20+ Best Things To Do on Christmas Eve in Toronto (A Local’s 2025 Guide)
Let’s be real: Christmas Eve in Toronto has a very specific energy. It’s a frantic, buzzing mix of last-minute shoppers sprinting through the Eaton Centre, coupled with the sudden, magical quiet that falls over the city around 6 PM.
As someone who’s spent more Christmases here than I can count, I get asked a lot: “Is Toronto a good place to visit at Christmas?”
The answer is a resounding yes. Our city doesn’t just “do” Christmas; it becomes a sprawling, multicultural holiday movie set. But the 24th is unique. It’s the day of “getting ready.” If you’re visiting, or just a local looking for a new tradition, here’s my guide to the best things to do on Christmas Eve in Toronto.
First, What’s Actually Open on Christmas Eve in Toronto?
This is the most important question. The short answer is: most things are open, but not for long.
- Malls & Shopping: Places like the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, and Sherway Gardens are open, but they are packed. Most close early, around 5 or 6 PM, so employees can get home.
- The Essentials: Grocery stores are open for that one-last-ingredient-you-forgot, but again, expect reduced hours.
- The Real Essential (The LCBO): Yes, the LCBO is open on Christmas Eve, but it’s a scene. It usually closes early, so go in the morning or be prepared for a lineup that snakes out the door.
- Attractions: Most major attractions like the ROM, AGO, and CN Tower are open, but often close by mid-afternoon.
- Restaurants: Many are open and very busy. More on that below.
My Local Tip: Always, always check the hours online before you go. Nobody wants to show up to a locked door on Christmas Eve.
Advertisement
The “Must-Book” Christmas Events Toronto 2025
If you want to do one of the “big” things, you can’t just show up. You need to have booked these weeks ago.
1. Stroll the Distillery Winter Village (The Main Event)
This is ground zero for Christmas in Toronto. The cobblestone streets, the lights, the giant tree… it’s pure magic. The Distillery Winter Village (what we all still sometimes call the “Christmas Market”) is open on Christmas Eve.
Heads up: From December 15th to 31st, you need to buy tickets to enter after 4 PM. It’s absolutely worth it to see the place lit up, grab a hot chocolate (or a mulled wine), and feel the festive spirit.
2. Feel Like Royalty at Christmas at Casa Loma
Yes, our very own castle goes all-out. Christmas at Casa Loma is a massive event. During the day, it’s a family-friendly vibe with holiday decor. In the evening, it transforms into the Holiday Lights Tour, a spectacular walk through the gardens and tunnels. This is one of the top best things to do on Christmas Eve in Toronto for families.
Advertisement
3. See The Nutcracker (A Classic Tradition)
It’s just not Christmas for many Torontonians without a trip to the Four Seasons Centre. The National Ballet of Canada’s production of The Nutcracker is world-class. There are two shows on December 24, 2025 (an 11:00 AM matinee and a 3:30 PM show), making it the perfect special-occasion outing before your evening plans.
4. Book a Fancy Christmas Eve Dinner
If cooking is not on your agenda, many of the city’s best restaurants (especially in hotels) offer incredible prix-fixe dinners. Think places like REIGN at the Fairmont Royal York, TOCA at the Ritz-Carlton, or the classic Old Mill. You can’t just walk in. These are reservation-only, and they fill up by early December.
Iconic Lights & Outdoor Magic (Mostly Free!)
If you’d rather just soak in the sights, this is the way to go.
5. Skate at Nathan Phillips Square
This is the iconic Toronto winter experience. Skating in front of City Hall, under the arches and the “TORONTO” sign, is a must-do. The rink is open and free (you can rent skates).
6. Walk the Cavalcade of Lights
Right next to the skating rink is the Cavalcade of Lights. The entire square, including the giant Christmas tree, is lit up with hundreds of thousands of twinkling LEDs. It’s the perfect backdrop for a holiday photo.
7. Skate Under the Gardiner at The Bentway
For a more unique urban skating experience, head to The Bentway. The 220-metre figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway is surprisingly magical, with lights and often art installations. (Local tip: The Union Station rink is usually closed on the 24th, so head here instead).
8. See the Giant Tree at the Eaton Centre
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth battling the edge of the crowd to step inside the Eaton Centre and see the massive, multi-story Christmas tree. It’s truly spectacular.
9. Walk “Kringlewood”
This is a true local secret. The residents of Inglewood Drive (in the Moore Park neighborhood) all put up giant, 14-foot inflatable Santas on their lawns. It’s a hilarious, quirky, and wonderfully festive walk.
10. See the Other Holiday Windows
A moment of silence, please. As of 2025, the iconic, decades-old Hudson’s Bay holiday windows on Queen Street are officially a thing of the past (a combination of the company’s closure and all that Ontario Line construction). It’s a sad loss for the city. The new go-tos: Head up to Bloor Street to see the lavish displays at Holt Renfrew or check out the Junction Window Wonderland for a fantastic, art-filled alternative.
11. Walk Down a Quiet Queen West
This is one of my favourite things. After the shops close around 5 or 6 PM, the streets become almost silent. It’s a rare chance to walk down a major artery like Queen West, enjoy the window lights, and feel like you have the city to yourself.
Best Things to Do on Christmas Eve in Toronto for Families
Looking to keep the kids entertained before Santa arrives? You’ve got options.
12. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
It’s open during the day (usually closing around 5:30 PM, but check!) and is a perfect place to let the kids burn off that pre-Christmas energy and explore before it closes.
13. Get Artsy at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Another great daytime option. The AGO is usually open until mid-afternoon and is a calming, beautiful escape from the city’s buzz.
14. Go to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
The fish are always swimming! The aquarium is open and is a fantastic way to spend a few hours, especially if the weather is miserable.
15. Catch a Holiday Movie
See a classic like It’s a Wonderful Life or Home Alone at one of our beautiful old theatres, like the Revue Cinema or Paradise Theatre. They almost always have special holiday screenings.
The “Real” Toronto Christmas Eve Experience
Want to know what many locals are actually doing?
16. Brave the Last-Minute Shopping Chaos
I don’t recommend it, but “The Eaton Centre Sprint” is a tradition for some. It’s pure adrenaline.
17. Do the “LCBO Dash”
The aforementioned tradition of waiting in a 20-minute line for a bottle of wine for dinner. A true rite of passage.
18. Grab Dim Sum on Spadina
For many Torontonians, Christmas Eve dinner isn’t turkey. It’s a massive dim sum feast in Chinatown. Most restaurants are open, bustling, and delicious.
19. Grab a Festive Drink at the Royal York
The lobby of the Fairmont Royal York hotel is pure Christmas magic. You don’t have to be a guest to walk in, see the incredible tree, and grab a (pricey, but festive) cocktail at one of their lobby pop-ups, like the CLOCKWORK Holiday Edition.
20. Pick Up a Feast from St. Lawrence Market
If you’re cooking on the 25th, the real pro move is hitting up St. Lawrence Market on Christmas Eve for your cheese, bread, and last-minute provisions. It’s a festive, frantic, and wonderful place to be. (Just be warned: it’s open, but it closes early, usually around 4 PM).
21. Attend a Midnight Mass
For a more traditional and beautiful experience, the services at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica or the Cathedral Church of St. James are stunning and open to all.
Your Christmas Eve 2025 Soundtrack
22. Put on “Christmas in Toronto” by Mariah the Scientist
If you’re looking for the perfect modern vibe for your night, this is it. The R&B singer dropped this track, and it perfectly captures that moody, magical, big-city holiday feeling. It’s not an “event,” it’s a whole mood for your Christmas Eve Toronto.
Your Christmas Eve Toronto: FAQ
What are the must-do Christmas events in Toronto 2025? The “big three” for Christmas in Toronto 2025 are definitely the Distillery Winter Village, Christmas at Casa Loma, and The Nutcracker.
Are there Christmas events this weekend in Toronto? If your Christmas Eve falls on a weekend, or you’re looking for events the weekend before, the city is packed. Most Christmas events this weekend in Toronto (like craft markets, pop-ups) will be in full swing. But on the 24th itself, things tend to wind down by the evening.
No matter what you choose, Christmas Eve in Toronto is something special. Enjoy the magic!
Speaking of planning your travels, if you’re looking beyond Toronto for your next Canadian adventure, there are some incredible spots to see. For some inspiration, check out this guide to 18 Unmissable Places To Visit In Canada This 2026 (Here’s Who Made The Nat Geo List).
Disclaimer: All information provided is based on publicly available data and local knowledge for the 2025 season. Hours, dates, and event details are subject to change. Please check with individual venues and attractions for the most current information before making your plans.
Advertisement
