Looking for some fun holiday activities in Toronto? Look no further than the waterfront! Spend the festive season at the waterfront and experience the magic you won’t get anywhere else in the city.

Christmas season is here and we want to make sure you experience the most festive season yet. Wondering what to do in Toronto during Christmas? See below for the ultimate Toronto Christmas guide 2021!

1. Pick up your Christmas tree on a ship!

Back by popular demand, the Empire Sandy, Canada’s tallest sailing ship has been transformed into an annual waterfront Tall ship Tree Market ⛵

While touring the Tall Ship Empire Sandy visitors will have the opportunity to handpick a fresh cut Balsam fir Christmas tree and shop for holiday wreaths and gifts created by local artists (including condo sized christmas trees due to popular demand) 🎄

Tall Ship Trees is open Thursday & Friday 1-8pm, Saturdays 11am-8pm and Sundays 11am-6pm ✨

📍 245 Queen’s Quay West (Right Beside Amsterdam Brewery)

2. Break a sweat wearing your ugliest Christmas sweater

Kardia is doing their annual Ugly Sweater Run on Wednesday, December 15 at 7:00pm and you’re invited! The run is a FREE 5km run that will leave from Kardia and check out the holiday lights in our beautiful waterfront community! 🎅🏽

Bag check will be available at the studio and ALL paces of runners are invited 🏃🏻‍♀️

📍 10 Lower Spadina Avenue

3. Transport yourself into your favourite Christmas story

Experience the tale of the Nutcracker in an immersive way for the first time EVER! The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle has made its way to the waterfront, brought to you by the same people behind the Van Gogh Exhibition.

You will be enchanted by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music, including iconic selections like “The March of the Toys” and “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, as they are immersed in 500,000 cubic feet of holiday wonder!

Experience the perfect marriage of lights, sounds and immersive digital art come together to create the ultimate holiday activity to get you in the spirit this Christmas season!

📍 1 Yonge Street

4. Skate under the lights at Harboufront Centre

The Harbourfront Centre‘s ice skating rink is BACK and looking a bit different this year! The revamped rink will be opening on November 19, 2021 for all to enjoy. It is time to dust off those skates and take in the beautiful city and waterfront views.

You can find the rink along the Lake Ontario shoreline and is ideal for a picturesque ice skating date with your partner, family or best friends. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own skates or helmet – you’ll be able to rent them onsite as well! They are also offering a learn to skate program you can sign up for as well.

📍 235 Queens Quay West

Photo by Jonathan Gazze

5. Book your own private dining bubble at Against The Grain

Lakeside Bubble Dining Experience is back! Snack on fresh Oysters and Fondue with a glass of Bubbly and enjoy the beauty of Toronto’s waterfront in the winter from the comfort of your own personal dining bubble! Choose from one of three prix-fixe menus – includes drinks!

Note: Must be booked online 24 hours in advance!

📍 25 Dockside Drive

6. Get your Christmas shopping done with beautiful waterfront views!

The waterfront’s newest shop is filled with great gift ideas for your loved ones. Stop by Merchant Of York, located in Harbourfront Centre, and welcome them to the neighbourhood and maybe pick up a little something for that special someone!

📍 181 Queens Street East

BONUS:

Join our friends at the Toronto Railway Museum on Sunday, December 12 (11:00am-3:00pm) for “Christmas at the Roundhouse”. Enjoy live performances, say “cheese” at the festive photo booth, and make a holiday craft to take home. Plus! Browse seasonal goodies from local farmers and vendors and check some names off your holiday shopping list at the The Roundhouse Farmers Market.

📍 255 Bremner Blvd (Roundhouse Park)