15+ Free Things to Do in Toronto in December 2026
December in Toronto means Christmas markets, glowing light displays, skating trails, festive pop-ups, and holiday traditions happening across the city and nearby communities. If you’re planning a few holiday outings before the year ends, this guide to things to do in Toronto in December 2026 covers favourites like The Distillery Winter Village, WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland, Cavalcade of Lights, Christmas at the Castle, and several seasonal events across the GTA.
Editor’s Note: Event details may change, so check the official event pages before you go. Some free events require advance registration or an RSVP. Bring a digital payment method or some cash for on-site purchases.
Jolly Things to Do in Toronto in December 2026: 15 Festive Events
Holiday Festivals & Christmas Attractions
The Distillery Winter Village
Dates TBA | Distillery Historic District | Paid tickets (Free admission before 4 p.m. / kids 9 and under always free)
The Distillery Winter Village remains one of Toronto’s favourite holiday traditions for good reason. Wander beneath sparkling lights, browse artisan vendors, enjoy seasonal treats, and don’t miss the iconic Christmas tree standing at the heart of the historic district.
Planning a Toronto Christmas market experience in December? Visit on a weekday before 3 p.m. if you’d prefer smaller crowds. Free admission is available daily before 4 p.m., but remember to enter before the cutoff since tickets are required later in the day.
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Holiday Hills
Dates TBA | STACKT Market| Free entry
Holiday Hills gives STACKT Market a festive makeover with seasonal food, holiday drinks, creative installations, local vendors, and special experiences across the site. It’s a fun stop if you enjoy discovering independent businesses while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Even if you’ve visited in previous years, it’s worth another trip since the vendors and seasonal experiences change each holiday season. Take your time exploring the market, then warm up with a festive drink before continuing your day.
Cavalcade of Lights 2026
Dates TBA | Nathan Phillips Square | Free to attend
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Adding free Christmas events in Toronto to your December plans? Start with the Cavalcade of Lights. Opening night features live performances before Toronto’s official Christmas tree lights up Nathan Phillips Square, marking the beginning of another festive season in the city.
Spend some time skating beneath the city lights before exploring the festive displays around the square. The atmosphere feels especially festive after dark.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
November 21–December 27, 2026 | 9580 Jane St, Vaughan | Ticketed
Holiday lights, live entertainment, festive treats, seasonal shows, and select rides make WinterFest one of the biggest holiday outings near Toronto. If you’re visiting with family or friends, plan to stay after dark when the lights give the park an entirely different atmosphere.
Many guests focus on the light displays first, but don’t skip the live performances and seasonal entertainment. They add just as much to the experience as the rides and holiday decorations.
Holiday at The Well
Dates TBA | 486 Front Street West, Toronto | Free to attend
Planning a day downtown this December? Add Holiday at The Well to your itinerary. Vendor Village, family movies, the Holiday Lounge, skating, seasonal installations, and festive programming give you plenty of reasons to stop by before or after dinner.
Among the many Toronto holiday activities in December, The Well is a great choice if you’d like to shop from local businesses, enjoy free seasonal entertainment, and spend a relaxed evening with friends or family. Check the event schedule before heading out since programming changes during the month.
Christmas at the Castle
Dates TBA | Casa Loma | Ticketed
Christmas feels even more magical inside Casa Loma. Holiday decorations, designer Christmas trees, seasonal performances, Santa’s workshop, and family activities give you plenty to explore inside one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks.
If a Casa Loma Christmas experience in Toronto during December is on your list, set aside a few hours for your visit. Between the decorated rooms, castle grounds, and holiday programming, there’s far more to see than just the Great Hall.
Holiday Markets, Winter Experiences & Day Trips
One Of A Kind Christmas Show
Until December 6, 2026 | Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place | Ticketed
Every booth tells a different story at the One Of A Kind Christmas Show. Hundreds of Canadian artisans showcase handmade home décor, artwork, fashion, jewellery, gourmet treats, and unique creations under one roof.
Pro-tip: Instead of rushing to buy the first thing you like, take one full lap around the show first. You may discover another maker whose work suits the person you’re shopping for even better.
Winter Glow 2026
Dates TBA | Sankofa Square | Free admission
Planning winter festivals in Toronto 2026? Winter Glow adds plenty of holiday excitement to downtown Toronto with festive lights, a holiday market, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, seasonal food, and photo ops with Santa.
Pro-tip: Check the daily schedule before visiting since performances and activities change throughout the event. You might even discover something that isn’t available on another day.
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Dates TBA | 115 Cumberland Street & Bellair Street | Free entry
Some neighbourhoods in Toronto feel especially festive after dark, and Bloor-Yorkville is one of them. Holiday lighting, beautifully decorated storefronts, Victorian-style carollers, boutique shopping, and excellent restaurants make this one of Toronto’s nicest places for an evening walk.
Pro-tip: If you’re already planning dinner nearby, arrive a little earlier and explore the decorated streets before your reservation. The lights make the neighbourhood feel even more festive after sunset.
Santa Claus Parade Burlington 2026
December 6, 2026 | Route TBA | Free to watch
Burlington’s Santa Claus Parade combines colourful floats, marching bands, community groups, festive entertainment, and a special appearance from Santa for a classic December outing.
Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Burlington Food Bank and your letters to Santa. Canada Post volunteers collect them along the parade route every year.
Fun Winter Activities
Union Winter Presented by TD
Dates TBA | Union Station | Free admission
Planning Toronto winter activities near Union Station? Union Winter offers indoor skating, free skate rentals, DJ nights, lessons, and seasonal programming inside one of Toronto’s busiest transportation hubs.
Pro-tip: Reserve your Roller Express session before visiting since the most popular time slots often fill quickly.
Hangar Skate at YZD
Dates TBA | 34 Hanover Road | Free admission
Most skating rinks come with city views. Hangar Skate offers something completely different. Inside a former aircraft hangar, you’ll find more than 6,000 square feet of ice, live music, fire performances, snow play areas, workshops, and family activities.
Admission is free, so it’s easy to add this to your December plans. If you’ve already skated at Nathan Phillips Square or The Bentway, this is a fun way to experience a different side of Toronto’s winter season.
Winter Skating at The Bentway
Dates TBA | 250 Fort York Blvd | Free admission
Some skating rinks are worth visiting for the setting alone. The Bentway’s signature figure-eight trail winds beneath the Gardiner Expressway, creating one of Toronto’s most recognizable winter experiences. Seasonal skate nights and community events make it easy to plan another visit later in the season.
If you only have time to visit a couple of skating rinks this December, make The Bentway one of them. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another rink in Toronto with a setting like this.
Holiday Drinks & Seasonal Evenings
Miracle on Bloor Street
Dates TBA | 875 Bloor St. West | Table reservation is recommended
Planning a holiday night out with friends? Miracle on Bloor Street serves creative Christmas cocktails inside a festive pop-up inspired by classic holiday celebrations, complete with seasonal décor and cheerful touches around every corner.
Pro-tip: Reservations are available earlier in the evening, while walk-in seating opens later at night. If you’re hoping to take home the popular Miracle toque, booking ahead gives you the best chance.
Celebrating a December Birthday?
A December birthday deserves more than dinner at the usual restaurant. I also rounded up 11 Unique December Birthday Ideas in Toronto, featuring festive experiences, seasonal outings, and unique activities to celebrate with friends, family, or someone special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Distillery Winter Village remains the city’s signature Christmas market, while Holiday Hills at STACKT Market offers a more modern holiday experience. The One Of A Kind Christmas Show is also a great stop if you’re shopping for handmade gifts from Canadian artisans.
Yes. Cavalcade of Lights, Holiday at The Well, Hangar Skate at YZD, Winter Glow, and Winter Skating at The Bentway all include free seasonal experiences. Some activities may require registration or have optional paid features, so check the official event pages before visiting.
Cavalcade of Lights, The Distillery Winter Village, Winter Glow, and Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic all offer memorable holiday displays. Each location has its own atmosphere, so it’s worth visiting more than one if you have time.
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