The holiday season in Toronto is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence, where the city transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Whether you're seeking luxurious dining experiences, enchanting outdoor displays, or culturally rich performances, Toronto offers sophisticated activities that cater to every taste. From iconic traditions like The Nutcracker ballet, high-end shopping in Yorkville, and twinkling lights all around, there’s something for everyone. This guide will take you through the city’s most refined and festive events, ensuring your holiday season is nothing short of magical.
Luxury Dining and Afternoon Teas
For those seeking an indulgent culinary experience this holiday season, Toronto offers an array of sophisticated dining options and elegant afternoon teas.
Festive Brunch and Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons
Begin your holiday indulgence with a visit to Café Boulud or d|bar at the Four Seasons, where you can enjoy exquisite festive brunches and prix fixe dinners in one of Toronto’s most iconic settings. The exclusive New Year’s Eve tasting menu is a special highlight, perfect for those looking to celebrate in a refined, intimate atmosphere.
The Ritz-Carlton’s Festive Afternoon Tea and Dining at TOCA
EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton offers an exquisite holiday-themed afternoon tea. Surrounded by elegant décor, you can enjoy a carefully curated selection of gourmet sandwiches, pastries, and holiday treats. For a more immersive dining experience, head to TOCA at the Ritz-Carlton, where you can enjoy a festive buffet with dishes designed to celebrate the holiday season.
Afternoon Tea and Dining at Windsor Arms
A Toronto tradition, the Windsor Arms holiday-themed afternoon tea blends classic elegance and festive cheer. Offering everything from champagne to exquisite gourmet bites, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a refined afternoon in a timeless setting. For those seeking something a little more private, the Windsor Arms also offers private dining options.
Extravagant Holiday Shows and Outdoor Experiences
Toronto’s holiday cultural events offer an exquisite way to celebrate the season. Secure your tickets for these festive things to do in Toronto to celebrate the holiday season with elegance and style.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Kensington Market
The Kensington Market Winter Solstice celebration is a unique event marking the longest night of the year, celebrated on December 21. This inclusive festival honours ancient winter traditions with a parade of lanterns, fire-breathing performances, and live music. The Winter Solstice Celebration acknowledges the changing of the seasons. Guests can also enjoy gourmet street food, artisanal drinks, and handmade crafts in this bohemian neighbourhood.
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
A timeless tradition, the National Ballet of Canada’s performance of The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre is an elegant celebration of the holiday season. This world-class production showcases breathtaking choreography and stunning sets, making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty of ballet.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert
For classical music lovers, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents a festive blend of classical and contemporary holiday favourites in its Holiday Pops Concert. Held at the grand Roy Thomson Hall throughout December, it's perfect for a refined night out.
Exclusive Hotel and Stay Experiences
These holiday activities in Toronto offer not just a place to stay but an immersive experience that celebrates the magic of the season with sophistication.
Shangri-La Enchanted Wonders
Shangri-La’s Enchanted Stay package offers luxury suites, tree-decorating activities, and dining credits, creating a magical retreat that blends relaxation with festive traditions. Spa treatments and curated holiday experiences further enhance the experience, making it ideal for those seeking both expertly curated elegance and seasonal cheer.
Hotel X Luxury Winter Escape
Hotel X offers a luxurious winter escape package combining festive fun and premium accommodations. With family-friendly activities and breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline, it’s the perfect getaway for those who want to enjoy the holiday season while unwinding in style.
High-End Shopping and Holiday Markets
Toronto’s shopping districts and holiday markets are a must-visit for those looking to combine holiday shopping with a festive ambiance. Whether searching for bespoke gifts or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for your holiday outings.
Holiday Magic at Bloor-Yorkville
The Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood comes alive with Holiday Magic, featuring festive lighting ceremonies, luxury shopping, and live performances. It’s the perfect spot to find the perfect gifts while soaking in the festive spirit.
Shopping at Holt Renfrew’s Holiday Showcase
Holt Renfrew, located in the heart of Bloor Street’s luxury shopping district, offers curated holiday pop-ups featuring exclusive gifting options. This is the ideal destination for those seeking extra-special holiday gifts, with everything from fine jewellery to luxury fashion at their fingertips.
Distillery District Winter Village
For a more European-inspired holiday experience, head to the Distillery District Winter Village. This outdoor market is known for its charming holiday décor, high-end artisanal gifts, and fine dining. Catch Menorah Lighting Ceremony held to mark the start of Chanukah. This celebration includes live music, traditional Jewish food such as latkes and sufganiyot, and an atmosphere of community and warmth. With twinkling lights and boutique shopping, it’s an enchanting spot to find unique, handcrafted gifts.
The Kimpton St. George Holiday Pop-Up
The Kimpton St. George Hotel hosts a one-day luxury pop-up event featuring complimentary gourmet bites, wine, and curated local shopping. This exclusive holiday pop-up offers guests a chance to shop from handpicked local artisans while enjoying a festive yet refined atmosphere. The emphasis on quality and craftsmanship ensures that the gifts for sale will wow your list. With its Yorkville location, this pop-up is set in one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods, adding to its allure and ambiance.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Toronto’s New Year’s Eve celebrations offer a sophisticated and festive way to welcome the new year. From grand galas to intimate fine dining, these events provide the perfect setting to toast to the year ahead in style.
New Year’s Eve at The St. Regis Toronto
The New Year’s Eve celebration at The St. Regis promises an unforgettable evening. Known for its exceptional service and elegance, the St. Regis hosts a luxurious event with live entertainment, a gourmet multi-course dinner, and a midnight champagne toast. This celebration blends old-world charm with modern luxury, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more refined way to welcome the new year.
New Year’s Eve La Belle Époque at d|bar
For a lively yet elegant celebration, La Belle Époque at d|bar in the Four Seasons is a glamorous nod to the past, complete with a five-course tasting menu and premium cocktails. Guests can dance the night away while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and top-tier service that the Four Seasons is known for.
New Year’s Eve at the Ritz-Carlton
Another standout is the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Ritz-Carlton, where guests can experience the height of luxury with a festive dinner at TOCA, followed by dancing and a midnight toast. The atmosphere is electric, with live entertainment and a champagne bar to enhance the festivities.
Toronto’s Best Family-Friendly Events
Toronto's holiday season isn’t just for adults—there are plenty of elegant, family-friendly events that offer a festive experience without sacrificing sophistication. These events strike the perfect balance, providing a memorable holiday experience for families while maintaining an upscale atmosphere.
Breakfast with Santa at Hotel X
For families seeking a refined holiday experience, Breakfast with Santa at Hotel X is a must. This event pairs a gourmet breakfast with the magic of the holiday season, offering children the opportunity to meet Santa in an intimate setting. With a menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients and festive decorations, parents will enjoy the experience just as much as their children.
Toronto Islands Winter Activities
While the Toronto Islands are often thought of as a summer destination, they offer a serene winter escape that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the city's natural beauty during the colder months. The islands feature peaceful winter trails, ideal for walking or cross-country skiing, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline. Private tours or boat rentals can be arranged for those wanting an exclusive experience on the islands.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
WinterFest is known for its extravagant light displays and performances, making it a destination for those looking to enjoy a full day of holiday cheer. The park features a dedicated area for younger children with festive rides and activities and meet-and-greet opportunities with beloved holiday characters. Families can also enjoy ice skating, live shows, and a variety of holiday-themed dining options, all set against millions of twinkling lights.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Held at Nathan Phillips Square, the Holiday Fair in the Square offers an upscale twist on the traditional holiday fair. While the event features many family-friendly activities, it also caters to those looking for gourmet food stalls and unique artisanal shopping. Guests can explore high-end holiday gifts while enjoying the twinkling lights and festive décor. For a more exclusive experience, VIP packages offer access to reserved areas with a more intimate setting for skating or enjoying the festive feel.
Cavalcade of Lights and Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
The Cavalcade of Lights is one of Toronto’s most dazzling holiday traditions, taking place at Nathan Phillips Square. The event marks the official lighting of Toronto’s giant Christmas tree, followed by an evening filled with stunning light displays, live multicultural performances, and an impressive fireworks show. From November to January, the square is transformed into a luminous winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy ice skating beneath the twinkling lights or grab a warm drink from the nearby food vendors.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
A beloved tradition, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade is an annual highlight of the city’s holiday festivities. While the event is free to the public, those looking for a more exclusive experience can reserve VIP seating areas that offer prime views of the elaborate floats and performances.
Elevate Your Toronto Living Space This Season
As you immerse yourself in the magic of Toronto’s holiday festivities, imagine bringing that same sense of elegance and warmth into your home year-round. SevernWoods specializes in crafting luxury whole-home renovations and bespoke custom homes that reflect your unique vision and lifestyle. Whether you’re restoring a historic property or creating a new masterpiece, our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality ensures that your home will ring in many future holiday seasons in style. Connect with us today to get started!
