Cavalcade of Lights

November 25, 2023

January 7, 2024

Free

Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

311

Website

Events Description

 

Celebrate holiday magic in Toronto during Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Desjardins Financial Group.

Inspired by the luminous festivals and cultural revelries from around the globe, enjoy a host of holiday traditions centred on light, lanterns and fire woven into mesmerizing new lighting installations. Opening night celebration on November 25 includes live performances and the grand illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree.

Glide into the holiday spirit with nightly ice skating and marvel at the enchanting light installations adorning Nathan Phillips Square.

Art Installations
The ECHO
South of Main Stage

An interactive installation produced by Desjardins Financial Group that allows participants to explore the hidden power of their unique voices.

Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights
Around Circle Stage

Explore stories of family, nature and hope by Indigenous artists celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with this illuminating display by LunarFest GTA.

Peace & Love Lanterns
City Hall Main Entrance

Check out lanterns from Zigong in China’s Sichuan province, hand-crafted by more than 50 Zigong artisans, in partnership with Woodside Square Shopping Centre .

Decorative Banners
Various Locations

Enjoy imagery on barricade covers inspired by cultures, communities and light festivals from a diverse array of international artists, in partnership with MuseArts .

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: November 25 to January 7, 2023 | 5 to 11 PM

Opening Night:

Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 3 to 11 p.m.

The Christmas tree-lighting takes place at 6:30 p.m.

Main Stage
3 p.m. Welcome & blessing by Indigenous Elder Cat Criger

3:30 p.m. Toronto Chinese Orchestra

4:30 p.m. Polish folk music by Polky

5:30 p.m. Freylekh (joyous) Jewish music by Horah Machine

6:30 p.m. Lighting of the Christmas tree & Nathan Phillips Square

7 p.m. R&B, soul & jazz music by Zaki Ibrahim

9 & 10 p.m. Taiwanese Jia-Jiang folk rituals with western street dance by T.S.D Crew , in partnership with LunarFest GTA

Circle Stage
3:10 p.m. Hoop dancing by River Christie-White

4 p.m. Celtic tunes by Alana & Leigh Cline

6 p.m. Music by Drives the Common Man

7 p.m. Fire performance by Hoop You with music by Zaki Ibrahim

8:30 p.m. Iranian music by Canadian Golha Orchestra

9:30 p.m. Counter Measure Holiday Singers

10:50 p.m. Hitmen Drumline

Skating Rink
Programming presented by Desjardins Financial Group

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Public skating

5 p.m. Skating showcase by Team Trinity with 2022 Olympian & two-time National Champion Madeline Schizas

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Public skating

8 p.m. Skating showcase by Team Trinity with 2022 Olympian & two-time National Champion Madeline Schizas

8:30 to 11 p.m. Public Skating

Roving Performances
3:10, 4:30 & 5:30 p.m. Trash Panda Brass

4 & 5:30 p.m. Caribbean Steel drumming by Kenn Lewis on the south lawn

9:30 p.m. Fire performance by the Hoop You Trio on Queen St.

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Stilt-walking by Hala on Stilts

6 & 7 p.m. Portuguese songs by Banda do Senhor Cristo Santo of Toronto , in partnership with The Santa Claus Parade

9 & 10:30 p.m. Hitmen Drumline

DJ Skate Party: Saturday, December 2
5 to 8 p.m. at the Nathan Phillips Square Rink

Skate to the beats of Canadian-Tamil artist Lady Pista .

Venue : Nathan Philips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

Paid Parking.
Trip Planning by public Transit:
TTC / Triplinx – GTA

This Weekend in Toronto

Add a Review