Suggested visit
Day 1
Opening tree lighting · concert
Day 2
Distillery Winter Village · dinner
Day 3
Skate at Nathan Phillips · fireworks
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Holiday · Winter
Cavalcade of Lights
Toronto, Ontario Late November – early January
Nathan Phillips Square lights up with Toronto's official tree, skating, and fireworks.
Type
Holiday
Family Friendly
Yes
Setting
Outdoor
About This Event
The story of Cavalcade of Lights
Nathan Phillips Square lights up with Toronto's official tree, skating, and fireworks.
A Toronto tradition since 1967, Cavalcade opens the holiday season with the lighting of the official Christmas tree, an outdoor concert, DJ skate nights, and weekly fireworks over City Hall.
Why travelers love it
Reasons to go
What makes Cavalcade of Lights unforgettable.
01
Free skating under the arches
02
Weekly fireworks
03
Official tree lighting
04
DJ skate nights
Best areas to stay
Where to stay
Curated accommodations across price tiers and neighbourhoods.
- Fairmont Royal York
- Shangri-La Toronto
Explore beyond the event
Things to do nearby
Make Toronto the start of a wider Canadian adventure.
- Eaton Centre
- St. Lawrence Market
- Distillery Winter Village
Make the most of your visit
Suggested itineraries
Plans for every length of stay — from a single day to an extended adventure.
Know before you go
Local insider tips
Editorial advice from on-the-ground travelers.
Weather
Pack for the season and check the forecast the week of.
Transit
Use public transportation where possible — venues fill quickly with festival traffic.
Arrive early
Marquee events draw crowds — give yourself 60 minutes of buffer.
Cash
A small amount of cash speeds up small-vendor and food lines.
Photography
The hour before sunset gives the best festival light.
Photo gallery
A visual taste
A glimpse of Cavalcade of Lights and the surrounding destination.
Editorial photography curated by The Canadian Explorer.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Extend your trip
Parks, campgrounds and road trips within reach of Toronto.
National Parks nearby
Provincial Parks nearby
Camp nearby
Explore more of Canada
Related destinations
Continue the journey from where the festival ends.
Trip planning assistance
Need help planning your visit?
Tell us about your trip and we'll send a tailored plan with recommendations for hotels, transport, itineraries and surrounding destinations. This is travel planning assistance — not a booking form.
Curated by Canadian travel editors