11 family-friendly Christmas events in Toronto

Dec 7 2016, 1:20 am

Christmas is all about family.

And the good news is, Santa is in town.

So besides having Home Alone on repeat with the kids, check out these family-friendly holiday events in Toronto this month!

Toronto Christmas Market

Toronto’s Christmas Market brings the spirit of the season to life! One of Toronto’s favourite holiday events, enjoy the magic of Christmas, traditional music and dance performances, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to head down soon.

Where: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street
When: Now until December 22

A Christmas Carol

Soulpepper’s beloved production of A Christmas Carol has become a Toronto holiday tradition, and it’s fun for the whole fam. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts who help him understand the importance of charity in the holiday season.

Where: Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill Street
When: Now until December 24

Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square

Santa will be setting up his workshop in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Nathan Phillips Square Holiday Fair. Guests are welcomed into the warmth of Santa’s home for a meet-and-greet and holiday photos, plus kids can write letters to Santa, meet an elf or two and build a stuffed toy.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St West
When: December 8 to 23

Toronto Christmas Festival

Over 60 vendors, entertainment, and Christmas cheer awaits your family at Harbourfront Centre! And bring your family’s skates for one of the DJ skating nights.

Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: December 9 and 18

Breakfast with Santa

This holiday season, take the kids to join Santa for breakfast under the sea. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will be hosting a mouth-watering breakfast with Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. Tickets include: breakfast, complimentary coat check, a family photo with Santa, general admission to the aquarium, and a gift for your child to take home.

Where: Ripley’s Aquarium, 288 Bremner Boulevard
When: December 10, 11 and 18 from 8 to 9 am

The Nutcracker

Ever since its premiere in St. Petersburg in 1892, The Nutcracker has been an integral and irreplaceable part of Christmas celebrations worldwide and a work of theatrical exuberance synonymous with the unfettered joys of childhood wonderment.

Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West
When: December 10 to 31

See also

Skate with Santa

Fun for the whole family this holiday season. Join Greater Toronto Skating Academy for a Skate with Santa. This event is free. Bring your friends, bring your skates and a helmet and bring your joyful spirit.

Where: Scotiabank Pond, Rink 4, 57 Carl Hall Road
When: December 17 from 11 am to 12:30 pm

Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Kids are invited to join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a holiday tea party. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, a holiday scavenger hunt, dance party with Santa, and guests can decorate their own tea cup.

Where: 8611 Weston Road, Unit 28
When: December 18 to 23

City of Toronto Christmas Concert

Celebrate the holiday season at the City of Toronto’s annual Christmas Concert. Beginning at 11:30 am, the concert will feature local choirs: All the King’s Voices, Toronto Beaches Children’s Chorus and Toronto Mass Choir. As always, Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance.

Where: City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
When: December 23 at 11:30 am

Santa at the Eaton Centre

Check out Santa in an authentic Log Cabin at the Eaton Centre! A holiday-themed story will be read and each child will be able to spend time interacting with Santa. Be sure to book ahead so you can avoid the rush. Oh, and make sure to check out the epic tree while you’re there.

Where: Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge Street
When: Now until December 24

Magical Winterland Nights

Explore the Magic of Casa Loma with the kids.. at night!  Wander through the dazzling lighting display in the gardens and witness famed illusionist entertainer Professor Wick’s holiday themed magic show, as well as live performers Soli and Rob and Circus Jon. Visit with wintery holiday mascots, sing along with live carollers, witness live wood carving, enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa and much more!

Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
When: December 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 5 to 9 pm

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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