Things To Do in Toronto This Week (December 1-7) • Over Here Toronto

And just like that, the switch is flipped. One day you’re kicking through leaves, the next the entire city smells like peppermint and pine. December in Toronto is… a lot. But it’s also pretty magical.

The energy is electric, and the calendar is bursting. If you’re wondering what’s actually worth bundling up for, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been navigating this city’s holiday chaos for years, so here is my personal guide to the best things to do in Toronto for the first week of December. I’ll give you the real scoop on what to hit, what to expect, and how to do it right.

NOTE: Before you head out, always check the official event pages. Things change. And remember, “free admission” just means it’s free to get in. That $15 mulled wine is all on you. Now, let’s get to it.

Free Fun Events

Fleurs de Villes NOËL in Bloor-Yorkville

*Photo via* *@blooryorkville* */ Instagram*

The whole neighbourhood becomes a trail of seasonal art, with over 25 stunning installations and those crowd-favourite floral mannequins. You can sip themed cocktails, listen to carolers, and even bring home fresh blooms from pop-up flower markets.

When: December 3-7, 2025
Where: Multiple venues across Bloor-Yorkville
Tickets: Free to explore
Website: https://www.bloor-yorkville.com
Best for: Photo lovers, floral fans, and weekend wanderers.

TREE HUT Holiday Movie Night

Free movie night, free treats, and full-sized product samples? TREE HUT knows how to get people out of the house in December. It’s low-key, fun, and perfect if you want something festive without committing to a huge event.

When: December 5, 2025
Where: The Well (486 Front St W, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
Best for: Casual plans, self-care fans, and holiday movie lovers.

Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail Celebration

*Photo via* *@downtownyonge* */ Instagram*

If you’ve been waiting for the moment to finally use your skates (or borrow a pair — they’re free!), the ice trail celebration downtown has your name on it. Glide around while listening to live music, hop on a mini train ride, roast s’mores, or warm up by the fire pits.

When: December 6, 2025
Where: College Park (444 Yonge St, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://downtownyonge.com
Best for: Skaters, families, and anyone who loves outdoor winter fun.

Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade

*Photo via* *@lakeshoresanta* */ Instagram*

Community-run, family-loved, and powered by pure Christmas spirit, this local parade brings Santa (and lots of smiles) to South Etobicoke.

When: December 6, 2025
Where: Dwight Avenue, Etobicoke
Tickets: Free to watch
Website: https://lakeshoreparade.ca
Best for: Families and neighbourhood regulars.

Holiday Fest & Butter Tart Market

*Photo via* *@gottaluvbuttertarts* */ Instagram*

If “holiday shopping” and “butter tarts” sound like your dream combo, this is your weekend plan. You can try dozens of tart flavours, from maple bacon to Nutella, while supporting local bakers.

When: December 6, 2025
Where: Royal Canadian Legion BR 101 (3850 Lakeshore Blvd. W, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://gottaluvbuttertarts.ca
Best for: Dessert enthusiasts and shoppers.

Fair December Winter Marketplace

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This long-running market brings together local artisans selling handmade crafts, with proceeds helping local students and the Compass Food Bank.

When: December 6-7, 2025
Where: Cawthra Park Secondary School (1305 Cawthra Road, Mississauga)
Tickets: Free-$5
Website: https://fairdecember.ca
Best for: Thoughtful shoppers and community supporters.

Midtown Holiday Market

Packed with local vendors, comfort food, and swag bags for early birds, this market is basically retail therapy wrapped in tinsel.

When: December 6-7, 2025
Where: Avant Garde (218 Merton St, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.menagetoronto.com
Best for: Gift hunters and weekend wanderers.

Anga’s Winter Market

At this winter market, you can browse handmade gifts, make your own ornaments, and take photos with Santa while live music plays in the background. The holiday workshops are a hit, so get there early.

When: December 6, 2025
Where: Anga’s Farm & Nursery (89 Bankfield Drive, Etobicoke)
Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
Website: https://www.angasfarm.ca
Best for: DIY fans, families, and crafty shoppers.

Santa Claus Parade Burlington

*Photo via* *@cityburlington* */ Instagram*

Besides Santa? There are bands, floats, and community cheer to go around. Bring your letters for Santa and some canned goods for the Burlington Food Bank.

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: Families and parade lovers.

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Pop-Up

*Photo via* *@torontoartcrawl* */ Instagram*

Over 100 local artists fill The Great Hall for one of the city’s biggest handmade markets. From art to skincare to jewelry, it’s a treasure trove for holiday gifting.

When: December 7, 2025
Where: The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W., Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.torontoartcrawl.com
Best for: Shoppers and art collectors.

Riverside Window Wonderland & Art Walk

*Photo via* *@riverside_bia* *and* *@leslievillebia* */ Instagram*

Queen East gets festive with artist-decorated shop windows. Walk, snap, vote for your favourite, and support local creatives in the process.

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: Strollers, photographers, and art enthusiasts.

Holiday Hills 2025

Stackt Market becomes a holiday playground filled with lights, art, live music, and comfort food. It’s part market, part hangout, and very photo-worthy.

When: Until December 28, 2025
Where: STACKT market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://stacktmarket.com
Best for: Friends, couples, and weekend wanderers.

Holiday at The Well

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For this one, you can grab a coffee, shop small, and feel the Nordic-inspired setup filled with local vendors, live entertainment, and seasonal workshops.

When: Until December 28, 2025
Where: 486 Front St W, Toronto
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
Best for: Couples, friends, and anyone who loves laid-back holiday charm.

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

Tree-lined streets, chic lights, and plenty of great dining nearby make this one of the prettiest strolls in the city.

When: Until December 31, 2025
Where: Village of Yorkville Park (115 Cumberland Street & Bellair Street, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.bloor-yorkville.com
Best for: Date nights, shoppers, and diners.

Winterfest Toronto

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Winterfest has quickly become one of the city’s biggest seasonal attractions. Expect shimmering lights, fire pits, food stalls, mulled wine, train rides, an artisan market, and plenty of space for exploring.

When: Until December 31, 2025
Where: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W., Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission (select activities ticketed)
Website: https://harbourfrontcentre.com
Best for: Families, holiday explorers, and anyone who loves big festive events.

Cavalcade of Lights

Nathan Phillips Square sparkles every night with skating, music, and Toronto’s official Christmas tree. Bring your skates or just your camera; after all, both work.

When: Until January 7, 2026
Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.toronto.ca
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone who loves a good city glow-up.

Union Winter Presented by TD

*Photo via* *@torontounion* */ Instagram*

Union’s roller rink is back, and it remains one of the most affordable winter activities downtown. You can rent skates for free, join a lesson, or dance your way through DJ nights and themed 19+ evenings.

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: Budget-friendly outings, date nights, and casual skaters.

Paid & Ticketed Things To Do

Tinseltown: An Immersive Holiday Pop-Up Bar

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Novotel Toronto Centre is bringing back Tinseltown, and this year it’s bigger, brighter, and a little more mischievous. Expect holiday characters popping out at you, nostalgic décor pulled straight from classic movies, and a playful energy that keeps the night light and fun.

When: December 4-28, 2025
Where: Novotel Toronto Centre (45 The Esplanade, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://novoteltorontocentre.com
Best for: Friends’ nights out and holiday bar crawlers.

Boursin x Emily in Paris

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Toronto gets a taste of Paris with this one-night-only Boursin x Emily in Paris collab. Café Renée transforms into a dreamy little bistro complete with photo ops, live jazz, Vespa moments, and even illustrated portraits.

When: December 4, 2025
Where: Café Renée (100 Portland St, Toronto)
Reservations: Click here.
Instagram: @boursin_canada
Best for: Food lovers, Emily in Paris fans, and people who love stylish pop-ups.

Holiday Bricktacular

LEGOLAND goes full festive mode with giant LEGO trees, reindeer, and festive builds. Kids can send letters to Santa, meet “Gingy” the Gingerbread Man, and even help spread cheer by creating LEGO hearts for charity.

When: December 4-24, 2025
Where: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com
Best for: Families and anyone who loves to play with LEGO.

The Nutcracker

*Photo by* *@karolinakuras* *via* *@nationalballet* */ Instagram*

You can’t do December in Toronto without The Nutcracker. It’s been dazzling audiences for 30 years now, and that Sugar Plum Fairy still steals the show.

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: Ballet fans, families, and holiday romantics.

Mississauga Festival of Trees

*Photo via* *@creativehub_1352* */ Instagram*

Art meets Christmas cheer at this creative holiday market. You’ll find artist-designed trees, over 80 vendors, and plenty of lights, workshops, and live entertainment.

When: December 5-14, 2025
Where: CreativeHub 1352 at Small Arms Inspection Building (1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga)
Tickets: PWYC
Website: https://www.creativehub1352.ca
Best for: Art fans and shoppers.

The World’s Largest Holiday Party at Woodbine

Corporate holiday party season is in full swing, but this one takes the cake (and the champagne). Woodbine Racetrack turns into a festive playground with entertainment, dinner, and live horse racing.

When: December 5, 2025
Where: Woodbine Racetrack (555 Rexdale Blvd, Toronto)
Reservations: Click here.
Website: https://woodbine.com
Best for: Office crews and friend groups.

The Candy Factory: Immersive Art Experience & Xmas Mini Show

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This one’s like Candy Land with an artsy twist. You’ll enjoy mini artworks, burlesque performances, and a dance floor in “Santa’s Workshop.”

When: December 5-6, 2025
Where: The Super Wonder Gallery (1162 Bloor Street West, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.superwondergallery.com
Best for: Art lovers and party-goers.

Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights

*Photo via* *@casalomatoronto* */ Instagram*

Toronto’s favourite castle glows up for the holidays with twinkling tunnels, festive gardens, and live performances. It’s the kind of walk that makes you forget about winter for a while.

When: December 6, 2025-January 3, 2026
Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://casaloma.ca
Best for: Couples, families, and anyone seeking a picture-perfect Christmas stroll.

The Wizard of ImprOZ – An Improvised Musical

Dorothy’s story gets flipped upside down as comedians make up an entire musical on the spot. Audience suggestions drive the plot, so every show’s a wild card.

When: December 6, 12, 20, & 27, 2025
Where: Second City (1 York Street, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.secondcity.com
Best for: Comedy lovers and anyone who likes a surprise ending.

One Of A Kind Christmas Show

A Toronto institution celebrating 50 years of handmade magic. Over 700 artisans gather for this massive market filled with crafts, décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

When: Until December 7, 2025
Where: Enercare Centre (100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://oneofakindshow.com
Best for: Holiday shoppers and lovers of Canadian craftsmanship.

The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brick Works is bringing back its winter market, with rotating vendors, good food, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and that relaxing winter garden area everyone ends up taking photos of.

When: Until December 21, 2025
Where: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
Tickets: $5 suggested donation (free & ticketed activities/events)
Website: https://www.evergreen.ca
Best for: Shoppers, craft lovers, and relaxed weekend plans.

The Distillery Winter Village

*Photo via* *@abeena.meera* */ Instagram*

Cobblestones, fairy lights, mulled wine, and that giant Christmas tree? Yep, the Distillery is holiday perfection. Shop, sip, and enjoy it all in.

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: Everyone who loves Christmas markets.

Concerts & Live Music

Home Alone in Concert

You already know the story: one kid, two clueless burglars, and a whole lot of booby traps. But this time, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra plays the full score live.

When: December 4-7, 2025
Where: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.tso.ca
Best for: Families and movie lovers.

Papa Roach: Rise of the Roach Tour

*Photo by* *@brysonroatch* *via* *@paparoach* */ Instagram*

If you need a break from Christmas carols, you shouldn’t miss Papa Roach’s tour. The band celebrates 25 years of Infest with a full-blown rock show.

When: December 5, 2025
Where: Coca-Cola Coliseum (19 Nunavut Rd, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://paparoachmerch.com
Best for: Rock fans and concert-goers.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live at the Symphony

Charlie Brown and Snoopy get the live orchestra treatment, and yes, you might hum along. It’s one of those shows that makes you feel like a kid again, no matter how many Decembers you’ve seen.

When: December 6-7, 2025
Where: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.tolive.com
Best for: Families and Peanuts fans.

Other Events/Activities to Check Out

Miracle Christmas Bar – Until December 29 at Bloor (875 Bloor St. West, Toronto); Harbourfront (235 Queens Quay W., Toronto) | Reservations available
EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace Holiday Market – Until December 31 at The Ritz-Carlton (181 Wellington Street West, Toronto) | Free admission
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland – Until January 3, 2026 at 9580 Jane St, Vaughan | Ticketed
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights – Until January 4, 2026 | Free admission
Lisa’s Cosmetics Warehouse Sale – December 1, 5 & 7 at 135 Commerce Valley Dr E, Markham
Toronto Raptors Games – December 2, 4, 5 & 7 at Scotiabank Arena (50 Bay Street, Toronto) | Ticketed
Gay AF Christmas Spectacular! – December 3 at Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West, Toronto) | Ticketed
Toronto Sceptres Games – December 4 at Coca-Cola Coliseum (45 Manitoba Drive, Toronto) | Ticketed
City of Craft Holiday Market – December 5-7 at The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen Street West, Toronto) | Ticketed
12th Annual Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market – December 5-7 at Carlaw Industrial Centre (388 Carlaw Ave #207, Toronto) | Free & ticketed
Toronto Marlies Games – December 6-7 at Coca-Cola Coliseum (45 Manitoba Drive, Toronto) | Ticketed
Toronto Maple Leafs Games – December 6 at Scotiabank Arena (50 Bay Street, Toronto) | Ticketed
Breakfast with Santa – December 6 & 13 at CN Tower, Bremner Boulevard, Toronto | Ticketed

Need More Holiday Nights in the City?

If twinkling lights and Christmas markets aren’t enough, trade the crowds for candlelight. My guide to Candlelight Concerts Toronto: Tributes & Holiday Shows (2025–26) offers the perfect way to slow down and enjoy live music in a warm, glowing setting. From pop icons to classical tributes, these concerts make winter nights feel a little more special.

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