Festive Toronto: Your Guide to Holiday Events, Activities, and What’s Open This Season

TORONTO – The holiday season is in full swing across Toronto, offering residents and visitors alike a myriad of festive events and activities to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. From glittering lights to family-friendly adventures, here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of the holidays while planning for closures and service changes.

Festive Highlights

Toronto’s holiday magic shines brightly with must-see events:

• Cavalcade of Lights: The beloved Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square continues through January 7, 2025. This year’s theme, Shine, features mesmerizing light installations, cultural performances, and family activities. Details are available on the City’s website.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Ring in 2025 with one of Canada’s largest fireworks displays. The high-altitude show over Toronto’s central waterfront begins at midnight on December 31. The event will also be livestreamed on the City’s Culture YouTube channel for those celebrating from home.

From skating under the glow of Christmas lights to ringing in the new year with a dazzling firework display, there are many fun things for everyone to enjoy in Toronto this holiday season🎅🎄

For more information about what’s happening as well as what’s open and what’s closed… pic.twitter.com/ilaPeMaUMk

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) December 17, 2024

Outdoor Adventures

For those embracing the cold, Toronto’s outdoor spaces transform into winter wonderlands:

• Skating: Enjoy free skating at the City’s outdoor rinks and trails, offering options for leisure skating, shinny, and figure skating. Desjardins Financial Group’s mobile Skate Lending Library also makes skating accessible with free equipment rentals.
• Winter Fun in Parks: From tobogganing to cross-country skiing, the City’s parks provide endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment this season.
• High Park Animal Display & Riverdale Farm: Both attractions remain open daily during the holidays, offering free admission. Visitors should note that vehicular access to High Park will be restricted on select days.

Indoor Holiday Options

Toronto’s indoor attractions ensure fun for all ages, even when temperatures drop:

• Community Recreation Centres: Offering fitness classes and drop-in programs, centres will operate reduced hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and close on Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Toronto Public Library: Branches will close early on December 24 and December 31 and will be closed on key holidays. Digital resources, including eBooks and music, remain available 24/7.
• Toronto History Museums and Cultural Centres: While most facilities will close on key holidays, cultural centres such as Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre Galleries offer unique exhibitions for art enthusiasts.

Transportation and Service Updates

Planning ahead is key to navigating holiday schedules:

• TTC Service: The TTC will operate modified schedules on select days. Riders can find updates on the TTC website.
• Road Closures: Several roads will be closed for events and construction. Drivers should allow extra travel time and consider alternative methods like public transit or cycling.
• Green P Parking and Bike Share Toronto: For those traveling by car or bike, parking and bike-share services remain available citywide.

Celebrate Safely

Safety remains a priority this holiday season:

• Fire Safety: Toronto Fire Services reminds residents to test smoke alarms and follow safety tips for decorations and cooking.
• Food Safety: Toronto Public Health encourages safe food preparation and storage. Diners can also use the DineSafe tool to check food safety records of local restaurants.

For more information on events, closures, and safety tips, visit the City of Toronto’s official website.

This season, whether you’re skating under the stars, enjoying fireworks, or sharing a festive meal, Toronto offers countless ways to celebrate. Stay safe, plan ahead, and enjoy the holiday magic.

SOURCES: City of Toronto