Winter Wonderland Destinations in Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada, Toronto, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Winter Wonderland Destinations

Winter Wonderland Destinations in Toronto, Canada

1. Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights

A dazzling display of lights illuminating the Niagara Parkway and Dufferin Islands from November to January.
  • Illuminated Attraction: Over 3 million lights creating beautiful winter scenes.
  • Icewine Tasting: Taste locally produced ice wine at various locations.
  • Santa Claus Parade: Join the annual Santa Claus parade in mid-December.

2. Toronto Christmas Market

A traditional German-inspired market featuring food, drinks, and unique gifts from November to December.
  • Authentic German Foods: Enjoy bratwurst, lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread hearts), and glühwein (mulled wine).
  • Artisan Crafts: Browse one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local artisans.
  • Live Entertainment: Experience live music, dance performances, and carolers throughout the market.

3. Casa Loma's Snowy Village

A magical winter wonderland with ice skating, a Christmas Market, and a gingerbread house competition at Casa Loma.
  • Ice Skating on the Terrace: Skate on Toronto's first outdoor ice rink built on a castle terrace.
  • Gingerbread House Competition: View over 100 creative gingerbread house entries in various categories.
  • Christmas Market Indoors: Shop for unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats indoors.

4. Toronto's Annual New Year's Eve Fireworks

Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over CN Tower.
  • Midnight Fireworks Display: Watch the breathtaking fireworks show at midnight.
  • CN Tower Light Show: See the iconic CN Tower lit up with New Year's colors and patterns.
  • Festival Square Celebration: Join the festive atmosphere at Nathan Phillips Square.

5. Distillery District's Holiday Magic

A charming historic district transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, ice sculptures, and festive shopping.
  • Ice Sculpture Exhibition: Admire the intricate ice sculptures throughout the district.
  • Festive Shops and Restaurants: Shop for unique gifts, dine at cozy restaurants, and enjoy holiday cocktails.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and storytelling during your visit.

6. Toronto Zoo's Santa Safari

A festive experience at the Toronto Zoo featuring visits with Santa Claus and animal encounters.
  • Santa Visits with Animals: Meet Santa Claus in a unique setting, surrounded by animals.
  • Animal Encounter Shows: Watch special animal presentations and keepers talks.
  • Holiday Market: Shop for unique gifts, treats, and holiday decor at the zoo market.

7. Toronto Light Festival

An outdoor winter light festival showcasing art installations along the waterfront.
  • Waterfront Art Installations: Explore illuminated art installations along Toronto's beautiful waterfront.
  • Community Events: Join workshops, performances, and cultural events throughout the festival.
  • Skating on the Natrel Rink: Take a break from exploring and enjoy skating on the Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink.

8. High Park's Holiday Season

A winter wonderland in High Park featuring a traditional German market and ice skating on Grenadier Pond.
  • Ice Skating at Grenadier Pond: Skate on the largest naturally occurring pond in Toronto.
  • German Market: Experience traditional German food, drinks, and gift shopping.
  • Winter Walk of Lights: Walk through a magical pathway lit up with over 100,000 lights.

9. Scarborough Town Centre's Santa Claus Parade

A family-friendly parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.
  • Parade with Local Bands: Watch local marching bands and dance groups perform during the parade.
  • Meet Santa Claus: Visit with Santa Claus after the parade at the Scarborough Town Centre.
  • Community Spirit: Join in on the community spirit and holiday cheer.

10. St. Lawrence Market's Christmas Market

A vibrant indoor market offering unique gifts, festive foods, and live entertainment.
  • Holiday Shopping: Discover one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors.
  • Seasonal Foods and Drinks: Indulge in holiday treats like mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and fruitcake.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and storytelling throughout the market.

11. The Bentway's Skate Trail

A unique urban skating trail under a downtown Toronto expressway.
  • Urban Skating Experience: Skate on an innovative trail beneath a city expressway.
  • Community Events: Join in on events like skate clinics, DJ nights, and themed skates.
  • Food Trucks: Grab a bite from nearby food trucks while enjoying the skating experience.

12. Toronto Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights

A nighttime event showcasing lantern displays and traditional performances.
  • Lantern Displays: Walk through a beautifully lit display of handcrafted lanterns.
  • Traditional Performances: Enjoy traditional Chinese music, dance, and martial arts performances.
  • Cultural Workshops: Participate in cultural workshops like paper lantern making.

13. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada's Festive Lights

A winter wonderland experience at the aquarium with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations.
  • Underwater Light Show: Watch a mesmerizing light show on the aquarium's tanks.
  • Holiday Performances: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and storytelling throughout the aquarium.
  • Festive Food and Drinks: Indulge in holiday treats and beverages while exploring the aquarium.

14. Toronto's Annual Winterlicious Festival

A culinary celebration featuring prix fixe menus at Toronto's top restaurants.
  • Premium Restaurant Options: Dine at some of the city's best restaurants at a discounted price.
  • Variety of Cuisines: Explore various cuisines from around the world during the festival.
  • Special Menus: Enjoy special holiday-themed menus at participating restaurants.

15. Edward Dayton Park's WinterFest

A family-friendly event featuring skating, bonfires, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
  • Ice Skating on the Pond: Skate on a natural ice rink surrounded by snowy trees.
  • Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Experience a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride through the park.
  • Community Events: Join in on events like crafts, games, and storytelling during WinterFest.