Toronto is completely alive with its festive activities during the Christmas season, and this article highlights the best things that you can do during the holidays.
While Toronto’s Christmas festivities may cost you, the experience is worthwhile enough to make up for those costs. And with so many events going on, don’t worry about being unprepared for the holiday season — there are plenty of free activities, gift guides, and other ways to celebrate this festive time in Toronto!
8 Best Christmas Activities in Toronto To Enjoy The Holiday
So without further ado, here are the eight best Christmas activities in Toronto that you must try with your loved ones.
Holiday Games At Levelup Virtual Reality
Where: 124 Church St., 3rd Floor of McVeigh’s Irish Pub, Downtown Toronto
When: All year-round
Price:
Monday to Friday: $34.99 per player (12.5% off)
Saturday to Sunday: $39.99 per player
*Includes 1 hour of VR gaming. Discounts apply for group bookings.
Description:
Imagine spending your holiday season on a different dimension — that is what Levelup Virtual Reality (located in downtown Toronto) can offer you with its VR technology.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a gamer at heart or not, Levelup Reality is the place to be this holiday season. You’ll find an extensive selection of 80+ virtual reality games, from adrenaline-pumping shooters to tremendous multiplayer games.
Richie’s Plank Experience is a psychological experience that your visitors and guests will react to with astonishment, terror, or laughter. You’re about to experience one of the most terrifying things you’ll ever do – but it’s also one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.
Santa Simulator is a mini-game in Richie’s Plank Experience. In this mini-game, you ring a mysterious bell in the elevator. The next minute, you’re already riding in a sleigh where you’re dropping gifts in chimneys. Your main goal is to deliver as many presents as you can. If you can deliver 50+ presents, you’re already considered a Santa!
Whether you’re a fan of classic arcade games or up-and-coming VR titles, Levelup Reality has something for everyone. So come on in and let yourself be transported into the best virtual reality experience in downtown Toronto!
Skate at Nathan Phillips Square
Where: 100 Queen St W
When: November 27 – March 20
Price: Skate rental at $15 for 2 hours
Description:
Many seasonal activities are planned throughout the year at Nathan Philips Square, as this captivating setting is enjoyed all year long by people of all ages. In the winter, its water fountain turns into an outdoor ice rink where people can skate.
Nathan Philips Square highlights its ice skating rink during winter which offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. It is open to the public for almost 60 years and quickly became a popular attraction. In recent years, the rink has seen a resurgence in popularity, with more and more people coming to enjoy skating on the frozen surface.
Skate rentals are available at the rink, as are skate sharpening services for those who already own a pair of skates. Helmets are also available for rent, but it’s advised to bring your own because of its limited supply. In general, the rink opens in early December and stays open until March, depending on the weather.
During the holiday season, the rink gets decked out in twinkly lights and a tree fitting for such a large space!
Drink With Your Buddies At Miracle on Bloor Street
Where: 875 Bloor St West
When: November 18 – December 31
Price: Cocktail starts at $8
Description:
Miracle is a festive cocktail bar that encourages people to get in the holiday spirit. With kitschy holiday decor and drinks by the talented team at Civil Liberties, this place will make you feel like you’re at your best friend’s office party from years past. Nowhere else will you find such a great selection of classic cocktails and delicious holiday-themed snacks that will have you wrapped up in the joy of the season.
As a pop-up bar, they relocate yearly to unique locations throughout Toronto since 2018. This year, you can find Miracle at 875 Bloor Street West, home of Third Place Toronto, at Bloor and Ossington, just steps away from Civil Liberties.
Not only that, but Miracle also donates $1 of every drink that they sell to Nellie’s Shelter, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, education, and advocacy for children and women in the Greater Toronto Area.
If you’re feeling sad or just need a break from all of the stress, visiting and enjoying their festive atmosphere and delicious drinks might be the solution to that!
Feel The Christmas Rush at Distillery Winter Village
Where: 55 Mill St
When: November 17 – December 31
Price: $11 + HST per ticket
Description:
Distillery Winter Village is where friends and family come to experience all that Toronto’s Distillery District has to offer – including its rich history, timeless romance, and a hand-picked selection of Toronto’s finest local craftspeople. With myriad shops and restaurants nearby, this is an ideal place to pick up a present for your loved ones, have some fun during the Christmas season, and savor some of Toronto’s best culinary experiences.
The holiday fair starts on November 17 until December 31, 2022. Tickets are priced at $11 each. Kids nine years of age and below are free of charge.
This year, the Distillery Winter Village’s Christmas tree will be sponsored by Dior. To celebrate the new partnership, they have designed a 50-foot tall White Spruce Christmas tree that will be adorned with 400 custom midnight blue ornaments, 1,700 shiny and matte gold balls, and 70,000 Christmas lights.
Enjoy Indoor Activities at Glow Toronto
Where: Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, 1020 Martin Grove Road, Etobicoke, ON
When: November 30 – December 30
Price: Starts at $18 for seniors and children
Description:
Turn off the cold and into the warmth of Glow Christmas!
At Glow Christmas, there’s something for everyone – with a lot of Christmas events for you to choose from. If you’re into visually appealing lights, their “Around the World” light garden experience will take you on a magical journey. Looking for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for your loved ones? Their Merry Maker’s Market highlights local artisans’ best creations. Into live music performance? Talented local artists and musicians take over their main stage to perform your holiday favorites. And of course, multiple selections of delicious foods and drinks are available to satisfy your cravings.
Come to Canada’s premium indoor holiday fair and enjoy delicious food, sip on holiday-inspired drinks, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, decorate cookies with Santa Claus and get your holiday fix under the glow of a million twinkling lights.
Step Into A World of Magic At Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON
When: November 18 – December 31, 2022
Price: Starts at $29.99
Description:
Enjoy your holiday season at one of Ontario’s most popular tourist destinations during Christmas – Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland. This festive destination transforms into a winter wonderland for Winterfest, with activities including ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows, and holiday entertainment. Make special memories with your loved ones by exploring the larger-than-life themed areas, dining in festive restaurants, shopping for seasonal gifts, and so much more.
View Canada’s Tallest Christmas Tree At Eaton Center
Where: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada
When: November 18 – TBD
Price: Free
Description:
You might be surprised to hear that Canada’s tallest Christmas tree isn’t located in some faraway forest, but right here in the heart of Toronto. The 108-foot tall tree is located in the middle of Toronto’s Eaton Centre, and each year it gets set ablaze with festive cheer by none other than Santa himself! So why not head down to the Eaton Centre this holiday season and experience one of Canada’s most beautiful Christmas trees up close?
Check Out The Christmas Window Displays At Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue
Where: 176 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
When: Early November to December
Price: Free
Description:
Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue in Toronto have collaborated on a truly amazing Christmas window display each year for many years now. The display is always new and beautiful, with a different theme each year.
They never fail to amaze people with their stunning displays that are a sight to behold, that’s why people always look forward to their window displays during the Christmas season.
Wrapping Up
There are just so many incredible things to do in Toronto during Christmas, and this article should show you why that is. This guide features the best places in Toronto to eat, drink, shop, explore new neighborhoods, watch the holiday lights go up, and more — with great recommendations on what to see and do.
No city is better suited to Christmas than Toronto, a global hub for entertainment, art, drinks, and baked goods. The best time of the year to visit Canada’s largest city is December, as you will find stores featuring gorgeous decorations, warm welcoming holiday parties, and exciting Christmas events.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your loved ones and start exploring these Christmas activities in Toronto!