Toronto Is Hosting A Massive Outdoor Light Show At Nathan Phillips Square
Come November 1, many of us are already feeling the holiday vibes: Starbucks red-cups, Christmas music playing in department stores, and some of your neighbours have probably switched out their Halloween ghouls for some jovial-looking Santas.
But it's really The Cavalcade of Lights, arguably the city's most colourful event, that truly marks the start of the holiday season! This Toronto tradition has taken place annually for almost five decades now, bringing with it an loads of fun activities, events, as well as an amazing festive spirit, and this year will be no different!
Photo - Where
1.The official Toronto Christmas Tree will be lit.
After hours of hanging up lights and decorations on a Christmas tree, there's always that magical moment where the it's all finally lit up, and you can admire all your hard work. Now imagine this experience times 20, and you didn’t have to do any work…SWEET! The lighting of the Official Toronto Christmas Tree in Nathan Philips Square will consist of a 16 meter (or 50ft, depending where you're from) tree that will be completely illuminated by thousands of lights.
Photo - Toronto
2. Tons of live performances.
No seasonal festivities would be complete without music! From performances by the Children’s Chorus singing Frozen’s “Let It Go”, arguably the cutest thing we’ve ever heard, to JUNO award-wining country, roots, and blues artist Crystal Shawanda; this event definitely does not fall short on talent. You can also anticipate acts from country singer Beverley Mahood, Toronto’s own Sean Jones, iconic rock/power pop quartet Sloan, and DJ Serious, who will end off the night with a skating party.
Photo - Toronto
3. Practice your ice skating.
Straight up, is there anything more adorable than your bae helping you maneuver your way around an ice rink? The answer is no. This is the ultimate cute-holiday activity that you can do with your S/O, your bffs, or even your fam at this year's Cavalcade of Lights. **heart melts**
Photo - Toronto
4. An insane fireworks display.
A picture is worth a thousand words right? In which case the photo above basically says it all. A firework display of monumental proportions will take place over Nathan Philips square and literally start the holiday season with a BANG!
Photo - See Toronto
5. Everyone's doing it.
There will be thousands of your fellow Torontonians in attendance so trust us when we say, you'll want to be one of them! There really is no event that brings us together quite like the Cavalcade of Lights.
The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan following a media availability in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.
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