Toronto 
Events Description
Celebrate holiday magic in Toronto during the Cavalcade of Lights.
Glide into the holiday spirit with nightly ice skating and marvel at the enchanting light installations adorning Nathan Phillips Square.
This year’s Cavalcade of Lights embraces the theme of illumination, cross-cultural celebration and winter activity, highlighting Toronto’s diversity through music, dance, skating, visual arts and site animation.
The festival will once again feature Toronto’s official Christmas tree and more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights, illuminating Nathan Phillips Square nightly from dusk until 11 p.m.
Opening night:
Highlights this year include:
– A countdown to the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree
– A candlelight concert under the stars produced by Fever Entertainment
– A spectacular skating show on the Square’s rink
– A special Indigenous performance by DJ Classic Roots
– Family-friendly activities including Diya decoration workshops
– A headline performance by acclaimed Canadian recording artist Tyler Shaw
– Interactive light and sound installations
Who is it for?
All ages – Family
Cavalcade of Lights is committed to creating an accessible event. Accessible viewing areas and an ASL interpreter will be onsite for all to enjoy this special evening.
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
Saturday, November 29, to Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | dusk until 11 p.m.
Opening night:
6 p.m. Welcome with DJ Classic Roots & guests on the main stage
6 to 7 p.m. Public skating on the rink
6 to 8 p.m. Christmas caroling by The Candy Cane Carolers roaming the Square
6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, 9 & 9:30 p.m. Diya decoration workshops led by artist Aakhya Singh . 30 spots available in each workshop. Register at the white tent near the doors to City Hall for a spot throughout the night.
6 to 10 p.m. Toy soldier and snow angel from NorthFIRE circus roaming the Square
6:30 p.m. Remarks on the main stage & Countdown to lighting the Christmas tree & Nathan Phillips Square
6:45 p.m. Candlelight concert by Fever Entertainment on the main stage
7:40 p.m. Figure skating performance on the rink, presented by Desjardins Financial Group
7:50 to 8:40 p.m. Public skating on the rink
8 p.m. Afro-Brazilian percussion music by Maracatu Mar Aberto roaming the Square
8 to 10 p.m. Snowflake kids doing LED poi and hula hoop performances by NorthFIRE circus roaming the Square
8:40 p.m. Electric violinist Dr. Draw with fire performance by NorthFIRE circus on the main stage
8:40 p.m. Klezmer parade band The Horah Machine roaming the Square
8:50 to 11 p.m. Public skating on the rink
9:15 p.m. Featured musical guest Juno Award nominee Tyler Shaw on the main stage
10 p.m. Closing remarks on the main stage
Venue : Nathan Philips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Paid Parking.
Trip Planning by public Transit:
TTC / Triplinx – GTA
