5-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
5 days
About Toronto, Ontario
Experience the vibrant city life of Toronto, Ontario, Canada's largest city. Known for its iconic skyline featuring the CN Tower, Toronto offers a rich blend of modern urban culture and historical charm. Explore diverse neighborhoods like the bustling Kensington Market or the trendy Distillery District. Visit world-class museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Ontario from the Harbourfront, or escape to the tranquility of Toronto Islands. Indulge in a variety of cuisines from around the world, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. Toronto is also home to major sports teams, a thriving theatre scene, and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or sports fan, Toronto has something for everyone.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Zoo Visit and Cavalcade of Lights
Morning
Start your second day at the Toronto Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals. During the Christmas season, the zoo hosts a special 'Christmas at the Zoo' event with festive decorations and activities.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Scarborough area, close to the zoo.
Afternoon
Visit the Scarborough Bluffs, a significant geological feature where you can enjoy a scenic walk and take in the views of Lake Ontario.
Dinner
Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in downtown Toronto.
Evening
Experience the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square, a spectacular holiday tradition featuring a towering Christmas tree, live music, and a fireworks display.
Day 3
Art, Ice Skating and Theatre
Morning
Begin your day at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which houses a vast collection of artworks. During the holidays, the gallery often has special exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Chinatown neighbourhood, known for its vibrant food scene.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon ice skating at the Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink, one of Toronto's favourite winter activities. The rink offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Entertainment District, home to many of Toronto's best restaurants.
Evening
Watch a Christmas-themed show at the Princess of Wales Theatre, a premier venue for musical theatre in Toronto.
Day 4
Botanical Garden and Light Exhibitions
Morning
Start your day at the Toronto Botanical Garden, which offers 17 themed gardens spanning nearly four acres. During the Christmas season, the garden is adorned with festive decorations.
Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant in the North York area, close to the botanical garden.
Afternoon
Visit the Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition, a free annual event that transforms the park into a magical winter wonderland with various light installations.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the West End neighbourhood, known for its eclectic food scene.
Evening
End your day by taking a stroll through the Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District, where artists from around the world create light installations that are truly a sight to behold.
Day 5
Aquarium, Islands and CN Tower
Morning
Begin your final day at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, home to a wide variety of marine life. The aquarium is especially magical during the holiday season with festive decorations and activities.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the downtown area, close to the aquarium.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands located just off the coast of downtown Toronto. During the winter, you can enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Dinner
Have your final dinner at a restaurant in the trendy Queen West neighbourhood.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the CN Tower, one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks. During the Christmas season, the tower is illuminated with festive lights, offering a spectacular view of the city.
Attractions in Itinerary (15)
1Royal Ontario Museum
Canada's largest museum of world cultures and natural history.
2Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is a science museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
3Toronto Christmas Market
The Toronto Christmas Market is an annual event that transforms the Distillery Historic District into a winter wonderland. It features vendors selling unique gifts, food and drink, and a variety of entertainment.
4Toronto Zoo
A zoo located in Toronto's east end. It is Canada's largest zoo with over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.
5Scarborough Bluffs
Scarborough Bluffs is a natural attraction in Toronto, offering stunning views of Lake Ontario. It's a popular spot for picnics, walks, and photography, with its towering cliffs and beautiful beach.
6Cavalcade of Lights
The Cavalcade of Lights is a holiday event in Toronto that features a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and live performances.
7Art Gallery of Ontario
One of the largest art museums in North America. It holds more than 80,000 works in its collection.
8Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink
Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink is a popular outdoor skating rink located in the heart of Toronto's waterfront. It offers a unique experience of skating by the lake, with stunning views of the city skyline.
9Princess of Wales Theatre
A modern theatre hosting a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, musicals, and concerts.
10Toronto Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden located in Toronto featuring 17 themed gardens spanning nearly four acres.
11Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition
The Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition is a winter-themed exhibition that transforms Ontario Place into a magical winter wonderland with various light installations by artists.
12Toronto Light Festival
The Toronto Light Festival is a free annual outdoor lighting festival that transforms Toronto's historic Distillery District into a visual journey of light and sound.
13Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
A public aquarium located at the base of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto. It features several aquatic exhibits including a walk-through tank.
14Toronto Islands
A group of small islands located just off the shore of the city's downtown district. They are home to parkland, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, several yacht clubs, a residential area, and several sandy beaches.
15CN Tower
A signature icon of Toronto's skyline, and a symbol of Canada, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
A Toronto specialty, this sandwich is made with peameal bacon, a type of back bacon made from lean boneless pork loin, rolled in cornmeal. It's a must-try for any meat lover visiting Toronto.
Butter Tart
A classic Canadian dessert originating from pioneer times, butter tarts are sweet, rich, and filled with a gooey mix of butter, sugar, and eggs in a pastry shell.
Beavertail
A Canadian iconic pastry that is often compared to a flattened doughnut without a hole. It's typically topped with sweet condiments and confections, like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a spread of Nutella.
Poutine
Originally from Quebec, poutine has become popular across Canada. It's a dish of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.
Tourtière
A traditional French-Canadian dish, tourtière is a meat pie typically made with minced pork, veal, or beef. It's a hearty dish often served during the holiday season.
Nanaimo Bar
A no-bake dessert bar named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of custard flavoured butter icing, which is covered with melted chocolate.
Caesar
A cocktail created and primarily consumed in Canada. It typically contains vodka, a caesar mix (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass.
Montreal-style Bagel
Unlike the New York-style bagel, the Montreal bagel is smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and is always baked in a wood-fired oven. It's a popular breakfast item in Toronto.
Canadian Craft Beer
Toronto is known for its thriving craft beer scene. Canadian craft beers are diverse in flavor, ranging from light and crisp lagers to dark and rich stouts.
Canadian Rye Whiskey
Canadian whiskies are often referred to as "rye whiskies
Maple Syrup
Canada is the world's largest exporter of maple syrup, and it's a popular sweetener used in a variety of dishes and drinks in Toronto.
Bannock
A traditional Indigenous bread that's become popular across Canada. It's a simple, flat, and versatile bread that can be prepared in numerous ways.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Toronto, Ontario is typically from late April through June and September through October. During these periods, you'll enjoy pleasant weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and events. The summer months, July and August, can also be a great time to visit, but they tend to be more crowded with tourists. Winter can be quite cold, but if you enjoy winter sports or want to experience a true Canadian winter, it can be a unique time to visit.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 2 | Tue | Day After New Year’s Day (Quebec) |
February 19 | Mon | Family Day (regional holiday) |
February 19 | Mon | Islander Day (Prince Edward Island) |
February 19 | Mon | Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia) |
February 19 | Mon | Louis Riel Day (Manitoba) |
February 23 | Fri | Yukon Heritage Day (Yukon) |
March 18 | Mon | St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday (regional holiday) |
April 22 | Mon | St. George's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
May 20 | Mon | National Patriots' Day (Quebec) |
May 20 | Mon | Victoria Day (regional holiday) |
June 24 | Mon | St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) |
June 24 | Mon | June Holiday (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
July 1 | Mon | Canada Day |
July 1 | Mon | Memorial Day (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
July 9 | Tue | Nunavut Day (Nunavut) |
July 15 | Mon | Orangemen's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
August 5 | Mon | New Brunswick Day (New Brunswick) |
August 5 | Mon | Saskatchewan Day (Saskatchewan) |
August 5 | Mon | Natal Day (Nova Scotia) |
August 5 | Mon | Civic/Provincial Day (regional holiday) |
August 5 | Mon | British Columbia Day (British Columbia) |
August 7 | Wed | The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
August 16 | Fri | Gold Cup Parade (Prince Edward Island) |
August 19 | Mon | Discovery Day (Yukon) |
September 2 | Mon | Labour Day |
September 30 | Mon | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (regional holiday) |
October 14 | Mon | Thanksgiving Day (regional holiday) |
December 24 | Tue | Christmas Eve (New Brunswick) |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | Boxing Day (regional holiday) |
How to get around
Subway
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the subway system, which is the quickest way to get around the city. There are four lines: Line 1 Yonge-University, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, Line 3 Scarborough, and Line 4 Sheppard.
Streetcar
The TTC also operates 10 streetcar lines, which are a unique way to see the city. The streetcars run frequently and cover many of the city's major streets.
Bus
Buses complement the subway and streetcar network, covering routes that those systems do not. The TTC operates the bus system, and buses run frequently throughout the day.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Toronto and can be hailed on the street, ordered by phone, or picked up at designated taxi stands. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto. These services can be more convenient than taxis, as they can be ordered directly from a smartphone app.
Bicycle
Toronto has a public bike share system, Bike Share Toronto, which has stations throughout the city. The city is also quite bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes and paths.
Car Rental
Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to visit areas outside of the city, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy and parking can be expensive in downtown Toronto.
Walk
Toronto is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and there are plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Ferry
To visit the Toronto Islands, you'll need to take a ferry. The ferry terminal is located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and ferries run frequently during the warmer months.
GO Transit
For travel to the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, you can use GO Transit. This regional transit system operates buses and trains that connect Toronto with surrounding cities and towns.
Important information
Currency$ CAD
Time zoneUTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone911
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage120 V
Things to know about Toronto, Ontario as a first time visitor
1
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America.
2
The city is very multicultural, with over 200 ethnic groups represented.
3
Toronto is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.
4
The city has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 75-80°F (24-27°C), while winter temperatures can drop to 20-30°F (-6 to -1°C).
5
Toronto is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is GMT-5.
6
The city is known for its high cost of living, especially in terms of housing.
7
Toronto is a safe city, but like any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
8
The city's public transportation system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is extensive and reliable. It includes buses, streetcars, and subways.
9
The official language is English, but you'll hear many other languages due to the city's multiculturalism.
10
The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.
11
Tipping is customary in Toronto. A standard tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and taxis is 15-20%.
12
Toronto is known for its food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available due to its multicultural population.
13
The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
14
Toronto has a strong sports culture. It's home to teams in seven major league sports, including hockey, baseball, and basketball.
15
The city is very walkable, and it also has an extensive network of bike lanes.
16
Toronto has a 'Green P' parking system, which provides both on-street and off-street parking throughout the city.
17
The city has a mix of modern and historic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century.
18
Toronto has a strong commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and policies in place.
19
The city is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Toronto and Ryerson University.
20
Toronto hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Toronto International Film Festival and Caribana.
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Sweater or jacket
Pajamas
Swimsuit
Comfortable walking shoes
Dress shoes
Hat
Gloves
Scarf
Raincoat
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Razor
Shaving cream
Lotion
Sunscreen
Makeup
Makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Nail clippers
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license
Health insurance card
Travel insurance information
Hotel reservation confirmation
Airline tickets
Emergency contacts list
Credit and debit cards
Cash
Guidebook
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Laptop
Charger for laptop
Camera
Memory card for camera
Power adapter
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks
Water bottle
Travel pillow
Earplugs
Eye mask
Books or e-books
Travel-size laundry detergent
Ziplock bags
Tote bag for shopping
Umbrella
Weather Conditions
Toronto, Ontario, is a city that experiences a full range of weather conditions throughout the year, so it's important to be prepared for a variety of climates when you visit. In the winter months, from December to February, Toronto can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Average temperatures range from -1°C to -6°C (30°F to 21°F). Snowfall is common, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, hats, gloves, and boots. If you're planning outdoor activities, be sure to check the weather forecast for potential snowstorms. Spring, from March to May, brings milder temperatures, ranging from 4°C to 18°C (39°F to 64°F). However, this season can also be quite wet, so don't forget your umbrella or raincoat. The weather can change quickly, so layering your clothing is a good idea. Summer, from June to August, is typically warm and humid in Toronto. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), but usually hover around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Be sure to pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the sun. Also, stay hydrated, especially when sightseeing or participating in outdoor activities. Autumn, from September to November, is a beautiful time to visit Toronto, with fall foliage in full display. Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C (37°F to 66°F), so pack a mix of light and warm clothing. Rain is also common during this season, so an umbrella or raincoat is recommended. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Toronto's weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared will help you enjoy your visit to this vibrant city.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 1° / -6° | January is the coldest month in Toronto, with snowfall common, so pack warm clothing. |
February | 2° / -5° | February is still quite cold with frequent snow, but temperatures start to rise slightly. |
March | 8° / -2° | March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures slowly increasing, but still expect some cold days. |
April | 14° / 3° | April is a transitional month with a mix of spring showers and occasional snow. |
May | 20° / 8° | May is the start of the warm season, with temperatures comfortable enough for outdoor activities. |
June | 25° / 13° | June is a pleasant month with long days, perfect for exploring the city and its parks. |
July | 28° / 16° | July is the hottest month in Toronto, with plenty of sunshine and occasional thunderstorms. |
August | 28° / 16° | August is similar to July, with warm temperatures and occasional rain showers. |
September | 24° / 12° | September is a beautiful month with mild temperatures and less rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities. |
October | 17° / 7° | October sees the arrival of fall, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. |
November | 12° / 2° | November is a transition into winter, with cooler temperatures and the first snowfall usually occurring. |
December | 5° / -3° | December is a festive month with cold temperatures and snow, making it a winter wonderland. |
Did you know?
Places near by Toronto, Ontario
Niagara Falls
One of the world's most famous natural wonders with attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory and Clifton Hill.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The largest botanical garden in Canada, featuring over 2,400 acres of gardens and nature sanctuaries.
Canada's Wonderland
Canada's premier amusement park featuring over 200 attractions, 70 rides including 16 rollercoasters, and a 20-acre water park.
Stratford Festival
One of North America's premier arts festivals, featuring a series of Shakespearean and other plays.
African Lion Safari
A family-owned safari park where visitors can see, photograph and feed animals from their own vehicles or by tour bus.
Blue Mountain Resort
A large resort in the Blue Mountains, offering a variety of summer and winter activities.
Thousand Islands
A group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada.
Point Pelee National Park
The southernmost point of mainland Canada, known for its abundant bird life and monarch butterfly migration.
CN Tower
A 553.3 m-high concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto.
Royal Ontario Museum
A museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
