It’s that time of year! The time for twinkling lights, hot drinks on cold nights, giving gifts, making memories, and getting cozy by the fireplace just like GO Bear! And where better to make those memories than at some of the wonderful winter events happening around the GTHA?
If you’re looking for Christmas things to do in Toronto and the surrounding area, look no further. From classic favourites like the Toronto Christmas Market to a brand new winter festival, our roundup of the best holiday events has all the lights, fun, and cheer you’ll need to get you through until the new year!
All Aboard to Toronto Christmas Events
GO Transit can take you to all the festive fun - and we’re warmer than a one-horse open sleigh! There’s no need to worry about driving in snowy weather or battling bumper to bumper traffic. When you ride with GO, you’ll be laughing all the way!
If you’re traveling to an event on the weekend, be sure to take advantage of our Weekend Passes:
- One-Day Passes are $10 for unlimited travel on Saturday OR Sunday
- Weekend Passes are $15 for unlimited travel all weekend long
During the week, our e-tickets are an easy, convenient, and touchless way to travel by GO:
- Buy your e-ticket online
- Your ticket will be sent to you via email
- Activate your e-ticket using your smartphone 5 minutes prior to boarding
Are you heading to one of the holiday events in Niagara Falls? Our GO + WEGO combo ticket includes:
- Round trip GO train from Union Station to Niagara Falls
- Two-day access to WEGO, the hop-on, hop-off bus service in Niagara Falls
Santa’s Village TO
The Union Station Skywalk transforms into Santa’s Village for an interactive Toronto Christmas experience that includes storytime with Santa and a physically distanced photo opportunity. GO Transit is thrilled to be a partner for this event in support of the SickKids Foundation.
When: December 3 - 19, 2021, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Where: Union Station Skywalk
Cost: $25 - $45
Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and follow the signs to the Skywalk.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus is coming to town! For the second time in history, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade will be a televised event, rather than the usual downtown live parade. But that means you can cozy up at home with cocoa and candy canes while you watch GO Bear’s second Santa Claus Parade appearance! Next year, the parade promises to return to the streets and GO Transit will be ready to take you there, as we’ve done for years.
When: December 4, 2021 at 7pm on CTV
Where: The comfort of your own home
Cost: FREE!
Cavalcade of Lights
For Christmas lights in Toronto, you can’t miss the Cavalcade of Lights, a long standing favourite Toronto holiday event. There won’t be any fireworks this year, but skating and the beautiful tree are back. New for 2021 are glowing ice sculptures and light installations inspired by cultural festivals from around the world. A visit to the Cavalcade of Lights will make your Toronto Christmas complete!
When: November 27, 2021 - January 2, 2022, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station. From Union Station, it’s a 14 minute walk north up Bay Street, or you can take the TTC to Queen Station or Osgoode Station.
Journey Into Enchantment: Drive Thru Christmas Lights
Stay warm and toasty in your car as you enjoy a 2 km drive thru Christmas lights installation while listening to your favourite holiday music on the radio! GO Transit is excited to provide the locations for these spectacular Christmas lights shows.
No car? No problem! On Wednesday, December 15th only, you can enjoy Journey Into Enchantment on foot. Don't miss this exclusive one day walk thru night!
When: November 25, 2021 - January 8, 2022
Where: 2 locations to choose from! Meadowvale GO Station in Mississauga or Mount Joy GO Station in Markham
Cost: $29.95 - $39.95 per vehicle (9 passengers max). Buy your tickets here!
Get There With GO: From Union Station, take the Milton GO train line west to Meadowvale GO Station. Or, from Union Station, take the Stouffville GO train line north to Mount Joy GO Station.
Polar Winter Festival
Spend an evening strolling through this magical wonderland of lights and holiday displays. Ride the carousel and the Christmas train. Take a selfie with Santa or Frozen’s Elsa. The Polar Winter Festival promises holiday fun for everyone!
When: November 25 - December 26, 2021, Wed - Sun, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place
Cost: $14.99 - $19.99 + HST for admission, additional fees for rides and photos with Santa and Elsa.
Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West GO train line to Exhibition GO Station. Then it’s a 9 minute walk west via Manitoba Drive.
The Distillery Winter Village
The Toronto Christmas Market, a favourite holiday event at the Distillery District, has been re-imagined this year as the Distillery Winter Village. To ensure a safe experience, instead of lining up to visit Santa, you’ll find him and his elves strolling around. Give Santa a wave!
You can shop at 8 vendor stalls and sample tasty treats at 12 food cabins. Buskers and carollers will add holiday charm to your shopping and dining experience! Visitors aged 12 and older must show proof of vaccination.
When: November 18 - December 31, 2021
Where: Distillery District
Cost: $8/person for ages 6+ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4 pm and December 20-23 after 4pm. FREE during all other times.
Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then walk or take TTC east to the Distillery District.
Mississauga Festival of Trees
This new festival is a celebration of all things winter! Enjoy a winter nature walk, crafting workshops, an artisan market, and more. Check out the amazing art and woodpile installations while indulging in a tasty treat from the culinary market.
Proof of vaccination is required for visitors aged 12 and older.
When: December 9 - 19, 2021
Where: Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd. East, Mississauga
Cost: Varies, depending on which workshops you wish to attend
Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West GO train line to Long Branch GO Station. From there, it’s a 13 minute walk west along Lakeshore Rd. East, or a 5 minute bus ride via MiWay.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Now in its 39th year, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest free outdoor light display. This year, the festival will light up Niagara Falls for 101 nights and will include live entertainment on weekends! Admire the 3 million lights from the comfort of your vehicle or bundle up and walk through the displays.
Proof of vaccination is required for visitors aged 12 and older.
When: November 13, 2021 - February 21, 2022
Where: Along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and across Niagara Falls
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Use our GO + WEGO combo ticket for round trip train travel to Niagara Falls from Union Station and travel throughout Niagara Falls on the WEGO bus.
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
Complete your holiday shopping at Niagara’s largest Christmas market. Stroll amid the lit Christmas cabins where vendors will display local, handmade goods. When your shopping is done, snap some pics for your socials next to more than 30 Christmas light displays.
Proof of vaccination is required for visitors aged 12 and older.
When: November 13 - December 19, 2021, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Where: Downtown Niagara Falls (Queen Street)
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Use our GO + WEGO combo ticket for round trip train travel to Niagara Falls from Union Station and travel throughout Niagara Falls on the WEGO bus.
Travel Safely This Holiday Season
GO Transit wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season! We’re doing our part to keep you safe with our COVID-19 safety measures so you can relax as you ride in comfort on your way to all the festive events.
.jpg)
