Cold weather is approaching in Canada, which means it’s time for annual holiday celebrations and long days of playing in the snow. Winter festivals and holidays like Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve make the cold more bearable.
If you’re looking forward to visiting some winter festivals this year, what better place is there to explore your options than Canada’s largest city? The vibrant and diverse city of Toronto hosts an array of winter festivals that celebrate the season with activities, performances, and festive events. Learn about six winter festivals to visit in Toronto.
Exploring Toronto’s winter festival scene
There’s so much to do and see in Toronto, especially during the wintertime. Here are some notable winter festivals to check out while you’re in Toronto:
1. Cavalcade of Lights
The Cavalcade of Lights is a beloved tradition in Toronto that draws people from all over. Experience a magical atmosphere filled with lights, music, and cultural celebrations to kick off the holiday season. Take a picture in front of Toronto’s official Christmas tree and go ice skating while being surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. The Cavalcade of Lights runs from late November to early January each year, and admission is free.
2. The Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery Winter Village
When the holidays roll around, the Distillery District in Toronto transforms into the Toronto Light Festival, a bright and lively neighbourhood with mesmerizing light displays. The Toronto Light Festival is a free outdoor event that adds a touch of magic to the winter nights. You can walk around and find decorations that represent every corner of the world while sipping on a festive holiday beverage.
3. Winterlicious
If you’re a foodie who loves to explore foods from other cultures, then Winterlicious is something you need to put on your calendar. Winterlicious is a two-week long celebration that’s dedicated to serving exquisite cuisines from all around the world. This event gives residents and visitors the chance to dive into the city’s diverse and delicious food scene at a more affordable price. You can browse through the list of participating restaurants and find their special Winterlicious offerings.[1] If you ever find yourself in Toronto during the summertime, be sure to check out Winterlicious’ warm weather counterpart, Summerlicious.
4. Santa Claus Parade
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is one of the most iconic winter parades in Canada. It symbolizes the start of the holiday season and has become a cherished tradition for residents and visitors alike. The festive atmosphere, colourful displays, and the arrival of Santa Claus create a magical experience for all who attend. Dating back to 1905, Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade is one of the longest-running and largest Santa Claus parades in the world.
5. Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is widely celebrated in Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood. The Lunar New Year celebrations typically include a series of events and festivities to mark the beginning of the new lunar calendar. Enjoy dragon dances, lantern festivals, cultural performances, and the Lunar New Year parade to welcome the new year. Don’t forget to try delicious foods like dim sum, hot pot, and nián gāo (or New Year cake) while you celebrate.
6. Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
The Bloor-Yorkville Icefest features intricate ice sculptures, live ice-carving demonstrations, and a variety of winter-themed activities for visitors of all ages. The highlight of the Icefest is the stunning ice sculptures that line the streets of Bloor-Yorkville. Professional ice carvers transform large blocks of ice into detailed sculptures for everyone to see. The sculptures often follow a specific theme, adding a cohesive and artistic element to the festival. Be sure to take plenty of pictures and visit one of the many of the storefronts in the surrounding area.
Enjoy winter in Toronto to its fullest
Even if festivals and crowds aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy wintertime in magical Toronto. Use our tips for wintering in the Great White North and Christmas traveling to find more ideas for winter exploring.
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