30 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Toronto (2024)

Here are the most magical places to see Christmas lights in Toronto. There are so many beautiful holiday light displays in Toronto and the GTA. I’ve compiled a list of the top 30 places to witness twinkling lights and stunning exhibits in the Greater Toronto Area.

This list accompanies my guide to the best Christmas events in Toronto and the best things to do in Toronto in winter that you need to experience. Between holiday events and holiday lights, you can easily plan your entire December in Toronto, full of Christmas celebrations and festivities. Without further ado, here are the most amazing Christmas light displays in Toronto.

Distillery Winter Village (Toronto Christmas Market)

One of the most popular and definitive places to see Christmas lights in Toronto has to be at the Toronto Christmas Market, aka the Distillery Winter Village. It takes place every year at the historic Distillery District. The cobblestone streets of this pedestrian area are the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. 

You don’t want to miss the massive Christmas tree at the Distillery District. It’s the perfect centerpiece for the festivities and the dazzling twinkling lights displays all around. There are little wooden huts with sparkling lights that line the streets, as well as many other holiday decorations everywhere you look.

If you can only see one collection of holiday lights in Toronto this year, head directly to the Distillery District. With that said, the Toronto Christmas Market is one of the busiest holiday events in Toronto. It can be quite crowded on Friday nights and weekends. I recommend going on a weekday if you can manage it. It’s free on weekdays and it won’t be nearly as busy.

Christmas Lights in Toronto: Casa Loma

Toronto’s castle is all ready for the holidays, too. Casa Loma has two Christmas events: Christmas at the Castle and the Holiday Lights Tour. They are among the top things to do in Toronto in December. It’s possible to plan your trip so you can see the Christmas trees and displays inside Casa Loma, and then check out the exterior holiday lights once it gets dark out.

At Christmas at the Castle, you’ll find holiday decor, an impressive 40 foot tall Christmas tree in the Great Hall, and eight other Christmas trees by Canadian designers. There are also wintery holiday mascots and Santa for the kids and kids at heart! Christmas at the Castle happens on select dates from December 2nd to January 2nd.

The Holiday Lights Tour is a self-guided walk at Casa Loma that you don’t want to miss. There are brilliant outdoor Christmas lights display every night between December 1st and January 8th. Wander through dazzling lights in the gardens and tunnels. For those looking to celebrate Christmas in Toronto, the activities and displays at Casa Loma are experienced you need to check out.

Christmas Lights in Toronto: Nathan Phillips Square

The kickoff to the holiday season in Toronto takes place annual at Nathan Phillips Square with the Cavalcade of Lights. There’s a massive Christmas tree at the centre of it all, a 16.75-metre (55-foot) spruce tree decorated with more than 300,000 energy efficient lights and 500 ornaments.

Throughout the holiday season until January 7th, Nathan Phillips Square showcases beautiful holiday light displays and festive décor, along with public skating at the Square. The light displays are inspired by cultural celebrations and light festivals from around the world.

Christmas Lights in Toronto at Yorkville Village

Holiday Magic at Bloor-Yorkville is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Toronto. Go for a stroll around Yorkville Village with a hot chocolate or coffee in your hand from a nearby cafe. The streets are illuminated with twinkling holiday lights and there’s a dazzling Christmas tree as a centre piece. The store windows of high-end shops are all decked out, too.

Wander around the village of Yorkville Park and witness 138 Christmas trees along Bloor Street. The entire neighbourhood becomes lit up with a brilliant array of festive lights. On select weekends in December, there will be strolling carolers dressed in Victorian-era costumes. You can also enjoy 60 red and green illuminated Urban Campfire Benches on Bloor Street, too.

Christmas Lights at Yonge-Dundas Square

Yonge-Dundas Square is one of the best free holiday lights displays in Toronto. The area is always buzzing with activity and bright lights from billboards (as a mini version of NYC’s Times Square), so it’s only fitting that there’s some additional holiday cheer here. There’s always a huge Christmas tree made of LED lights, as well as other holiday light displays to savour this December.

Hudson’s Bay Holiday Windows

Please note that the Hudson’s Bay Windows will not be decorated this year due to construction on Queen Street West. Check back next year for this annual tradition!

This is an 100 year old tradition that’s fun and free if you happen to be walking down Queen Street West. The Hudson’s Bay Company decorates its windows every year for Christmas. You’ll have to pop by to take a peek for yourself, and perhaps get some Christmas shopping done while you’re at it.

This year, the windows will be a little bit different from previous years. Hudson’s Bay is unveiling a new interactive augmented reality experience featuring animatronic vignettes. If you’re wandering around checking out Christmas lights in Toronto, make a detour to these famous festive windows.

Holiday Trees at High Park

The Friends of High Park Zoo are hosting a special event at High Park. There will be a display of Christmas Trees at High Park in Toronto from December 8th to January 1st. You can view the holiday trees anytime for free near the High Park Zoo. In addition, the annual Snowflake Walk takes place on December 17th this year (get your tickets here).

Holiday Lights in Toronto: Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place is a stunning building in the Financial District of Toronto all year long, but it’s extra special around the holidays. It’s a huge complex featuring two office towers via the award-winning Allen Lambert Galleria. In December, it’s one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Toronto. Experience thousands of sparkling and magnificent lights as you walk through Brookfield Place.

Other indoor shopping areas where you can view amazing Christmas lights in Toronto include the Toronto Eaton Centre (for the largest Christmas tree in the city, standing at 100ft tall) and First Canadian Place in the Financial District.

The Junction’s Window Wonderland

In its fourth consecutive year, Window Wonderland is a stunning urban art walk in The Junction neighbourhood of Toronto. From November 24th to January 31st, 2024, the Junction will host a free magical outdoor gallery with 20 unique augmented reality (AR) installations. Also, there are four animated wall murals designed by local and international artists.

This is a very different experience from the typical displays of Christmas lights in Toronto. Download the Artivive app to your smartphone. Point your smartphones at the artwork on the windows and wall murals to watch them come to live before your eyes. Here’s an example of one installation you’ll see.

Illuminarium: Winter Wonderland Spectacular

While this isn’t your typical Christmas lights display, it’s well worth checking out. Illuminarium is located at the Distillery District, so it’s possible to stop by while you’re visiting the Distillery Winter Village. Illuminarium’s Winter Wonderland Spectacular offers an immersive holiday experience with its amazing light projections set to Christmas music.

You’ll be transported to various dreamlands like Christmas villages, view the northern lights at the North Pole, and zoom inside Christmas decorations. There’s so much wonderment captured at Illuminarium as you soak up these dazzling displays. There are so many photo opportunities in this 360 degree immersive show.

If you are attending the Distillery Winter Village during a ticketed time, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket or a combo ticket on their website. Otherwise, if you visit the Illuminarium on Monday – Thursday or Friday afternoon, there’s no need for a ticket to the Distillery Christmas Market.

WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan)

If you’re looking to create new Canadian Christmas traditions, one of the top theme parks in the country has an exciting winter event. Canada’s Wonderland, a thrilling theme park in the Greater Toronto Area is hosting WinterFest on select nights until the end of December.

While many of the rides are closed for the season, Canada’s Wonderland will magically transform into a winter wonderland. You’ll be enchanted by Christmas lights and decorations, magical performances, a skating rink, a nightly tree lighting celebration, and activities like cookie decorating and making crafts.

Some family rides for the kiddos will be open for WinterFest. For the adults, you can treat yourself to craft beer and Ontario wine. WinterFest has some of the most festive Christmas lights in Toronto to enjoy, and it’s always so magical to visit a beloved amusement park of the GTA in the off-season.

Holiday Night of Lights

Night of Lights is an immersive walk-through holiday event with more than 1.5 million lights animated and synced to Christmas music. You can walk through larger than life Christmas ornaments, go for a stroll through lights tunnels, and enjoy the pop-up nighttime hotspot called Mistletoe Lane after you experience the beautiful light displays.

There are also opportunities to meet Santa, do some shopping at the Christmas Market, taste seasonal food and beverages, and even experience bumper cars on ice. This is a one-of-a-kind event with a seemingly endless amount of photo opportunities for your Instagram, too. It takes place this year at the Scarborough Town Centre.

Daily Christmas Tree Lighting at the Eaton Centre

Toronto’s Eaton Centre is home to one of the most magical indoor Christmas lights displays in the city. While the initial Christmas tree lighting is always a massive spectacle, you can witness the magic throughout November and December.

At CF Winterville inside the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, watch the daily tree lighting and snow show. This 114′ Christmas tree lights up with festive scenes dancing across the tree. You’ll also watch snow gently fall from high up above. To catch a sneak peak, watch my Instagram reel (also be sure to follow us on Instagram while you’re there for more Christmas fun!).

Journey into Enchantment (Halton Hills & Ajax)

Journey Into Enchantment is one of the largest Christmas drive-thru events in the GTA. It’s happening in two locations: one in Halton Hills and one in Ajax. There are over 2 million twinkling lights, 3D interactive exhibits, and music as you drive through this 2km display.

One of the highlights is a tunnel of lights that you drive right through, and you can enjoy Christmas music by tuning into their dedicated radio station. It’s an affordable outing for the entire family and you can enjoy the Christmas lights from the warmth of your car.

Winterlit at Mountsberg Conservation Area

Mountsberg’s Winterlit is a must visit attraction this winter that I’m certain you’ll love. Located in the GTA at Mountsberg Conservation Area in Campbellville, Winterlit combines the magic of outdoor art installations, light displays and forest walks at night.

If you’re looking for things to do this winter in Ontario, look no further. Winterlit is an illuminated forest walk that you need to experience. There are spectacular lights exhibits, inspiring art installations, and beautiful music playing along the way.

This one takes place after Christmas, from the end of December and throughout the month of January. You’ll be able to get your fix of holiday lights near Toronto after Christmas and into the darkness of winter.

Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington)

Winter Wonders at the Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in the GTA. Go for a stroll along Hendrie Park’s picturesque paths to discover interactive light displays, twinkling Christmas lights and immersive sound installations.

Indulge in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season as you wander around one of the most beautiful gardens in Canada. Step inside the tropical green house and feel cozy as you observe the Botanical Train display. Interested in more holiday lights trails? Check out the Ontario Hiking guide to the best Christmas trails in Ontario.

Burlington Festival of Lights

The Burlington Festival of Lights is a beloved free event taking place at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, Ontario. Walk along the Waterfront Trail on Lake Ontario in Burlington to witness fantastic beautiful holiday lights.

There are dozens of themed displays, including Christmas displays, international landmarks (the Eiffel Tower!), transportation (trains and helicopters), animals, and more. This is one of the best Christmas light displays near Toronto – it’s worth the drive (or GO train trip) to Burlington. It takes place from November 25th to January 9th, don’t miss it!

Embrace the Glow at Angus Glen Golf Club

Embrace the Glow is the rebranding of Fairway of Lights this year at Angus Glen Golf Club. There are brilliant Christmas lights and displays placed around the Clubhouse. In previous years, you’d embark on a walking tour to see beautiful holiday lights on an illuminated 1km path. This year, you’ll go for a self-guided walking tour at the Clubhoues.

On select nights, watch fiery performances by the North Fire Circus Team. Santa will also make an appearance. This year, Embrace the Glow is completely free to attend. It’s one of the best Christmas lights experiences in Toronto and the GTA, so be sure to check it out.

Illumi by Cavalia in Mississauga

Illumi is where you’ll see some of the best Christmas lights in Toronto (well, Mississauga, but close enough!). It’s the largest holiday lights show of its kind in the entire world. Wander around 13 different universes and absorb the magic of more than 20 million twinkling lights and decorations.

Some of these enchanting worlds include The Infinite Poles and The Land of Frost, following the winter/Christmas theme. There’s also the Illumi Tree of Lights and its village where you can marvel at this gigantic Christmas tree (47 metres tall!).

Christmas Lights in Toronto: Local Home & Neighbourhood Lights

Sometimes the most fun of all can be driving around neighbourhoods to check out the holiday light displays. Some of the best Christmas lights in Toronto and the GTA belong to festive folks who have decorated their homes in amazing ways. Here are some homes and streets where you’ll find amazing Christmas lights in Toronto and the GTA:

• Kringlewood (Inglewood Drive at St. Clair Avenue East)
• 6 Somerset Ave, Toronto
• 226 and 228 Brenyon Way in Scarborough
• De Sario Family Festival of Lights (165 Benjamin Boake Trail)
• Crescent Road, Mississauga (Lorne Park neighbourhood)
• Lambert’s Lights in Georgetown (taking a break this year, will be back in 2024)
• Magic on Munn’s in Oakville (Munn’s Avenue at Sixth Line)
• Jackson Family Lights in Oakville (113 McCraney Street West)
• Rusty Griswold’s in Burlington (2176 Devlin Drive)
• Light up the Night in Burlington (1150 Forestvale Drive)

Follow Justin Plus Lauren: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Join our Travel Community