Family Fun Things to Do in Toronto in December

And just like that, another year has flown by and very soon (or maybe not soon enough for some of us) we’ll be waving goodbye to 2024. But before we do that, we have a month that is absolutely jam-packed with family fun. Below, we round up some of these events. Since it is Toronto in December, the bulk of these suggestions have a festive and often Christmas-y theme. However, we’ve made sure to include a few ideas that have nothing to do with the holidays since we know they aren’t every family’s thing. We’ve also included whether Santa will be appearing since we know that’s a crucial question this time of year.

Also, a quick reminder that registration for 2024 winter City of Toronto Parks and Recreation programming, including skating, swimming, and March Break camps, opens at 7 am on Tuesday December 3 for Etobicoke York and Toronto and East York and Wednesday December 4 for facilities in North York and Scarborough. Good luck to all of those trying to secure that perfect swim class!

And of course, Seasons Greetings!

Fun Things to Do in Toronto in December

Planet Santa

Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr., Toronto
Daily until Tuesday December 24

Will Santa be there: Yes!

Self-proclaimed as, “…the region’s most festive and immersive Santa set…,” this 4,500 square feet experience includes, “…Santa’s workshop, life-sized snow globes, and towering Christmas trees ranging from six to 20 feet tall.”

If you’re looking for a free photo experience, stop by the mall’s iconic hot air balloons, including one that’s been Christmas-tized and turned into an installation that you family can use for photos. And starting Monday December 9, the mall will be hosting a special gift-wrapping station where all funds raised will support the East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club.

Santa’s Tiny Big Town

Vaughan Mills, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan
Now until Tuesday December 24

Will Santa be there: Yes!

This popular Christmas-themed experience is back for another year. The kids can meet Santa and pose for photos with him and the “town’s” interactive displays. There will also be some fun festive activities. Walk-ins are allowed, but pre-registration is encouraged as some dates are already sold out! Packages start as low as $5 (this one doesn’t include a photo), and proceeds benefit SickKids. The mall is also hosting its Holiday Heroes Toy Drive until Friday December 13 in support of local families.

Magical Christmas Forest

Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge
Until Saturday December 23, select dates

Will Santa be there: Yes!

Incorporate some nature into holiday celebrations at the Kortright Centre. Nestled in “… a winter wonderland filled with light,” this event involves a wagon ride, crafts, and even a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows (other treats are available for purchase). There’s also a chance to visit with Santa in his cabin. This three-hour event runs 5pm to 9pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays and 3pm to 8pm to Sundays. Tickets must be pre-purchased and start at around $33, with kids under one being free.

Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights

Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
December into January 2024

Will Santa be there: Only at the Christmas at the Castle event.

Toronto’s only castle hosts two festive events this holiday season. Christmas at the Castle is Casa Loma’s indoor event and will let you and your family explore this historic home in all its holiday splendor. The 40-foot-tall Christmas tree is sure to make for some fantastic photos! Your kids will also be able to engage in some arts and crafts and meet holiday mascots.

Holiday Lights is an outdoor-only event that takes place once it’s dark enough for Casa Loma to show off its thousands of beautiful lights. Take a roughly two-kilometre-long self-guided walk that also includes live performances. Just leave the stroller at home, as this path isn’t stroller-friendly. Tickets must be purchased in advance for Christmas in the Castle, which costs $45 with the option to add on access to Holiday Lights for either $25 or $30, depending on the date. Tickets for Holiday Lights can be purchased on site; however, they are cheaper in you buy them in advance: $45 prior to Thursday December 18 and $50 after. Children three and under are free.

Santa’s Storytime

Gerrard Square, 1000 Gerrard St. E., Toronto
Until Monday December 23

Will Santa be there: Yes!

Do your kids want to spend some quality time with Santa? Then this 45-minute-long experience might be for your family! Hear St. Nick read a holiday story and enjoy and Q and A with him before posing for some photos (on your camera) and mailing a letter to the North Pole. All this December fun is set against a festive backdrop that includes Christmas trees, snowmen and even reindeer.

All time slots must be pre-registered, with tickets starting at around $15 (plus fees) for kids ages one and up (adults are free).

Skate the Bentway & Holiday Street Market

The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Market: Until Sunday January 5, weekends only
Skating: Opens Saturday December 21

One of the city’s best outdoor skating experiences opens for the season on Saturday December 21. This year, your family can enjoy the 220-meter-long, figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway while checking out, “…soaring art installation inspired by the glowing hues of the northern lights.” Access to the rink is free, and skate rentals are available for a fee.

And don’t miss the Street Eats’ Winterfest Market, running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Harbourfront until January 5. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, and a few other fun activities. Access to the market is free.

Winter Glow Family Weekend

Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), 1 Dundas St. E, Toronto
Friday December 13 – Sunday December 15

Will Santa be there: Yes!

The free, fun-filled Winter Glow Family Weekend offers something for everyone, from Santa photo ops to carnival rides and live entertainment. Enjoy a sweet treat, test your skills at the OHYO FUN claw machines, or catch a surprise performance. Highlights include Santa meets, free rides for kids under 12, special appearances and festive performances from buskers and carolers.

Nights of Lights

Upper Canada Mall, 17600 Yonge St. Newmarket, ON
Tuesday December 17 – Saturday January 4

Will Santa be there: Yes!

This year’s Holiday Nights of Lights has been completely reimagined, featuring a brand-new lighted trail concept. Now you can explore the magical trail at your own pace; choose to walk it all at once or hop on and off throughout the evening. Revisit your favourite parts of the trail as often as you’d like and the fair is at the heart of it all, surrounded by dazzling lights on every side.

The immersive, walk-through experience is special and unique, featuring more than 1.5 million LED lights animated and synchronized to everyone’s favourite holiday music.

A Christmas Journey, Festive Nights and Santa at the Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
Throughout December – check the website!

Will Santa be there: Yes

There is so much happening to celebrate an old-timey Christmas at Toronto’s historic village. Between Festive Nights, Santa at the Village, and A Christmas Journey, your kids can attend elf school, try their skills at reindeer games, create some holiday crafts and watch a seasonal puppet show. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy some sweet treats.

A Journey Into Enchantment

1537 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Ajax, ON
Dixie Mall – 1250 S Service Rd, Mississuaga, ON
Until January 1, 2025

Will Santa be there: Yes!

Looking to enjoy some gorgeous holiday lights from the comfort of your car? Then head out to Ajax or Mississauga and drive the two-kilometre-long Journey into Enchantment trail. In addition to seeing thousands of lights synced to seasonal music, there’s also the opportunity to take a Santa selfie. Admission is based per car and is around $40.

Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
Select dates until January 4

Will Santa be there: No Santa however you can bake cookies with Mrs. Claus!

Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a magical, winter wonderland for WinterFest – an immersive holiday experience for the whole family. This event features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street. ​

The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical

Elgin & Winter GardenTheatre, 189 Yonge St., Toronto
Until Sunday January 5

Will Santa be there: No

The Ross Petty Panto returns!

The next chapter of pantomimes is an irreverent twist on the timeless tale of The Wizard of Oz.

Join Dorothy and her friends on a hilarious romp through the fantastical landscapes of “TorOZto.” Enjoy the astonishing sets, spectacular costumes, and very silly parodies of hit songs by Beyoncé, Billie Eilish  and more. Cheer on Team Dorothy as Plumbum, the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow help to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West End and find their way to the CN Power to discover the identity of the Wizard of TorOzto. (Hint: she loves a bike lane!) Run time is two hours (including intermission) and tickets are available here.

illumi Toronto

7174 Derry Crest Dr., Mississauga
Holiday programming concludes after Christmas

Will Santa be there: Yes

The holiday season would not be complete a visit to illumi – The world’s biggest light & sound show, bringing holiday cheer right to Mississauga. Make your spirits bright with 20 million gorgeous lights, separated into 16 universes (including two new ones!), each with their own theme, music, and unique attractions. A multicolour tree forest brightens up the surrounding village where kids and adults alike can warm up with a hot drink.

Wander amongst snowmen, candy canes, reindeer, gnomes, and giant snowflakes, and step under the illumi Tree of Lights – the world’s tallest – all before even meeting with Santa Claus himself! With friends and family, illumi is the perfect holiday outing! General admission is $30 for adults (age 15 and up), $29 for Seniors, $19 for kids 3-14, and all 2 and under are free. Tickets are available here. VIP experiences are also available.

Treewalk Village Enchanted and uplå

3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Fridays & Saturdays starting Friday December 13

Will Santa be there? No

This winter, Treewalk Village by Treetop Trekking will become a glowing, immersive adventure for junior explorers aged 3-7. where familiar paths are transformed by light and magic. Wander amongst glowing treehouses, traverse net bridges shimmering with radiant colours, and scale the vibrant climbing wall. Slide down into pools of soft light and journey across the one-of-a-kind Rivernet, now aglow with playful hues that invite discovery and awe. Bundle up and experience the winter magic after dark. Tickets start at $27 and are available online.