautiful trees and garlands that adorn the interior of the store. The Bay on Queen Street is a classic Toronto holiday tradition, inside and out.
- Location: 176 Yonge St, Toronto
- Contact: www.thebay.com | (416) 861-9111
- Good For: A classic dose of holiday nostalgia. The windows are a must-see, and popping inside to see the tree is the perfect way to warm up.
Financial District Lobbies (First Canadian Place, TD Centre)
The corporate towers of the Financial District might seem all business, but they go all out for the holidays. The lobbies of major buildings like First Canadian Place and the TD Centre are often decorated with massive, elegant trees and beautiful light installations.
- Location: Financial District (King St W & Bay St area).
- Pro Tip: This is a great weekday activity, as the lobbies are open to the public during business hours. It’s a surprisingly festive and less-crowded alternative to the malls.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Yorkdale is known for its high-end, stylish approach to the holidays. Their main Christmas tree is always a spectacular, designer-quality installation, and the rest of the mall is decked out in equally chic decor.
- Location: 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto
- Contact: https://yorkdale.com | 1 416-789-3261 | info@yorkdale.com
- Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a Santa visit, the setup at Yorkdale is usually one of the most elaborate and popular in the city. Book way in advance.
Stackt Market
Canada’s largest shipping container market gets a super cool and festive makeover for the holidays. Expect a unique, modern tree, outdoor fire pits, and lots of fun programming. It’s a different, more industrial-chic take on the holiday season.
- Location: 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
- Contact: https://stacktmarket.com
- Good For: A trendy, modern holiday experience. Check their website for special events like their “Holiday Hills” festival.
The St. Regis Toronto
Another hotel lobby that brings the luxury. The St. Regis is known for its opulent and sophisticated holiday decor. The tree in their lobby is always a masterpiece of elegance, perfect for a quiet, glamorous photo op.
- Location: 325 Bay St, Toronto
- Contact: www.marriott.com | (416) 306-5800
- Pro Tip: Their Astor Lounge is a beautiful spot for a festive afternoon tea, making for a very special holiday treat.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
The entire Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood is transformed with beautiful lights, but the tree that kicks off their “Holiday Magic” event is always a showstopper. It’s located in the Village of Yorkville Park and sets the tone for the area’s chic festivities.
- Location: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland St, Toronto
- Contact: www.bloor-yorkville.com/holiday_magic | (416) 928-3553
- Pro Tip: The official lighting ceremony is a great event, but the tree and the surrounding lights are beautiful to visit any evening throughout the season.
Woodbine Mall & Fantasy Fair
For a dose of holiday nostalgia, head to Woodbine Mall. The mall itself gets festive, but the real charm is seeing the Christmas decorations inside Fantasy Fair, the indoor amusement park. It’s a great spot for families looking for some festive fun.
- Location: 500 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke
- Contact: https://woodbinemall.com | (437) 880-8450
- Good For: A fun family outing, especially on a cold day. The combination of festive decor and amusement park rides is a winner for kids.
Local Fire Stations
This is a charming and often overlooked Toronto tradition. Many local fire stations, like Station 333 on Bloor Street in the Annex, sell Christmas trees as a fundraiser. It’s a fantastic way to get a great tree and support your local firefighters.
- Location: Various Toronto Fire Stations.
- Pro Tip: This is less about a massive display and more about a heartwarming community experience. The quality of the trees is often excellent.
Feeling the Festive Spirit?
Once you’ve snapped the perfect photo and soaked in the glow of the city’s best trees, the festive energy doesn’t have to stop there. The best trees are often surrounded by the best holiday markets, where you can find unique gifts, delicious treats, and even more magical atmosphere.
Ready to explore? Find your next adventure in our guide to 15 Free & Festive Things To Do in Toronto This Holiday Season.
More…
- https://brakerealestate.ca/where-to-see-the-best-instagrammable-christmas-trees-in-toronto-this-holiday-season
- https://houseandhome.com/gallery/christmas-tree-decorating-our-favorite-holiday-homes
- https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/1hglkmv/most_magical_christmas_tree_lighting
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