3-Day Family Christmas Adventure in Toronto, Ontario

Toronto, Ontario

3 days

Civic square in front of Toronto City Hall is brightly lit with Christmas decorations
Christmas Market in Downtown Toronto
Toronto skyline
Toronto City Hall Skating Rink
Casa Loma a historic castle

About Toronto, Ontario

Experience the vibrant city life of Toronto, Ontario, Canada's largest city. Known for its iconic skyline featuring the CN Tower, Toronto offers a rich blend of modern urban culture and historical charm. Explore diverse neighborhoods like the bustling Kensington Market or the trendy Distillery District. Visit world-class museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Ontario from the Harbourfront, or escape to the tranquility of Toronto Islands. Indulge in a variety of cuisines from around the world, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. Toronto is also home to major sports teams, a thriving theatre scene, and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or sports fan, Toronto has something for everyone.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Christmas Market and Cavalcade of Lights

Morning

Start your day at the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District. This festive market is filled with holiday cheer, featuring unique handcrafted goods, delicious food, and live entertainment.

Lunch

Enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the many food stalls in the Christmas Market, offering a variety of international and local cuisines.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Royal Ontario Museum, where you can explore a wide range of exhibits, from natural history to world cultures.

Dinner

Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Bloor Street area, offering a variety of cuisines to choose from.

Evening

End your day with a magical visit to the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square, a spectacular holiday tradition featuring a towering Christmas tree, live music, and a stunning fireworks display.

Morning

Begin your second day at the Ontario Science Centre, a family-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits and IMAX films.

Lunch

Have lunch at a nearby restaurant in the Don Mills area, offering a variety of family-friendly dining options.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Toronto Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals representing 450 species. Don't miss the special holiday-themed events and displays.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Scarborough area, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes.

Evening

Experience the Winter Festival of Lights at Ontario Place, a dazzling display of lights and holiday decorations along the waterfront.

Morning

Start your final day at the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to a vast collection of artworks from around the world.

Lunch

Have lunch at a restaurant in the Dundas Street area, offering a variety of dining options.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the CN Tower, one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant in the Front Street area, offering a variety of cuisines to choose from.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Pops concert, a festive musical celebration for the whole family.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Toronto Christmas Market

1
Toronto Christmas Market

The Toronto Christmas Market is an annual event that transforms the Distillery Historic District into a winter wonderland. It features vendors selling unique gifts, food and drink, and a variety of entertainment.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Shopping
Royal Ontario Museum

2
Royal Ontario Museum

Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Cavalcade of Lights

3
Cavalcade of Lights

The Cavalcade of Lights is a holiday event in Toronto that features a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and live performances.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Ontario Science Centre

4
Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre is a science museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Attractions
Museums
Toronto Zoo

5
Toronto Zoo

A zoo located in Toronto's east end. It is Canada's largest zoo with over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Winter Festival of Lights

6
Winter Festival of Lights

The Winter Festival of Lights in Toronto is a popular annual event that transforms the city into a winter wonderland with beautiful light displays and festive activities.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Art Gallery of Ontario

One of the largest art museums in North America. It holds more than 80,000 works in its collection.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
CN Tower

8
CN Tower

A signature icon of Toronto's skyline, and a symbol of Canada, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert

9
Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert is a must-see event during the holiday season. It combines the beauty of classical music with the festive spirit of the holidays, creating a unique cultural experience.

Entertainment
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

A Toronto specialty, this sandwich is made with peameal bacon, a type of back bacon made from lean boneless pork loin, rolled in cornmeal. It's a must-try for any meat lover visiting Toronto.

Butter Tart

Butter Tart

A classic Canadian dessert originating from pioneer times, butter tarts are sweet, rich, and filled with a gooey mix of butter, sugar, and eggs in a pastry shell.

Beavertail

Beavertail

A Canadian iconic pastry that is often compared to a flattened doughnut without a hole. It's typically topped with sweet condiments and confections, like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a spread of Nutella.

Poutine

Poutine

Originally from Quebec, poutine has become popular across Canada. It's a dish of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.

Tourtière

Tourtière

A traditional French-Canadian dish, tourtière is a meat pie typically made with minced pork, veal, or beef. It's a hearty dish often served during the holiday season.

Nanaimo Bar

Nanaimo Bar

A no-bake dessert bar named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of custard flavoured butter icing, which is covered with melted chocolate.

Caesar

Caesar

A cocktail created and primarily consumed in Canada. It typically contains vodka, a caesar mix (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass.

Montreal-style Bagel

Montreal-style Bagel

Unlike the New York-style bagel, the Montreal bagel is smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and is always baked in a wood-fired oven. It's a popular breakfast item in Toronto.

Canadian Craft Beer

Canadian Craft Beer

Toronto is known for its thriving craft beer scene. Canadian craft beers are diverse in flavor, ranging from light and crisp lagers to dark and rich stouts.

Canadian Rye Whiskey

Canadian Rye Whiskey

Canadian whiskies are often referred to as "rye whiskies

Maple Syrup

Maple Syrup

Canada is the world's largest exporter of maple syrup, and it's a popular sweetener used in a variety of dishes and drinks in Toronto.

Bannock

Bannock

A traditional Indigenous bread that's become popular across Canada. It's a simple, flat, and versatile bread that can be prepared in numerous ways.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Toronto, Ontario is typically from late April through June and September through October. During these periods, you'll enjoy pleasant weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and events. The summer months, July and August, can also be a great time to visit, but they tend to be more crowded with tourists. Winter can be quite cold, but if you enjoy winter sports or want to experience a true Canadian winter, it can be a unique time to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 2

Tue

Day After New Year’s Day (Quebec)

February 19

Mon

Family Day (regional holiday)

February 19

Mon

Islander Day (Prince Edward Island)

February 19

Mon

Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia)

February 19

Mon

Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)

February 23

Fri

Yukon Heritage Day (Yukon)

March 18

Mon

St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

April 22

Mon

St. George's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

May 20

Mon

National Patriots' Day (Quebec)

May 20

Mon

Victoria Day (regional holiday)

June 24

Mon

St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)

June 24

Mon

June Holiday (Newfoundland and Labrador)

July 1

Mon

Canada Day

July 1

Mon

Memorial Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

July 9

Tue

Nunavut Day (Nunavut)

July 15

Mon

Orangemen's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

August 5

Mon

New Brunswick Day (New Brunswick)

August 5

Mon

Saskatchewan Day (Saskatchewan)

August 5

Mon

Natal Day (Nova Scotia)

August 5

Mon

Civic/Provincial Day (regional holiday)

August 5

Mon

British Columbia Day (British Columbia)

August 7

Wed

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) (Newfoundland and Labrador)

August 16

Fri

Gold Cup Parade (Prince Edward Island)

August 19

Mon

Discovery Day (Yukon)

September 2

Mon

Labour Day

September 30

Mon

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (regional holiday)

October 14

Mon

Thanksgiving Day (regional holiday)

December 24

Tue

Christmas Eve (New Brunswick)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day (regional holiday)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the subway system, which is the quickest way to get around the city. There are four lines: Line 1 Yonge-University, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, Line 3 Scarborough, and Line 4 Sheppard.

The TTC also operates 10 streetcar lines, which are a unique way to see the city. The streetcars run frequently and cover many of the city's major streets.

Buses complement the subway and streetcar network, covering routes that those systems do not. The TTC operates the bus system, and buses run frequently throughout the day.

Taxis are plentiful in Toronto and can be hailed on the street, ordered by phone, or picked up at designated taxi stands. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto. These services can be more convenient than taxis, as they can be ordered directly from a smartphone app.

Toronto has a public bike share system, Bike Share Toronto, which has stations throughout the city. The city is also quite bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes and paths.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to visit areas outside of the city, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy and parking can be expensive in downtown Toronto.

Toronto is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and there are plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

To visit the Toronto Islands, you'll need to take a ferry. The ferry terminal is located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and ferries run frequently during the warmer months.

For travel to the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, you can use GO Transit. This regional transit system operates buses and trains that connect Toronto with surrounding cities and towns.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ CAD

Time zoneUTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Toronto, Ontario as a first time visitor

1

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America.

2

The city is very multicultural, with over 200 ethnic groups represented.

3

Toronto is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.

4

The city has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 75-80°F (24-27°C), while winter temperatures can drop to 20-30°F (-6 to -1°C).

5

Toronto is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is GMT-5.

6

The city is known for its high cost of living, especially in terms of housing.

7

Toronto is a safe city, but like any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

8

The city's public transportation system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is extensive and reliable. It includes buses, streetcars, and subways.

9

The official language is English, but you'll hear many other languages due to the city's multiculturalism.

10

The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

11

Tipping is customary in Toronto. A standard tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and taxis is 15-20%.

12

Toronto is known for its food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available due to its multicultural population.

13

The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.

14

Toronto has a strong sports culture. It's home to teams in seven major league sports, including hockey, baseball, and basketball.

15

The city is very walkable, and it also has an extensive network of bike lanes.

16

Toronto has a 'Green P' parking system, which provides both on-street and off-street parking throughout the city.

17

The city has a mix of modern and historic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century.

18

Toronto has a strong commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and policies in place.

19

The city is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Toronto and Ryerson University.

20

Toronto hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Toronto International Film Festival and Caribana.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Dress shoes

  • Swimsuit

  • Hat/Cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Scarf, gloves and warm hat (if winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and Conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Lotion

  • Sunscreen

  • Makeup

  • Makeup remover

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and Debit cards

  • Cash

  • Driver's license (if planning to rent a car)

  • Map and guidebook

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power bank

  • Adapter plug (if coming from a different country)

  • Laptop/Tablet (if necessary)

  • Charger for laptop/tablet

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • Books or magazines

  • Travel games

  • Umbrella

  • Laundry bag

  • Reusable shopping bag

Weather Conditions

Toronto, Ontario, is a city that experiences a full range of weather conditions throughout the year, so it's important to be prepared for a variety of climates when you visit. In the winter months, from December to February, Toronto can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Average temperatures range from -1°C to -6°C (30°F to 21°F). Snowfall is common, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, hats, gloves, and boots. If you're planning outdoor activities, be sure to check the weather forecast for potential snowstorms. Spring, from March to May, brings milder temperatures, ranging from 4°C to 18°C (39°F to 64°F). However, this season can also be quite wet, so don't forget your umbrella or raincoat. The weather can change quickly, so layering your clothing is a good idea. Summer, from June to August, is typically warm and humid in Toronto. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), but usually hover around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Be sure to pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the sun. Also, stay hydrated, especially when sightseeing or participating in outdoor activities. Autumn, from September to November, is a beautiful time to visit Toronto, with fall foliage in full display. Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C (37°F to 66°F), so pack a mix of light and warm clothing. Rain is also common during this season, so an umbrella or raincoat is recommended. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Toronto's weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared will help you enjoy your visit to this vibrant city.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

1° / -6°

January is the coldest month in Toronto, with snowfall common, so pack warm clothing.

February

2° / -5°

February is still quite cold with frequent snow, but temperatures start to rise slightly.

March

8° / -2°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures slowly increasing, but still expect some cold days.

April

14° / 3°

April is a transitional month with a mix of spring showers and occasional snow.

May

20° / 8°

May is the start of the warm season, with temperatures comfortable enough for outdoor activities.

June

25° / 13°

June is a pleasant month with long days, perfect for exploring the city and its parks.

July

28° / 16°

July is the hottest month in Toronto, with plenty of sunshine and occasional thunderstorms.

August

28° / 16°

August is similar to July, with warm temperatures and occasional rain showers.

September

24° / 12°

September is a beautiful month with mild temperatures and less rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities.

October

17° / 7°

October sees the arrival of fall, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

November

12° / 2°

November is a transition into winter, with cooler temperatures and the first snowfall usually occurring.

December

5° / -3°

December is a festive month with cold temperatures and snow, making it a winter wonderland.

Did you know?

Did you know that Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America by population?

1 of 10

Places near by Toronto, Ontario

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

One of the world's most famous natural wonders with attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory and Clifton Hill.

1.5h
130 km / 80.8 mi
How to get there
Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens

The largest botanical garden in Canada, featuring over 2,400 acres of gardens and nature sanctuaries.

45m
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Canada's Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland

Canada's premier amusement park featuring over 200 attractions, 70 rides including 16 rollercoasters, and a 20-acre water park.

40m
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Stratford Festival

Stratford Festival

One of North America's premier arts festivals, featuring a series of Shakespearean and other plays.

2h
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African Lion Safari

African Lion Safari

A family-owned safari park where visitors can see, photograph and feed animals from their own vehicles or by tour bus.

1.3h
100 km / 62.1 mi
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Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort

A large resort in the Blue Mountains, offering a variety of summer and winter activities.

2h
160 km / 99.4 mi
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Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands

A group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada.

3h
290 km / 180.2 mi
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Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee National Park

The southernmost point of mainland Canada, known for its abundant bird life and monarch butterfly migration.

3.5h
350 km / 217.5 mi
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CN Tower

CN Tower

A 553.3 m-high concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto.

0m
0 km / 0.0 mi
How to get there
Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

A museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

0m
0 km / 0.0 mi
How to get there