Christmas in Toronto: A 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Christmas Market Adventures

Toronto, Canada

9:00AM

Visit the Toronto Christmas Market

Start your festive adventure browsing the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District, where charming stalls showcase handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations, and delicious seasonal treats.
Take the streetcar from Downtown to the Distillery District.
Free admission (purchases at own expense)., 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Distillery District

Grab a delightful lunch at one of the many eateries in the Distillery District, such as the popular Mill St. Brewpub, offering delicious comfort food perfect for the season.
Walk to a nearby restaurant in the district.
Varies., 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Head over to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, where you can appreciate the vibrant marine life in a relaxed indoor environment, a great escape from the winter chill.
Take the streetcar from the Distillery District to Union Station, then walk to the aquarium.
Adult: $34.00, Child (3-5): $9.00, Child (6-13): $24.00, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Downtown Restaurant

Conclude your day with a festive dinner at The Keg located near the aquarium, known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty winter fare, perfect for family gatherings.
A short walk from the aquarium.
Varies., 2 hours
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Day 2: Illumination & Entertainment

Toronto, Canada

10:00AM

Royal Ontario Museum

Start your day at the Royal Ontario Museum, where fascinating exhibits await, and the holiday decorations throughout the museum will build excitement for the season.
Take the subway to St. George Station (Line 1).
General Admission: $23.00, Child (4-14): $18.00, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Annex

Enjoy a cozy lunch at The Annex with hearty soup and sandwiches at The Mad Bean Café, well-loved for their vibrant seasonal offerings.
A quick 10-minute walk from the museum.
Varies., 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nathan Phillips Square Christmas Lights

After lunch, visit Nathan Phillips Square to marvel at the stunning holiday lights and outdoor decorations that fill the square with festive cheer.
Take the subway (Line 1) to Queen Station, then walk to Nathan Phillips Square.
Free admission., 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square

Continue your festive exploration with ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, surrounded by beautifully lit trees and music, making it a perfect holiday experience.
Skating rink next to where you were exploring.
Free admission (skate rental $10.00)., 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Swanky Downtown Café

Wrap up your day with dinner at the trendy Café Belong, which focuses on local ingredients and offers a warm atmosphere to enjoy a meal with the family.
Walk or take a short streetcar ride to the café.
Varies., 2 hours
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Day 3: Island Winter Wonderland

Toronto Islands, Canada

10:00AM

Ferry to Toronto Islands

Enjoy a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, where winter wraps the landscape in beauty; perfect for family winter photos amidst snowy trees.
Catch the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Ferry: Adult: $8.19, Child (2-14): $5.05, Full day

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch on the Islands

Savor a festive picnic lunch with packed treats and thermoses of hot chocolate while surrounded by the snowy beauty of the islands.
Find a sheltered area on the islands.
Varies., 1 hour

2:00PM

Winter Activities on the Islands

Engage in fun outdoor winter activities on the islands, such as snowshoeing, while enjoying the scenic winter landscape that adds to the holiday magic.
Find rental options available on the islands.
Varies., 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Return Ferry and Dinner at Amsterdam BrewHouse

Take the ferry back, then enjoy dinner at the Amsterdam BrewHouse, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious holiday-inspired menu.
Catch the ferry from the Toronto Islands.
Varies., 2 hours
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Day 4: North York Holiday Cheer

North York, Canada

10:00AM

Visit the Ontario Science Centre

Explore the interactive exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre, which offers educational fun for your family amid fantastical winter displays inside.
Subway from Union Station to Eglinton Station (Line 1), then a 10-minute bus ride.
General Admission: $22.00, Child (3-12): $13.00, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Aga Khan Museum

Warm up with lunch at the Aga Khan Museum's restaurant, where you can enjoy rich Middle Eastern dishes that celebrate the season.
A short 10-minute bus ride from the Science Centre.
Varies., 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Edwards Gardens Light Displays

Stroll through Edwards Gardens as it dazzles with stunning light displays and festive decorations for the holiday season, making it an enchanting evening walk.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
Free admission., 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Conclude your day with dinner at Yorkdale Shopping Centre amidst holiday lights, offering various family-friendly dining choices to suit all tastes.
Take the subway or hop on a taxi to Yorkdale.
Varies., 2 hours
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Day 5: Scarborough Seasonal Fun

Scarborough, Canada

10:00AM

Visit the Toronto Zoo Winter Exhibits

Visit the Toronto Zoo to explore winter exhibits featuring animals that thrive in the cold and participate in holiday-themed activities specially designed for families.
Take the subway from North York to Scarborough Centre Station then a bus.
Adult: $29.00, Child (3-12): $19.00, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Scarborough Town Centre

Rejuvenate with lunch at Scarborough Town Centre, where numerous restaurants provide seasonal delights to keep you warm.
A short bus ride from the zoo.
Varies., 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Scarborough Bluffs

Take in the breathtaking winter views of Lake Ontario at Scarborough Bluffs, perfect for a peaceful evening amid nature's stunning beauty, enhanced by twilight.
Take a bus to Scarborough Bluffs.
Free admission., 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Port Restaurant

End your Christmas adventure with a warm dinner at Port Restaurant, featuring cozy seasonal dishes perfect for families looking to conclude their trip on a delightful note.
Just a short drive from Scarborough Bluffs.
Varies., 2 hours
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