TURN UP THE FESTIVE CHEER: HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TORONTO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Toronto holiday season events fill the city with lights, skating and festive activities
Toronto residents and visitors have a full calendar of festive activities and winter experiences to enjoy this holiday season, alongside detailed updates on what City services are open or closed through the end of the year.
In a holiday season guide released December 22, the City of Toronto highlighted family-friendly events, outdoor winter activities, indoor cultural attractions and essential service schedules to help residents plan the weeks ahead.
Holiday Events and Family-Friendly Fun
The Cavalcade of Lights continues at Nathan Phillips Square until January 7, 2026, transforming the downtown plaza into a winter destination with interactive light installations and free public skating.
Toronto will also ring in New Year’s Eve 2026 with a free, 10-minute fireworks show launched from the city’s inner harbour at midnight. The high-altitude display will be synchronized to music and accompanied by live performances and programming along the waterfront. The celebration will be livestreamed on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel.
Families are also invited to attend the City’s New Year’s Skating Parties on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring free skating, skate rentals, hot chocolate, local DJs and winter activities at locations across Toronto.
Turn up the festive cheer! Here’s what’s happening in Toronto this holiday season
Read the full news release: https://t.co/jXjoO21CV7 pic.twitter.com/WlNRlOWEVF
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) December 22, 2025
Outdoor Winter Activities
Toronto’s parks, trails and outdoor ice rinks remain a highlight throughout the season, offering skating, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. Residents are encouraged to check rink conditions before heading out.
The City is again partnering with Desjardins Financial Group to offer free access to skates, helmets and skate aids through the mobile Skate Lending Library, making skating more accessible across multiple outdoor rinks.
Animal lovers can visit the High Park Animal Display and Riverdale Farm, both open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission remains free, though vehicle access to High Park will be restricted on select holiday dates.
Indoor Attractions and Cultural Spaces
Community recreation centres will offer holiday programming but will close on December 25, December 26 and January 1, with early closures on December 24 and December 31. Some locations may close temporarily for annual maintenance.
Toronto History Museums and City-run cultural centres and galleries will operate on modified schedules, with closures on statutory holidays. Residents are encouraged to check individual locations before visiting.
All Toronto Public Library branches will close early on December 24 and December 31 and will be closed on December 25, December 26, December 29 and January 1. Digital library services, including eBooks and streaming content, remain available online throughout the holidays.
The Union Station Indoor Roller Express Rink will remain open for most of the holiday period, closing only from December 24 to December 26.
Markets, City Services and Waste Collection
St. Lawrence Market will operate on a modified schedule, with closures on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Saturday Farmer’s Market will maintain regular hours throughout the season.
City Hall, Civic Centres, tax and utility counters and the Toronto Archives will be closed on December 25, December 26 and January 1.
There will be no curbside waste collection on December 25 and January 1, with pickup shifting by one day during those weeks. Christmas tree collection will begin on regular garbage days in January 2026.
Beginning January 1, 2026, residential Blue Bin recycling services will transition to a new provider, Circular Materials, for missed collections and bin-related requests.
Transit, Roads and Travel Planning
The TTC will operate on holiday schedules on select days, and riders are encouraged to check service updates in advance. Bike Share Toronto, Green P Parking, and Toronto Island Ferry services will continue operating with seasonal schedules.
Several road closures and traffic management measures will be in place for events and construction. Residents are advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and consider public transit, walking or cycling when possible.
Celebrate Safely
The City is also reminding residents to celebrate responsibly. Fire incidents typically increase during the holidays due to candles, decorations and unattended cooking. Residents are encouraged to ensure smoke alarms are working properly.
Toronto Public Health is also urging residents to practice food safety and take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including vaccination, handwashing and staying home when sick.
Source: City of Toronto holiday season guide, December 22, 2025
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