Toronto 
Toronto’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony will return to Nathan Philips Square on Saturday, November 29th and will feature mesmerizing light installations and show-stopping performances.
Credit: City of Toronto
The 59th annual Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group will run until January 7th, 2026 at Nathan Phillips Square.
This year’s theme centres on illumination and cross-cultural celebration, with programming that spans skating, music, dance and interactive art. More than 300,000 LED lights and Toronto’s official Christmas tree will brighten the square nightly until 11 p.m.
Opening Night Celebration: November 29
Opening night on November 29 brings a full lineup.
- Music and Dance Performances:
- The celebration begins at 6 p.m. with DJ Classic Roots and Cree dancer Anthony Gladue, followed by roaming performances from
- The Candy Cane Carolers and NorthFIRE circus characters.
- Visitors can join Diya-decorating workshops led by artist Aakhya Singh, offered eight times throughout the night with 30 spots per session.
- Skating fans will get a showcase at 7:40 p.m. with performances by Olympian Madeline Schizas and the pairs team Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, who are the 2025 Four Continents bronze medalists.
- Music continues through the evening with electric violinist Dr. Draw, Afro-Brazilian percussion group Maracatu Mar Aberto, klezmer ensemble The Horah Machine, and at 9:15 p.m., a headline set by Juno nominee Tyler Shaw.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony:
- The annual countdown to lighting the Christmas tree will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight concert produced by Fever Entertainment.
Public skating sessions are sprinkled throughout the schedule until 11 p.m.
Credit: City of Toronto
Art Installations and Interactive Experiences:
Throughout the holiday season, Nathan Phillips Square will showcase unique art installations and interactive exhibits:
- ECHO Installation: An interactive exhibit near the main stage invites participants to explore their voices, facilitated by Desjardins Financial Group.
- We Change Each Other: A light-based piece by Shilpa Gupta exploring unity and cultural blending, located near the TORONTO sign.
Lux Array: An interactive light-and-sound installation by the Luxonous Collective, featuring rotating square structures that double as photo frames.
- Luminescence: An illuminated dome offering an immersive visual experience east of the main stage.
As last year, there will be no fireworks.
2025 Cavalcade of Lights – Event Information
Credit: City of Toronto
What: Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. This year, the festivities will transform City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland.
When:
November 30 to January 7, 2025
Opening Night:
Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 6 to 11 p.m.., The Christmas tree-lighting takes place at 6:30 p.m.
- 6 p.m. — Welcome with DJ Classic Roots & Cree dancer Anthony Gladue
- 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. — Fever presents a Candlelight concert on the main stage
- 7:40 p.m. — Figure skating performances on the rink by three-time Canadian Champion and Olympian Madeline Schizas and by 2025 Four Continents bronze medalists and three-time Grand Prix medalists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud , presented by Desjardins Financial Group
- 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
- 9:15 p.m. Featured musical guest Juno Award nominee Tyler Shaw on the main stage
How Much: Free
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Road closures:
- Bay Street is closed between Albert Street and Queen Street West from 4 to 11 p.m. Queen Street remains closed between Bay Street and Church Street.
