Scarborough Town Centre Unveils Giant Christmas Tree, Planet Santa and Holiday Events for 2026
Scarborough Town Centre holiday celebrations 2026 are bringing festive magic to Toronto’s east end, featuring a towering 44-foot Christmas tree, an immersive Santa experience, holiday shopping markets, and community initiatives throughout November and December.
Beginning November 12, Scarborough Town Centre (STC) is welcoming visitors with seasonal decorations, family photo opportunities, and special activities designed to make the holidays memorable.
From meeting Santa to discovering locally made gifts, here’s what visitors can look forward to this Christmas season.
A 44-Foot Christmas Tree Returns November 12
One of Scarborough Town Centre’s biggest holiday attractions is its towering 44-foot Christmas tree.
Returning November 12, the installation serves as a centrepiece for the shopping centre’s festive celebrations.
Visitors can enjoy the decorated tree and capture family photos against one of the largest indoor Christmas displays in Toronto’s east end.
The seasonal attraction provides a convenient indoor destination for families looking for Christmas photo opportunities without worrying about winter weather.
Planet Santa Brings an Immersive Christmas Experience
Planet Santa returns to Scarborough Town Centre’s Centre Court from November 12 to December 24, 2026.
Described as one of the GTA’s largest interactive holiday displays, the experience surrounds visitors with decorated Christmas trees, life-sized snow globes, and festive installations.
Families can explore the whimsical setting before meeting Santa for their annual holiday photograph.
Planet Santa hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Christmas Eve, December 24: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can reserve photo appointments through the Scarborough Town Centre Santa Experience booking website.
Photo package prices and available appointment times should be checked through the booking platform.
Baby’s First Christmas Offers Special Santa Photo Sessions
For parents celebrating their baby’s first holiday season, Scarborough Town Centre is bringing back its dedicated Baby’s First Christmas photo experience.
The special sessions are designed for babies aged 12 months and younger, allowing families to capture an early Christmas milestone.
Scheduled sessions:
- November 15: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- November 16: 10 a.m. to noon
- November 17: 10 a.m. to noon
- November 21: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Families should visit the official STC holiday website for booking details and availability.
The Iconic Hot Air Balloon Photo Experience Returns
Another familiar Scarborough Town Centre attraction returns for the holidays: its nostalgic hot air balloon display.
The 16-foot-tall Hot Air Balloon Photo Experience pays tribute to the shopping centre’s original hot air balloon installation, a memorable part of STC’s history.
Located in West Court, the experience invites visitors to take festive photographs with family and friends.
The display is available daily through December 24.
For longtime Scarborough residents, the installation offers a particularly nostalgic holiday moment.
Holiday Gift Wrapping Supports Local Families
Holiday shoppers can make their gifts more meaningful by visiting the gift-wrapping station in West Court.
Operating from November 30 to December 24, the initiative will donate 100 per cent of its proceeds to BGC East Scarborough’s Magic of Snowflakes program.
The charitable campaign helps local families during the holiday season by providing food, gifts, gift cards, and other essential support.
According to the shopping centre’s announcement, the program has supported more than 7,500 Scarborough families over the past 15 years.
Visitors can learn more about the Magic of Snowflakes initiative.
Shop Local at the Run the World Holiday Market
Scarborough Town Centre will also welcome the Run the World Holiday Market from December 14 to 24.
Located in East Court, the seasonal market features a rotating selection of local small businesses and independent makers.
Visitors can browse unique gifts, handmade products, and other seasonal discoveries while supporting entrepreneurs from the community.
Additional holiday shopping options include personalized decorations at SantaVille, giftable treats from Hickory Farms, and seasonal retail pop-ups throughout the mall.
Give Back Through STC’s Food Drive and Toy Mountain
Community giving is another major focus of Scarborough Town Centre’s holiday programming.
From November 30 to December 18, STC is partnering with the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities to collect non-perishable food donations for local families.
Donations can be dropped off at the Security Office near Entrance 6.
On December 11, Toy Mountain returns, encouraging shoppers to donate new, unwrapped toys for children and families experiencing financial hardship.
Both initiatives offer visitors opportunities to support neighbours while enjoying the seasonal activities.
Scarborough Town Centre Holiday 2026: Dates and Location
Here is a quick overview of the holiday experiences:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| 44-foot Christmas tree | From November 12 |
| Planet Santa | November 12–December 24 |
| Baby’s First Christmas | November 15, 16, 17 and 21 |
| Hot Air Balloon Photo Experience | Through December 24 |
| Holiday gift wrapping | November 30–December 24 |
| Community food drive | November 30–December 18 |
| Toy Mountain | December 11 |
| Run the World Holiday Market | December 14–24 |
Location: Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Drive, Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario.
Website: Scarborough Town Centre
While visitors can enjoy many of the shopping centre’s decorative installations during regular mall hours, Santa photo packages and certain activities may involve additional fees or advance reservations.
Celebrate the Holidays in Scarborough
With its giant Christmas tree, interactive Santa experience, nostalgic balloon display, local shopping opportunities, and charitable activities, Scarborough Town Centre is offering plenty of reasons to visit this holiday season.
Whether you’re planning family Christmas photos, shopping for gifts, or supporting local community programs, the shopping centre’s holiday lineup offers a range of festive experiences through December.
Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the latest schedules, booking availability, and event updates.
You Might Also Like…
- Where to See Santa in Toronto This Christmas 2026
- Must-See Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Toronto
- Scarborough Town Centre Official Holiday Events
References
- Scarborough Town Centre – Holidays at STC
- Scarborough Town Centre – Plan Your Visit and Holiday Hours
- Scarborough Town Centre – Santa Experience Bookings
- Scarborough Town Centre, official holiday 2026 media announcement, November 2026.
- BGC East Scarborough – Magic of Snowflakes
