The Ultimate 20+ Things to Do in Toronto in December 2025 (Markets, Concerts & More)
As the year winds down, December in Toronto feels like a mix of comfy nights and busy calendars. One moment you’re skating under twinkling lights, and the next you’re rushing to a holiday market for last-minute gifts. With so much happening, it can be tricky to figure out what to prioritize. That’s why this guide to things to do in Toronto in December 2025 highlights everything from seasonal favourites to exciting events you might not expect. And since some of the best plans involve quick trips beyond the city, I’ve also listed options outside Toronto.
Just a friendly tip: Before heading out, it’s best to quickly confirm the event details online, since things can change at the last minute. Plus, keep in mind that “free admission” means the door is open, but you might need to RSVP or buy food, drinks, or activity passes once you’re inside.
20+ Best Things to Do in Toronto In December (2025)
Free Fun Events
Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade 2025
This volunteer-run parade brings neighbours together with Santa, music, and a warm community feel. It’s simple, cheerful, and exactly the kind of event that reminds you why locals love this stretch of the lakeshore.
- When: December 6, 2025
- Where: Dwight Avenue, Etobicoke
- Tickets: Free to watch
- Website: https://lakeshoreparade.ca
- Best for: Families and anyone who enjoys small-town charm within the city.
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas POP UP
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to mean crowded malls and generic sweaters. This Christmas market brings together 100+ local artists and makers with unique, handmade gifts. Also, enjoy live DJ, food vendors, and swag bags for early birds.
- When: December 7, 2025
- Where: The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.torontoartcrawl.com
- Best for: Holiday shoppers and art lovers.
Santa Claus Parade Burlington 2025
Burlington brings out the floats, bands, mascots, and Santa himself. Kids can hand over their letters, and volunteers collect donations for the local food bank. It’s warm, lively, and full of tradition.
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- When: December 7, 2025
- Where: Starts at Drury Lane and New Street, continues along New Street, turns north onto Brant Street, and concludes at St. John the Baptist Church (Brant & Blairholm Ave.).
- Tickets: Free to watch (non-perishable food and monetary donations are appreciated)
- Website: https://www.burlington.ca
- Best for: Kids who love parades and parents who love a wholesome celebration.
Guess Warehouse Sale
If you’re in shopping mode, this sale is a fun pick. Expect racks of discounted clothing, big markdowns, and an easy excuse to refresh your closet before the New Year.
- When: December 10-14, 2025
- Where: The International Centre (6900 Airport Road, Mississauga)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.premiumretailgroup.com
- Best for: Deal hunters and fashion fans.
Winter Glow
Sankofa Square lights up with music, installations, and daily programming. The space feels energetic, with crowds moving between displays and activities until the late evening.
- When: December 11-21, 2025
- Where: Sankofa Square (1 Dundas St. E., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.sankofasquare.ca
- Best for: Quick hangouts and after-work meetups.
Light Up the Dark
Aga Khan Museum’s façade becomes a giant canvas for projected animations inspired by its exhibitions. It’s colourful, thoughtful, and a great reason to head out after dinner.
- When: December 27-29, 2025
- Where: Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Drive, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free to enjoy (select activities are ticketed)
- Website: https://agakhanmuseum.org
- Best for: Art lovers and night owls.
Mississauga New Year’s Eve Celebration Square
Celebration Square goes big with fireworks, live music, food trucks, and skating. Kids get their own early countdown, and adults get the full party until midnight.
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- When: December 31, 2025
- Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.mississauga.ca
- Best for: Free New Year’s fun and big-group celebrations.
Riverside Window Wonderland
Queen East transforms into a long sidewalk gallery with more than 25 artist-designed holiday windows. You can walk, vote, and check out each display while grabbing snacks nearby.
- When: Until December 10, 2025
- Where: Storefronts along Queen E from Davies to De Grassi St
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://riverside-to.com
- Best for: Stroll-and-sip afternoons and anyone who likes creative holiday decor.
Winterfest Toronto 2025
Harbourfront Centre turns into a lively winter hub with rides, lights, food, markets, and its new Winter Maze. It’s a laid-back way to spend a December evening with friends or family.
- When: Until December 21, 2025
- Where: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission (select activities ticketed)
- Website: https://harbourfrontcentre.com
- Best for: A full night of holiday fun without leaving downtown.
Holiday at The Well
The Well is getting a Nordic holiday glow-up, complete with cozy market stalls, seasonal eats, and festive programming. It’s the perfect spot for last-minute shopping or just wandering around with a hot drink in hand, pretending you’re in Europe.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: 486 Front St W, Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
- Best for: Couples and casual shoppers.
Holiday Hills
Holiday Hills is basically December in one festival: lights, food, shopping, and cozy corners to warm up with a drink. Free to enter, fun to explore, and a great excuse to get into the holiday mood.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: STACKT market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://stacktmarket.com
- Best for: Friends and families.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
The neighbourhood lights up with glowing trees, Victorian-costumed carolers, and its famous outdoor benches that spark to life when you sit. It feels festive without trying too hard, making shopping days feel a bit more enjoyable.
- When: Christmas tree and light displays until December 31, 2025 / strolling carolers perform on select dates
- Where: Village of Yorkville Park (115 Cumberland Street & Bellair Street, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.bloor-yorkville.com
- Best for: Evening walks and holiday browsing.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Millions of lights take over the Niagara tourism district. It’s big, bright, and worth the drive if you want a dramatic holiday night.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: Niagara Falls
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://wfol.com
- Best for: Road trips and holiday date nights.
Cavalcade of Lights 2025
Nathan Phillips Square is glowing again with ice skating, cultural performances, and bright installations across the plaza. The city’s big tree and thousands of lights bring everything together.
- When: Until January 7, 2026
- Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Photo lovers and casual skaters.
Union Winter Presented by TD
Union’s roller rink returns with free skate rentals, lessons, DJ nights, and performances. The rink always picks up energy in the evenings, making it a fun winter hangout.
- When: Until January 18, 2026
- Where: Union Station (65 Front St. W., Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission (Advance registration for Roller Express recommended)
- Website: https://torontounion.ca
- Best for: Date nights and casual skaters.
Hangar Skate at YZD
Free skating, colourful art, DJ nights, and winter activities fill this outdoor rink. It’s bright, roomy, and great for a casual skate without the usual crowds.
- When: Until February 16, 2026
- Where: YZD (34 Hanover Road Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.yzd.ca
- Best for: Low-cost outings and family afternoons.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
The Nutcracker
It’s not really December in Toronto until the curtain rises on The Nutcracker. For 30 years, James Kudelka’s version has delivered dancing mice, Sugar Plum Fairies, and that magical Tchaikovsky score.
- When: December 5-31, 2025
- Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://national.ballet.ca
- Best for: Families and ballet fans.
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus 2025
Santa’s schedule is packed, but luckily, he’s making time for breakfast at Hotel X Toronto. Families can share a festive meal, snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy the holiday cheer by the lakefront.
- When: December 13-14 & 20-21, 2025
- Where: Hotel X Toronto (111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best for: Families with kids.
The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen brings back its warm winter market with local vendors, crafts, DIY workshops, live entertainment, and lots of great food. It feels relaxed and cheerful.
- When: December 14 & 21, 2025
- Where: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Tickets: $5 suggested donation
- Website: https://www.evergreen.ca
- Best for: Weekend wandering and handmade gift shopping.
Songs of the Season: Nostalgic Movie Moments
Remember the holiday feel you got from watching Elf or Home Alone? You can experience the Toronto Children’s Chorus singing those songs live — plus a few classic carols for good measure.
- When: December 14, 2025
- Where: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://roythomsonhall.mhrth.com
- Best for: Families and holiday movie buffs.
Winter Blooms – Circus at the Garden
Aerial silks, acrobatics, and a healthy dose of humour? Winter Blooms is a feel-good circus show that mixes wow-factor stunts with festive atmosphere.
- When: December 19-21, 2025
- Where: Toronto Botanical Gardens (777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto)
- Tickets: TBA
- Website: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca
- Best for: Families and live performance lovers.
The Distillery’s New Year’s Eve Bash
Dance under the lights in one of the most photogenic districts in the city. A DJ leads the night, and fireworks wrap things up right at midnight.
- When: December 31, 2025
- Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.thedistillerywintervillage.com
- Best for: Couples and groups who want a scenic party atmosphere.
One Of A Kind Winter Show 2025
Is your holiday shopping list long? One Of A Kind Winter Show features 500+ artisans selling everything from funky jewelry to gourmet snacks. It’s the kind of spot where you can find gifts that feel personal and maybe treat yourself too.
- When: Until December 7, 2025
- Where: Enercare Centre (100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://oneofakindshow.com
- Best for: Unique gift hunters.
Miracle on Bloor Street Christmas Bar 2025
This yearly holiday bar goes all in with decorations, themed drinks, drag shows, DJs, and plenty of playful chaos. It’s a loud good time and perfect for groups.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: 875 Bloor St. West, Toronto
- Reservations: Click here.
- Website: https://www.miracletoronto.com
- Best for: Friends’ night out and anyone who enjoys festive silliness.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland goes full-on festive with millions of twinkling lights, thrilling rides, family activities, and holiday treats. It’s basically Christmas wrapped up in one giant amusement park.
- When: Until January 3, 2026
- Where: 9580 Jane St, Vaughan
- Tickets: TBA
- Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com
- Best for: Families and thrill-seekers.
Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights
Casa Loma goes full winter magic with tunnels, gardens, music, and outdoor displays. It’s a self-guided wander, so you can take your time exploring every corner.
- When: Until January 3, 2026
- Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://casaloma.ca
- Best for: Families and couples looking for a festive night out.
The Distillery Winter Village
Toronto’s most famous holiday market is back with cobblestone charm, festive lights, and the city’s most iconic Christmas tree. Between Santa visits, artisan shopping, carollers, and endless tasty treats, this one feels like being part of a Christmas movie.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
- Tickets: Only required during specific peak periods. Click here. Entry is free at all other times.
- Website: https://www.thedistillerywintervillage.com
- Best for: Families and festive photo seekers.
Concerts
Papa Roach – Rise of the Roach Tour
December kicks off loud, and I mean really loud. Papa Roach is rolling into Toronto with their biggest show yet, celebrating 25 years of Infest. So, expect the hits, the energy, and a mosh pit to warm you up before winter really bites.
- When: December 5, 2025
- Where: Coca-Cola Coliseum (19 Nunavut Rd, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://paparoachmerch.com
- Best for: Rock fans and throwback 2000s kids.
Christmas With The Tenors Tour
If your idea of Christmas includes goosebump-worthy harmonies, The Tenors offers a mix of classical and pop that will have you humming Hallelujah all the way home.
- When: December 8, 2025
- Where: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.tenorsmusic.com
- Best for: Families and fans of vocal powerhouses.
TSO Holiday Pops
Your Toronto Symphony Orchestra knows how to party — holiday style. Expect soaring vocals, classic carols, and a sing-along. It’s festive, classy, and guaranteed to leave you humming on the way home.
- When: December 10-11, 2025
- Where: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.tso.ca
- Best for: Music lovers and families.
Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness World Tour
Global superstar Burna Boy is lighting up the Scotiabank Arena for two nights this December. His blend of Afro-fusion beats and undeniable stage presence will get you moving.
- When: December 17-18, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.onaspaceship.com
- Best for: Music lovers and Burna Boy fans.
Air Supply
The iconic duo performs their soft rock hits in Toronto for one night. Expect nostalgia, long-time fans, and lots of sing-along moments.
- When: December 17, 2025
- Where: The Theatre at Great Canadian Toronto (1133 Queen’s Plate Dr, Etobicoke)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://airsupplymusic.com
- Best for: Music lovers who appreciate classic hits.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- Holiday Bricktacular – December 4-24, 2025 at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan) | Ticketed
- Holiday Fest & Butter Tart Market – December 6 at Royal Canadian Legion BR 101 (3850 Lakeshore Blvd. W, Toronto) | Free admission
- Santa at The Village – December 6-23 at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto Ticketed
- The Wizard of ImprOZ – An Improvised Musical – December 6, 12, 20, & 27 at Second City (1 York Street, Toronto) | Ticketed
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live at the Symphony – December 6-7 at Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto) | Ticketed
- Toronto Sunday Market: Christmas Market – December 14 at The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen Street West ##2, Toronto) | Free admission
- Village Wonderland – December 14 at Variety Village (3701 Danforth Avenue, Toronto) | Ticketed
- Home Alone in Concert – December 4-7 at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto) | Ticketed
- Choir! Choir! Choir! – Un-Silent Night: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along! – December 20 at Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street, Toronto) | Ticketed
- Winter Break at the BSM – December 22, 2025-January 2, 2026 at 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto | Ticketed
Planning the ultimate holiday season? Find all the absolute must-do Christmas events in the city. I’ve hand-picked the best markets, light displays, and festive fun just for you in a guide to the Best Christmas Things to do in Toronto.
More…
- https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
- https://happytowander.com/christmas-in-toronto-things-to-do
- https://www.myguidetoronto.com/events/december-2025
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