Plan your holiday adventure in Islington-City Centre West with our ultimate event guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it for the first time, our guide brings you the best of Islington-City Centre West's festive season.
Dive into the festivities with the Cavalcade of Lights, where the city sparkles with dazzling lights and Christmas spirit. Next, explore the Toronto Christmas Market, known for its charming atmosphere and unique local vendors showcasing artisan crafts and delicious holiday treats. And the Holiday Fair in the Square is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an array of seasonal activities and entertainment for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Islington-City Centre West
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Christmas at Casa Loma (Toronto)
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- Holiday Fair in the Square (Toronto)
- Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls)
- Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
- Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic (Toronto)
- Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works (Toronto)
- The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada (Toronto)
See these and even more events listed below!
Islington-City Centre West Holiday Light Displays
Cavalcade of Lights
What to Expect:
Live performances and lighting of the official Christmas tree.
Description:
The Cavalcade of Lights is a glittering winter festival in Toronto that has brought holiday cheer to Torontonians since 1967. It features an unforgettable opening night celebration with live performances and the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree. The event offers nightly ice skating and festive light installations throughout the holiday season.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Cavalcade of Lights
Uxbridge Christmas Trail
What to Expect:
Unique blend of community-driven light displays.
Description:
The Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights is a drive-through and walk-through event featuring over 100 light displays from community groups, businesses, schools, and families. It is one of the biggest exhibits of Christmas lights in Canada, open daily from 6pm to 9:30pm at Elgin Park in Uxbridge.
Where: Uxbridge | More Info: Uxbridge Christmas Trail
Winter Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
3 million lights and interactive displays.
Description:
The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls features over 3 million lights and 75+ displays along the Niagara Parkway and tourist districts, creating a spectacular winter light show. Visitors can explore the self-guided Hot Chocolate Trail, which includes delicious chocolatey concoctions from local restaurants and bake shops.
Where: Niagara Falls | More Info: Winter Festival of Lights
Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village
What to Expect:
Life-sized, colourfully lit toy train and Pommier Horse Drawn Carriage Rides.
Description:
Over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village, creating a unique backdrop for the annual Alight at Night Festival. This event is perfect for families, couples, and friends alike, offering a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Morrisburg | More Info: Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village
Islington-City Centre West Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Holiday market with diverse vendors and live entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is a holiday event held in the Distillery Historic District, featuring unique handcrafted items, artisan vendors, and a variety of festive food options. The market offers ongoing entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands, and is accessible with mobility-accessible parking and wheelchair-friendly facilities.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Artisan marketplace with hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is a festive event at Mel Lastman Square featuring an artisan marketplace, a Fireside Lounge, and visits with Santa. It supports Epilepsy Toronto and offers free admission with an optional advanced donation.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Holiday Fair in the Square
Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with diverse local vendors and activities.
Description:
The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works is a vibrant event featuring over 60 local vendors, offering a diverse selection of handmade goods, vintage items, and mouth-watering food. Attendees can enjoy live music, children's activities, and interactive workshops amidst a bustling atmosphere that fosters community connection.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Toronto Zoo Holiday Marketplace offers a variety of activities and shopping opportunities within the zoo, providing a unique setting for holiday celebrations.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Zoo's Holiday Marketplace
Ottawa Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Ottawa Christmas Market is a vibrant holiday event featuring over 50 local vendors, festive lights, and holiday entertainment. Enjoy a wide range of shopping options, including holiday gifts, traditional Christmas items, unique food, and beverages. The market also offers workshops, live performances, and a chance to meet Santa.
Where: Ottawa | More Info: Ottawa Christmas Market
Carp Farmers’ Market Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local holiday shopping with live music and a food drive.
Description:
The Carp Farmers’ Market Christmas Market is a 2-day event featuring 60 local vendors, an international food court, Santa visits, and a food drive for the West Carleton Food Access Centre. Enjoy live music and free parking while shopping for local products.
Where: Carp | More Info: Carp Farmers’ Market Christmas Market
Vancouver Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German-inspired market with a walk-through Christmas tree.
Description:
The Vancouver Christmas Market is an outdoor event at Jack Poole Plaza, featuring traditional German-inspired stalls with artisan goods, festive food, and live entertainment. Enjoy mulled wine, bratwurst, and other seasonal treats amidst twinkling lights and a walk-through Christmas tree.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Vancouver Christmas Market
Islington-City Centre West Holiday Shows and Entertainment
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with ice-skating and live entertainment.
Description:
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows, exciting rides, and millions of spectacular lights.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with over 119 years of tradition.
Description:
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that has been kicking off the Christmas season since 1905. It features colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The parade brings people together, celebrating hope, family, and love, and it is a cherished part of the city's fabric.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Live performance by Chantal Kreviazuk and festive lighting ceremony.
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is a community celebration featuring a live performance by Chantal Kreviazuk, festive lighting, and complimentary refreshments. The event includes a "Flick the Switch" lighting ceremony and supports the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR).
Where: Toronto | More Info: Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic ballet performance.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada is a spectacular family production featuring siblings Marie and Misha on a journey to the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, set to Tchaikovsky's famous score and showcasing magnificent sets and costumes.
Where: Toronto | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet by the National Ballet of Canada
Islington-City Centre West Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with elaborate decorations and live performances.
Description:
Casa Loma transforms into a holiday spectacle with a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight signature trees by Canadian designers. Activities include visiting Santa, festive arts and crafts, and meeting wintery holiday mascots.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Christmas at Casa Loma
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Etobicoke (2 miles)
- Mimico (2 miles)
- Stonegate-Queensway (2 miles)
- Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview (4 miles)
- Rockcliffe-Smythe (4 miles)
- High Park North (4 miles)
- High Park-Swansea (4 miles)
- Kingsview Village-The Westway (5 miles)
- South Parkdale (5 miles)
- Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction (6 miles)
- Oakwood Village (6 miles)
- West Humber-Clairville (6 miles)
- Niagara (7 miles)
- Mississauga (7 miles)
- Downsview-Roding-CFB (7 miles)
- Annex (7 miles)
- Glenfield-Jane Heights (8 miles)
- Englemount-Lawrence (8 miles)
- Bay Street Corridor (8 miles)
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (8 miles)
- Waterfront Communities-The Island (8 miles)
- Church-Yonge Corridor (8 miles)
- Moss Park (9 miles)
- Toronto (9 miles)
- Rosedale-Moore Park (9 miles)
- Mount Pleasant West (9 miles)
- Black Creek (9 miles)
- Bedford Park-Nortown (9 miles)
- York University Heights (10 miles)
- South Riverdale (10 miles)
- Thorncliffe Park (11 miles)
- Westminster-Branson (11 miles)
- Brampton (12 miles)
- Willowdale (12 miles)
- Willowdale East (12 miles)
- Newtonbrook West (12 miles)
- Banbury-Don Mills (12 miles)
- Flemingdon Park (12 miles)
- East End-Danforth (13 miles)
- The Beaches (13 miles)
- Bayview Village (13 miles)
- Parkwoods-Donalda (14 miles)
- Don Valley Village (14 miles)
- Vaughan (14 miles)
- Clairlea-Birchmount (14 miles)
- Oakville (14 miles)
- Birchcliffe-Cliffside (15 miles)
- Wexford/Maryvale (15 miles)
- Dorset Park (15 miles)
- Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan (16 miles)
- L'Amoreaux (16 miles)
- Steeles (16 miles)
- Eglinton East (17 miles)
- Bendale (17 miles)
- Richmond Hill (17 miles)
- Agincourt South-Malvern West (18 miles)
- Agincourt North (18 miles)
- Milliken (18 miles)
- Woburn (18 miles)
- Milton (19 miles)
- Malvern (20 miles)
- West Hill (20 miles)
- Markham (21 miles)
- Rouge (22 miles)
- Burlington (23 miles)
- Aurora (26 miles)
- Stouffville (27 miles)
- Pickering (28 miles)
- Caledon (28 miles)
- Newmarket (29 miles)
- Ajax (30 miles)
- Grimsby (30 miles)
- Hamilton (31 miles)
- East Gwillimbury (33 miles)
- Orangeville (34 miles)
- St. Catharines (35 miles)
- Guelph (36 miles)
- Ancaster (36 miles)
- Uxbridge (39 miles)
- Oshawa (39 miles)
- Fergus (42 miles)
- Keswick (43 miles)
- Cambridge (43 miles)
- Niagara Falls (44 miles)
- Niagara Falls (45 miles)