It’s that time of the year once again! Toronto is a popular winter and holiday destination for tourists from all over the world, due to the city’s seasonal weather and the many landmarks and activities everyone can enjoy. During the Yuletide season, Toronto boasts so many magical decorations and festive events that it feels like you’re in a Christmas movie!
If you’re planning to visit Toronto during this time of year, here are some great destinations you can visit for a cozy and festive winter experience!
1. Ice Skating Rinks
When it comes to experiencing the magic of winter, nothing beats going out and enjoying the snowy outdoors! Winter activities such as ice skating are part of Torontonian holiday traditions, so why not try them to have the complete experience? One of the most famous skating spots is Nathan Phillips Square, where the reflective pool is turned into an ice rink during winter. Other skating spots include Greenwood Park and Evergreen Brickworks.
2. Christmas Markets
Another holiday staple that you must experience in Toronto is the transformation of different city locations into Christmas markets, which are popular for their holiday-themed shops, decorations, and aesthetics, providing goers with a magical atmosphere. While the Distillery Winter Village and the Toronto Christmas Market are two popular Christmas markets for tourists, you can also visit other venues like the Swedish Christmas Fair and the Evergreen Brickworks Winter Village.
3. Christmas at Casa Loma
During the holiday season, Casa Loma, a world-famous castle in Toronto, is illuminated with dazzling lights and filled with holiday-themed decor, including a 40ft Christmas tree! “Christmas at the Castle” also offers visitors exciting activities and performances, and kids can even visit Santa in his workshop inside the castle!
4. Cavalcade of Lights/Toronto Light Festival
What’s the winter season without grand displays of light? If you’re a fan of these types of festivals and presentations, then you must attend the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square and the Toronto Light Festival at The Distillery District! These festivals are go-to events for both locals and tourists during the winter, as they add to the festive mood of the holidays.
5. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Lastly, there’s WinterFest, where you can catch all of these activities and more, located at Canada’s largest theme park, Canada’s Wonderland! Enjoy a wide variety of winter and holiday-themed activities such as ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live performances and entertainment, holiday light shows, Christmas shopping, and more!
If you’re an aspiring international student who wishes to experience the magic of winter in Toronto, consider enrolling at the Toronto School of Management (TSoM)! We offer a wide range of industry-standard programs, delivered by expert faculty. We also pride ourselves on having dedicated Career Services and Student Services teams to help you make the most of your student journey at TSoM, including the best experiences Toronto has to offer! Learn more about our programs here.
