‘Tis the season for soaking up every minute of holiday magic—before winter becomes the never-ending snowy season. We’ve rounded up the top illuminated installations lighting up the city— enchanting exhibits that make for a festive friend outing or date.

Village of Yorkville Park

 

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Bougie hotels, towering museums, the city’s splashiest storefronts—it’s kind of in Yorkville’s DNA to go big. It’s no surprise that the Village of Yorkville Park goes all out with their festive light display in December. Take in the canopy of twinkling lights and its lofty illuminated tree, then get the rest of your holiday shopping done in one go. It’s a win-win.

115 Cumberland St.

The Distillery Winter Village

 

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It’s hard to find a more flawless holiday ambiance than at the Distillery’s annual Winter Village. With merchants vending goods and gifts to snow-capped, European-style cabins, it’s an ideal pre-Christmas destination. Tickets are required after 4pm Fridays through Sundays, but the old-timey, cobblestoned scene (plus a piping hot mug of mulled wine—or two) is totally worth the $8 price of admission.

55 Mill St., thedistillerywintervillage.com

D’Elia Family House

 

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For a hit of Christmas kitsch, stop by the D’Elia family house in Little Portugal where OTT takes on a whole other meaning. It’s a bit of a gawk-and-go situation, so make a thing of it: score a Mayan hot chocolate from SOMA on your way up from Queen St. or, for more adult-leaning libations, stop along nearby Dundas for a drink at Sakai Bar.

188 Brock Ave.

Snow Magic at Ontario Place

 

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Like your light show with a side of unseasonal warmth? Head to Snow Magic exhibit at Ontario Place where the festivities take place drive thru-style, from the comfort of your own car. Turn up the heat and take in 1.7km of immersive installations, Insta-worthy pyrotechnics and a soundtrack that plays through your radio. Admission is paid per car, so round up a bunch of friends as a precursor to your late-night holiday party.

Remembrance Dr. at Ontario Place Blvd., drivethrufunco.com

Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma

 

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Each year, Toronto’s very own neo-Gothic castle celebrates with a royal-worthy light exhibit. Take the self-guided tour through its meticulous grounds where festive decor and brilliant lights adorn the gardens and secret 800-foot tunnel located beneath the structure. Tickets are steep—$40 per person—but with time-slotted visits, you’re guaranteed a relaxed experience.

1 Austin Terr., casaloma.ca

Read more:
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