The holidays are calling, South Riverdale! Explore our guide for all the must-see events and activities. For South Riverdale devotees and casual tourists, our guide is your passport to festive fun.
This season, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas at the Castle at Casa Loma, where the historic venue is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and festive décor. Offering a unique blend of historical charm and holiday cheer, the Cavalcade of Lights showcases stunning light displays and live performances across the city. And the National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring exquisite choreography and a beloved story that brings the magic of the season to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Riverdale
- National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker (Toronto)
- Christmas at the Castle at Casa Loma (Toronto)
- Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto)
- Distillery Winter Village (Toronto)
- Santa Claus Parade (Toronto)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Toronto)
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)
- One of a Kind Winter Show (Toronto)
- Winter Wonderland Spectacular at Illuminarium (Toronto)
- Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND (Vaughan)
See these and even more events listed below!
South Riverdale 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 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
Winterlit – Nature Illuminated at Mountsberg
What to Expect:
Sustainably illuminated art installations in a natural setting.
Description:
Winterlit at Mountsberg features two illuminated trails with sustainably sourced art installations, cozy fireside lounges, and various activities like book swapping and owl prowls.
Where: Campbellville | More Info: Winterlit – Nature Illuminated at Mountsberg
South Riverdale Holiday Markets and Shopping
Toronto Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with live entertainment.
Description:
The Toronto Christmas Market is an annual event held in the Distillery District, featuring a unique selection of handcrafted items, sweets, and treats from artisan vendors. The market offers ongoing entertainment on its main stage, including carolers, choirs, and brass bands. Visitors can also explore the district's year-round boutiques and enjoy a variety of international cuisine.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Christmas Market
Holiday Fair in the Square
What to Expect:
Artisan marketplace with Santa visits and festive drinks.
Description:
Holiday Fair in the Square is a holiday tradition at Mel Lastman Square, featuring an artisan marketplace, Fireside Lounge, and visits with Santa. Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and s'mores while shopping for unique gifts.
Where: North York, Toronto | More Info: Holiday Fair in the Square
Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with a pay-what-you-can model.
Description:
The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works is a vibrant event where attendees can connect with local vendors, enjoy diverse food options, and participate in various activities like children's play and live performances. The market features a diverse selection of over 60 vendors offering items like vintage clothing, jewelry, candles, records, handmade cards, and art.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Village at Evergreen Brick Works
Distillery Winter Village
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live entertainment and seasonal activities.
Description:
The Distillery Winter Village is a festive holiday event featuring live entertainment, holiday markets, and seasonal activities. Enjoy carolers, Santa's Tower of Toys, and a tree lighting ceremony in Trinity Square.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Distillery Winter Village
Winter Glow
What to Expect:
Carnival rides and treats in a festive setting.
Description:
Winter Glow is a vibrant holiday event featuring carnival rides, treats, and midway games. Enjoy a 45ft tall Ferris Wheel and the Great Canadian Carousel, along with a variety of carnival treats like cotton candy, popcorn, and hot chocolate. The event also includes a 40ft Tree of Remembrance, where you can donate and write messages for loved ones.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Glow
One of a Kind Winter Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of Canadian handmade and artisanal objects.
Description:
The One of a Kind Winter Show is a premier event showcasing Canadian handmade and artisanal objects, featuring over 500 vendors with unique creations in art, apparel, food, and furniture.
Where: Toronto | More Info: One of a Kind Winter Show
Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with local vendors and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Join Riverside C’Mon for a holiday market featuring 20 local vendors, free meet-and-greets with Santa, live music, and holiday-themed kids' crafts and treats.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Riverside C’Mon Holiday Market
Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with live entertainment and local artisans.
Description:
The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market is a free, outdoor event featuring 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans selling unique items like hand-crafted jewelry, fashion, home decor, and skin care products. Enjoy live artist demonstrations, food vendors, and DJ Kid Artik's music.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market
South Riverdale 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, over a dozen live shows, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker is a spectacular family production set in 19th-century Russia, featuring siblings Marie and Misha on a fantastical journey with magical creatures and savoury treats. Choreographed by James Kudelka, the ballet is set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's famous score, with magnificent sets and costumes.
Where: Toronto | More Info: National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker
Christmas at the Castle at Casa Loma
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Casa Loma's Christmas at the Castle features a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall, eight signature trees by Canadian designers, and various activities including festive arts and crafts, visits with Santa, and wintery holiday mascots.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Christmas at the Castle at Casa Loma
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Live performances by Canadian artists amidst festive lighting displays.
Description:
Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic is a free outdoor concert and tree lighting ceremony featuring live performances by Canadian artists, including Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Dusk. The event includes a festive lighting display, traditional carolers, and a "Flick the Switch" lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic
Light the Dark at Aga Khan Museum
What to Expect:
Cultural performances and exhibitions celebrating Islamic heritage.
Description:
Light the Dark at the Aga Khan Museum features a series of performances and exhibitions that celebrate Islamic heritage and cultural diversity through music, dance, and visual arts.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Light the Dark at Aga Khan Museum
Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade featuring giant balloons, creative floats, and festive performances.
Description:
The Santa Claus Parade is a historic event that brings hundreds of thousands of people together to celebrate the holiday season with colorful floats, marching bands, celebrity clowns, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Santa Claus Parade
Winter Wonderland Spectacular at Illuminarium
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound experiences in a gamified environment.
Description:
At Illuminarium Toronto, immerse yourself in two cinematic shows: Lite-Brite Worlds of Wonder and Space: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond. Explore dynamic, gamified environments with interactive lights and immersive narratives, or embark on an extraordinary journey through the galaxy. Enjoy unlimited re-entry and access to souvenirs and activities.
Where: Toronto | More Info: Winter Wonderland Spectacular at Illuminarium
South Riverdale Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO builds and holiday-themed MINILAND.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto with seasonal LEGO build activities, holiday theming, and festive attractions like giant LEGO builds, MINILAND winter wonderland, and a scavenger hunt for hidden LEGO candy canes.
Where: Vaughan | More Info: Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Moss Park (2 miles)
- Church-Yonge Corridor (2 miles)
- Waterfront Communities-The Island (2 miles)
- Bay Street Corridor (3 miles)
- The Beaches (3 miles)
- East End-Danforth (3 miles)
- Rosedale-Moore Park (3 miles)
- Niagara (4 miles)
- Annex (4 miles)
- Thorncliffe Park (4 miles)
- Birchcliffe-Cliffside (5 miles)
- Flemingdon Park (5 miles)
- Mount Pleasant West (5 miles)
- Toronto (5 miles)
- Clairlea-Birchmount (5 miles)
- South Parkdale (5 miles)
- Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction (5 miles)
- Oakwood Village (6 miles)
- Banbury-Don Mills (6 miles)
- High Park-Swansea (7 miles)
- High Park North (7 miles)
- Englemount-Lawrence (7 miles)
- Bedford Park-Nortown (7 miles)
- Wexford/Maryvale (7 miles)
- Parkwoods-Donalda (7 miles)
- Eglinton East (8 miles)
- Dorset Park (8 miles)
- Rockcliffe-Smythe (8 miles)
- Stonegate-Queensway (8 miles)
- Willowdale (9 miles)
- Willowdale East (9 miles)
- Bayview Village (9 miles)
- Bendale (9 miles)
- Mimico (9 miles)
- Tam O'Shanter-Sullivan (9 miles)
- Don Valley Village (9 miles)
- Downsview-Roding-CFB (10 miles)
- Woburn (10 miles)
- L'Amoreaux (10 miles)
- Agincourt South-Malvern West (10 miles)
- Islington-City Centre West (10 miles)
- Newtonbrook West (11 miles)
- Westminster-Branson (11 miles)
- Glenfield-Jane Heights (11 miles)
- York University Heights (11 miles)
- Agincourt North (11 miles)
- Kingsview Village-The Westway (11 miles)
- Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview (11 miles)
- Steeles (11 miles)
- West Hill (11 miles)
- Etobicoke (12 miles)
- Black Creek (12 miles)
- Milliken (12 miles)
- Malvern (12 miles)
- Rouge (14 miles)
- West Humber-Clairville (14 miles)
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (14 miles)
- Vaughan (15 miles)
- Markham (15 miles)
- Richmond Hill (16 miles)
- Mississauga (17 miles)
- Pickering (20 miles)
- Ajax (21 miles)
- Brampton (22 miles)
- Oakville (22 miles)
- Stouffville (22 miles)
- Aurora (25 miles)
- Newmarket (28 miles)
- Milton (29 miles)
- Oshawa (30 miles)
- Burlington (31 miles)
- East Gwillimbury (32 miles)
- Uxbridge (33 miles)
- Grimsby (33 miles)
- St. Catharines (33 miles)
- Caledon (36 miles)
- Hamilton (38 miles)
- Niagara Falls (40 miles)
- Niagara Falls (41 miles)
- Keswick (42 miles)
- Orangeville (42 miles)
- Ancaster (44 miles)