Toronto Cavalcade of Lights 2025 coming Nov 29

As November is brightened by the recent snowfall we need to remember that winter sucks and we need fun to forget about the cold, so the Cavalcade of Lights is returning to Nathan Phillips Square beginning Saturday, November 29. The fest is presented by Desjardins Group and will run to January 7, 2026. Photo at top supplied by City of Toronto.

From the City, "This year’s Cavalcade of Lights embraces the theme of illumination, cross-cultural celebration and winter activity, highlighting Toronto’s diversity through music, dance, skating, visual arts and site animation. The festival will once again feature Toronto’s official Christmas tree and more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights, illuminating Nathan Phillips Square nightly from dusk until 11 p.m. The Christmas tree will arrive on Wednesday, November 12 marking the start of the holiday season."

Opening night will be crowded and feature a lot of activities and attractions such as a countdown to the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, a candlelight concert under the stars, a skating show, indigenous performances, family friend activities, performance by Tyler Shaw and interactive light and sound installations.

Desjardins has also sponsored free skate rentals every Saturday (Dec 6 to Jan 3) from 4-10pm.

Residents can also enjoy the annual New Year’s Skating Party on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., "hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and Members of Council. Skating parties will take place at McCowan District Park, North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, Colonel Samuel Smith Park and Nathan Phillips Square, featuring free skate rentals, hot chocolate, local DJs and winter activities for all ages."