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Toronto knows how to do the holiday season right – particularly at night. Many of you may be curious to explore some festive luminous displays. So I’ve put together a guide to see the best Toronto has to offer, all easily accessible by TTC. Once you’re well bundled up for the cold and ready to go exploring, I have you covered. Here are four prime locations to soak in Toronto’s holiday lights this year.
Jump to a section:
Nathan Philips Square
Yorkville
Stackt Market
Distillery Winter Village
Waterfront
1. Nathan Phillips Square – City Hall
Nathan Phillips Square is easily one of the most well known and transit-friendly holiday spots in the city, sitting just a few steps from both Osgoode and Queen stations. The Cavalcade of Lights – their annual holiday extravangaza of lights – runs every night from November 29th to January 7th, lighting up the whole square from 6-11 p.m.
The opening night on the 29th included a special Christmas tree lighting just for the opening day, but the spectacle continues! On December 6th, the square began offering free skate rentals every Saturday, which is perfect if you want to make an evening of it without spending anything extra. Plus, from December 14th to 22nd, there will be a Hanukkah lighting celebration every evening after 4pm, each consecutive day adding a candle to the menorah.
2. Yorkville Holiday Lights
Easily reached from Bloor-Yonge or Bay Station, Yorkville Holiday Magic offers a more relaxed and upscale holiday light experience. The neighbourhood sets up elegant, artistic light installations that make evening strolls feel magical without the downtown crowds. Twinkling trees, glowing sculptures, and wide sidewalks make it an ideal spot for taking photos or stopping for a cozy dessert afterward. If you want to venture out to holiday lights with a calmer vibe, perhaps as a fun location with friends or a maybe even cute date, Yorkville should be your go-to for a chill cozy evening of beauty.
In addition, if you’re there early enough, I recommend going to Nani’s Gelato, a top-rated, fantastic spot. It closes at 6 pm so don’t let it get too late!
3. Holiday Hills at STACKT Market
Third on the list but a first-place option! Located at 28 Bathurst Street, the Holliday Hills are open to the public every day with the exception of Monday from 12pm-10pm, and accessible by either the 504 or 501 street cars. With many wondrous displays, such as their signature light tunnels, enterable snow globes, and many more community events and neighboring restaurants, it’s worth checking out with some friends at least once. With new free events coming out every week, there’s always something fresh and exciting to do at the STACKT market.
4. The Distillery Winter Village
Now, you knew this one had to make the list. Tucked into the historic cobblestone streets of 55 Mill Street, the Distillery District’s annual holiday market lights up the East End and is easily reached by the 504 streetcar or 65 bus. Open daily from late morning into the evening (10am-4pm entry is free, tickets required after 4pm), this iconic display brings together towering illuminated sculptures, a massive sparkling tree, and cozy vendor cabins that make the whole place feel like you’ve stepped into a festive movie set. With countless photo spots, nearby cafés, and rotating seasonal activities, it’s the perfect place to wander with friends or grab a hot drink between study breaks.
5. New Year’s Eve Waterfront Fireworks
What’s a New years eve celebration without a fireworks display? While it may be a little ways off, happening on Tuesday, December 31st, 2025, it’s sure to be an awesome time. The City will host a 10-minute fireworks display synchronized to music. The show is one of the largest shows in Canada, and can be seen from the following locations nearby the waterfront precisely at midnight that Tuesday.
In addition, the City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will also feature pop-up performances that same evening from 10 p.m. onwards at various locations across Toronto’s waterfront, including:
- Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
- Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
- HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W.
- HTO Park West, 375 Queens Quay W.
- Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W.
- Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
- Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.
Performances include DJ sets by the Traxx & Feels collective at Bathurst Quay Common and participatory dance sessions at Sherbourne Common, co-produced with The Dance Together Festival, where the public is invited to join in and dance.
If you’re worried about staying out too late, don’t fret. On NYE, subway service will run until 3 a.m. with the last trains leaving Union Station at approximately 2:30 a.m. Overnight buses and streetcar service continue until 8 a.m. For more info on schedules and departures, visit the TTC webpage.
So what are you waiting for?
Get yourself bundled up, grab some friends or throw on a catchy festive or ambient playlist for a solo adventure, and start exploring Toronto’s beautiful luminous spectacles.
