Toronto 
Toronto’s downtown core will soon shimmer with festive brilliance as the annual Cavalcade of Lights, returns to Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday, November 29.
Credit: City of Toronto
Running until January 7, 2026, the festival, presented by Desjardins Group, will transform the square into a vibrant winter destination, blending art, music and skating under a canopy of lights.
This year’s celebration embraces illumination and cultural unity, showcasing Toronto’s diversity through live performances, visual displays and interactive experiences.
More than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights will illuminate the square nightly from dusk to 11 p.m., while the city’s official Christmas tree, arriving on November 12, will mark the start of the holiday season.
Opening night festivities will feature a countdown to the tree lighting, followed by a candlelight concert produced by Fever Entertainment, an on-ice performance, and an Indigenous set by DJ Classic Roots. Visitors can also participate in Diya decoration workshops and enjoy a headline show by Canadian singer Tyler Shaw.
Free skate rentals, courtesy of Desjardins, will be available every Saturday evening from December 6 to January 3, between 4 and 10 p.m.
The celebration continues into the new year with the City’s free New Year’s Skating Parties on Sunday, January 4, hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and City Councillors. The events, taking place at Nathan Phillips Square, McCowan District Park, North Toronto Memorial Community Centre and Colonel Samuel Smith Park, will offer skating, music, hot chocolate and family activities.
