Overview of the Toronto Cavalcade of Lights:
For more than 40 years, Toronto has kicked of the holiday season by launching a month-long series of free events, including concerts, ice-skating and the illumination of Nathan Phillips Square and giant Christmas tree with 100,000 festive lights.
The Cavalcade of Lights launches at the end of November and has its finale on New Year's Eve. The celebration features fireworks, concerts, a projection installation, sparkling lighting displays in more than a dozen Toronto neighbourhoods, a calendar of festive events and one-of-a kind tours.
The Cavalcade of Lights launches at the end of November and has its finale on New Year's Eve. The celebration features fireworks, concerts, a projection installation, sparkling lighting displays in more than a dozen Toronto neighbourhoods, a calendar of festive events and one-of-a kind tours.
Opening Ceremony All Ages Welcome - Free!:
The First Lighting Celebration is an evening of the entertainment that culminates in the lighting of Toronto’s official giant Christmas Tree and a spectacular pyrotechnic finale.
Live music is varied and includes rock, jazz, soul and gospel performances by big-name Canadian musical artists.
Live music is varied and includes rock, jazz, soul and gospel performances by big-name Canadian musical artists.
Free Saturday Night Concerts & Lighting Displays:
People are invited to attend a a variety of free concerts, ice skating, illumination shows and fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square.
Check the website for details.
Check the website for details.
Neighborhood Lighting Displays:
Nineteen neighborhoods are lighting up in honor of the Cavalcade of Lights celebration. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Cavalcade of Lights bus travels between the lit-up neighborhoods letting people on and dropping people off. Participating neighborhoods, such as Korea Town, Little Italy, Greektown, and Bloor Yorkville to name a few offer visitors the chance to shop, dine and take in the spectacle of lighted displays that each neighborhood has to offer.
Free Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square:
Skate under the holiday lights at Nathan Phillips Square’s famous outdoor ice rink.
Weather permitting, the rink is usually open daily from 10 am to 10 pm by mid-November.
Call the Rink Hotline: 416-338-RINK (7465) for details. Please note that all children under age 6 need a CSA approved helmet before going on the ice.
Skate rentals and indoor change rooms are available to visitors. For skate rental info call: 416-368-8802.
Weather permitting, the rink is usually open daily from 10 am to 10 pm by mid-November.
Call the Rink Hotline: 416-338-RINK (7465) for details. Please note that all children under age 6 need a CSA approved helmet before going on the ice.
Skate rentals and indoor change rooms are available to visitors. For skate rental info call: 416-368-8802.
Hotels Offering Cavalcade of Lights Packages:
- Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (compare rates)
- Metropolitan Hotel Cavalcade of Lights Package
Cavalcade of Lights - Location & Getting There:
The events take place citywide, but most of the action, including the Saturday night concerts, fireworks and ice-skating, takes place at Nathan Phillips Square, which is right in downtown Toronto.
See map.
Nathan Phillips Square is at 100 Queen Street West, easily accessed by the TTC Queen street car (501), or the Yonge Line subway (exit Queen station) or the University line (exit Osgoode Station).
Car parking is available in the underground parking garage at Nathan Phillips Square as well as metered parking on University Avenue which is just a couple of blocks west of Nathan Phillips Square.
Nathan Phillips Square is at 100 Queen Street West, easily accessed by the TTC Queen street car (501), or the Yonge Line subway (exit Queen station) or the University line (exit Osgoode Station).
Car parking is available in the underground parking garage at Nathan Phillips Square as well as metered parking on University Avenue which is just a couple of blocks west of Nathan Phillips Square.
