12 places to see spectacular holiday light displays near Toronto this year
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Every winter, Toronto gets covered in Christmas lights and transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland for all to see.
From a massive light tunnel at the historic Distillery District to Canada’s largest festival of lights, there’s an incredible light display to visit almost everywhere you look.
This holiday season, get bundled up and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these mesmerizing landmarks and attractions in and around Toronto.
See also
- This drive-thru Christmas light tunnel is just 2 hours from Toronto
- Ontario's largest outdoor light festival will take over this town next month
- Massive celebration of lights returning to Nathan Phillips Square next month
Toronto Christmas Market Tunnel
Tunnel of light/Shutterstock
The Toronto Christmas market is already one of the best events in the city, and somehow they’ve just managed to make it even better. For the first time ever the market will feature a 100-foot long light tunnel among its many attractions.
When: November 16 to December 23 (closed on Mondays)
Where: The Distillery District
Admission: The market is free on weekdays and $6 on weekends
Gift of Lights
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive (two hours to be exact), Kitchener is home to an incredible drive-thru Christmas light tunnel that’s definitely a sight to see. The Gift of Lights display is the largest drive-thru holiday light display in Southwestern Ontario and stretches over a course of more than two kilometres. This year’s brilliant spectacle will feature more than 30 static and animated displays – from reindeers, sleighs, elves and, of course, Santa.
When: November 17 to January 6
Where: 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
Admission: Available online at $18 for cars, $32 for limos and $90 for buses and limo buses.
Yorkville Village Holiday Magic
Toronto’s Yorkville Village lights up each holiday season with its annual Holiday Magic event. If you’re shopping in the area, we highly recommend checking out the beautifully lit Christmas tree and taking in the incredible glittering light displays and festive decorations that line the streets.
When: November 18 through December
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Street
Admission: Free
Light Up the Beach
Now in its 10th year, Light Up the Beach features more than 80,000 twinkling Christmas lights along the Toronto Beaches boardwalk to support The Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. The light display is truly a sight to see and a holiday tradition that every Torontonian should enjoy.
When: December 1, 7 pm until mid-February
Where: At the foot of Leuty Avenue, The Beach, Toronto
Admission: Free
Alight at Night 2017
Upper Canada Village will be transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season as becomes adorned with over one million twinkling lights to become Ontario’s largest outdoor light festival, Alight at Night. From the enchantment of horse-drawn wagons to a life-size toy train, this holiday road trip will take you to a magical place.
When: December 7 to 10, 14 to 17, 21 to 23, and December 26 to January 6 (5 pm to 9 pm | 4 pm to 10 pm on Saturdays)
Where: Upper Canada Village
Admission: From $11.95. Children under five are free
Nathan Phillips Square
The 51st annual Cavalcade of Lights will take over Nathan Phillip’s Square this November and will feature the city’s 60-foot Christmas tree and a number of incredible light displays. The tree will glitter with more than 525,000 lights and 700 individual ornaments and will light up Nathan Phillips Square through to New Year’s Eve.
When: November 25 to December 31
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Admission: Free
The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls
The annual Winter Festival of Lights stretches over 8 kilometers in Niagara and will run through to the end of January. Attracting over 1 million visitors annually, this incredible spectacle is Canada’s largest lights festival. Just imagine a breathtaking, colourful scene with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays that extends to Dufferin Islands.
When: November 18 to the end of January
Where: Niagara Falls
Admission: Free
CP Holiday Train Toronto
The 19th edition of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will travel across Canada this holiday season and arrive in Toronto on November 28. What truly makes this event special is that it’s only available to see for one night and all proceeds will go towards helping local food banks. So, come for the beautifully-lit train and stay for the incredible show – all in the name of community.
When: November 28, 8:15 pm
Where: Lambton Yard, 750 Runnymede Road
Price: Free
Yonge-Dundas Square
Every holiday season, Yonge-Dundas Square gets into the festive spirit by lighting its massive Christmas tree. In addition to the square’s 40-foot tree which glows with more than 52,000 LED lights, there will also be a number of 3D illuminated polar bears and other unique holiday lighting installations on display.
When: November 18 through December
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Admission: Free
Festival of Lights Markham
For those living near Markham, the Main Street will light up this year for its annual Festival of Lights. Come and get into the holiday spirit as you take in the light display from a horse and buggy ride, followed by a visit to the city’s beautiful Christmas tree.
When: November 24 through December
Where: Markham Main Street
Admission: Free
Burlington Festival of Lights
The Burlington Festival of Lights is the city’s longest-running festival, which lights up the waterfront from dusk to dawn over the holiday season. Now in its 22nd year, the festival will feature 60 festive displays that can be viewed up close or from the warmth of your car.
When: December 1 to January 8th
Where: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington, Ontario
Admission: Free
Simcoe Christmas Panorama
Although this is a bit of a trek from Toronto, it’s perfect for those wanting to go on a festive road trip. Each year, Simcoe puts on an incredible light display called Christmas Panorama that features over 60 dazzling light displays. The spectacle shimmers with thousands of lights transforming the downtown parks into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors from across the province and the US.
When: November 25 to December 31
Where: Wellington Park, 50 Bonnie Drive, Simcoe
Admission: Free
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