Holiday lights in Toronto: the prettiest places to visit this year

There's nothing like a vibrant holiday lights display to get Toronto into the spirit of the season. Luckily, major monuments, attractions, neighbourhoods and more are lit up this time of year, with giant Christmas trees, brightly coloured buildings, gorgeous store windows and even a 100-foot long light tunnel. You don't want to miss the sights in Yorkville, the Distillery Historic District, Yonge Dundas Square and Nathan Phillips Square, so grab your nearest and dearest, and take it all in. Don't forget your camera!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Photo of Nathan Phillips Square courtesy of iStock

The massive (and gorgeous) Christmas tree in the Distillery District lights up in a grand ceremony kicking off the Toronto Christmas Market each year. The popular event features vendors, festive eats (turkey legs, mulled wine, tornado potatoes and more!) and activities for all ages. It runs November 16 to December 23, 2017.

Photo by Jennifer D'Agostino

The annual Toronto Christmas Market is the most popular event of the holiday season in the city. You can try great festive eats, ride the carousel and browse the market stalls for unique gifts and holiday decor.  The event runs November 16 to December 23, 2017.

Here's more things to do and eat at the Toronto Christmas Market 2017

Photo by Jennifer D'Agostino

Heading out to Buca Yorkville? Stop and take a look at the moose display among the sparkling trees.

Photo credit: Nelson Tam

The Village of Yorkville Park lights up every year and transforms into a winter wonderland. Stroll through the park on your way to chic shops like Over the Rainbow and Capsule, and fine dining like Cafe Boulud, Chabrol and Kasa Moto.

Photo by Nelson Tam

This year, Casa Loma hosts Canadian Winterland Nights every evening December 18 to January 7 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and January 6). You can explore the dazzling outdoor light displays, enjoy hot drinks, listen to carolers and more. Standard admission required.

Photo courtesy of Casa Loma

Bustling Yonge-Dundas Square features a modern Christmas tree and larger than life billboards lighting up the night sky. This year, the newly installed Sam the Record Man heritage sign will be turned on nightly, sure to give you all the nostalgic feels.

Photo courtesy of iStock

The Toronto Christmas Market boasts a 100-foot long light tunnel this year, running alongside Cluny Bistro. Inside, you can take a selfie with a twinkly heart at the far end, or enjoy some fondue and drinks at the outdoor bar.

Photo by Jennifer D'Agostino

Standing outside the Gardiner MuseumA is a 42-foot white spruce donated by Ontario Wood and Forests Ontario, designed by Nordstrom.

Photo by Nelson Tam

A holiday tradition for many Torontonians is skating in the open air on the ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square. It's especially nice all dressed up for the season. And, the infamous Toronto sign is on site too.

Photo courtesy of the City of Toronto

Every year, the Bloor-Yorkville BIA kicks off the festive season with Holiday Magic, an official lighting ceremony complete with live performances, family-friendly entertainment and more. Holiday Magic launches November 18 and runs throughout December.

Check out 50 must-see holiday season events in Toronto for more things to do!

Photo courtesy of Holiday Magic

A walk along Queen Street will take you past Nathan Phillips Square and Old City Hall, among the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers heading to the Eaton Centre. [Photo courtesy of iStock]

The kiddies will love a ride on the carousel at the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery Historic District.  The Market runs November 16 to December 23, 2017.

Check out 17 holiday season activities for kids in Toronto

Photo by Jennifer D'Agostino

The Village of Yorkville Park lights up every year and transforms into a winter wonderland. Stroll through the park on your way to chic shops like Over the Rainbow and Capsule, and fine dining like Cafe Boulud, Chabrol and Kasa Moto.

Photo by Nelson Tam

The Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square kicks off the season with live performances, a tree lighting ceremony, skating parties and fireworks! The event takes place November 25, 2017 and mark your calendars for next year's event taking place November 24, 2018.

Window shopping during the holiday season in Toronto is a special experience. Major retailers like Holt Renfrew dress up their storefronts with unique displays, sure to get you in the festive spirit.

Photo by Nelson Tam

Yonge-Dundas Square kicks off the Christmas season with Illuminite. The event features live entertainment, a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony and more. The 2017 Illuminite takes place November 18.

The best views of the Distillery Historic District during the holidays is atop the ferris wheel onsite throughout the Toronto Christmas Market.

Photo by Jennifer D'Agostino

Yorkville goes all out glam for the holidays. Shopping in this neighbourhood promises to be a glitzy experience.

Photo by Nelson Tam

Visit Old York Lane and look up. Santa and his reindeer can be seen flying overhead!

Photo by Nelson Tam

Wander through the twinkling forest in Yorkville this year.

Photo by Nelson Tam

Countdown to December 25 with the big tracker looming above the Toronto Christmas Market.

Photo by Jennifer D'Agostino