One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Seasonal Events

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Whether it’s internationally-inspired culinary events, sporting attractions or live music, Toronto has so many exciting events and festivals to enjoy. When planning your next visit to Toronto be sure to visit with our Concierge team to hear about the one-of-a-kind experiences that await you.

Winter

Three words: “Let it snow.” Whether its artistic, adventuresome, culinary, sporty and stylish options are abound-both indoors and out.

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Winter Festival Of Lights In Niagara Falls (January)

The Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a palette of breathtaking colour with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays. Ritz-Carlton Recommends: Visit our Niagara Wine Region Destination Guide and speak with our Concierge Team to arrange a unique experience to one of the region’s award-winning wineries.

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Niagara Icewine Festival

For three weekends in January the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, celebrating one of Canada’s most cherished products, Ontario Icewine.

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Nathan Phillips Square Ice Rink and Christmas Tree

Take a stroll to Nathan Phillips Square to see the 15-metre tall evergreen tree with 700 ornaments and over 3.8 kilometres of lights. Enjoy a magical skating experience under the beautiful lights hung over the ice rink.

Tall buildings overlook an ice-skating rink at night

The Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory

A botanical gem in the heart of the city, Allan Gardens has a permanent collection of exotic plants in six greenhouses with an area of over 16,000 square feet. The Christmas Flower Show is the highlight of the year.

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Hudson's Bay Christmas Window Display

Don’t miss Toronto’s flagship Hudson’s Bay Company store in the Eaton’s Centre at the corner of Yonge Street and Queen Street for a taste of nostalgia. The superbly crafted holiday windows rival those found at New York City storefronts and each one tells a specific holiday story.

Toronto Light Festival (January to March)

Visitors will be taken on a new visual journey and cerebral adventure, designed to entertain and inspire. The Festival will transform the picturesque historic neighbourhood into one of the largest open-air galleries in North America, lighting up the long winter nights with distinctive works from local and international light artists.

Outdoor Ice-Skating on the Harbourfront

Enjoy free skating at the city’s most scenic rink. Rentals available for an additional fee. The Ritz-Carlton Recommends: Go on a Saturday night for DJ Skate Nights with live entertainment.

Torontos Christmas Market in the Distillery District

Holiday lights illuminate the streets and revellers sipping mulled wine and German beer shop for handcrafted charms. USA Today’s 10 Best List describes Toronto’s Christmas Market as “a wintertime experience that wholeheartedly celebrates the magic of the season.”

Canadian International Autoshow (February)

Innovation, style and power continue to rule at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, with over 600,000 square feet of dazzling displays, big prize giveaways and engaging exhibits.

Spring

Spring activities and events in Toronto will give you plenty of chances to embrace the change in season. Spend your time sampling beer, getting your fill of food and music festivals, and checking out majestic cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms in High Park (May)

High Park attracts many visitors in early spring to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms. Most of the Sakura cherry trees are located around Hillside Gardens and there are a few by the Duck Pond as well.

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Summer

Summer in the city comes alive when the mercury rises with more events, wild food creations, and lakefront activities to enjoy. Plan early and enjoy it all!

Toronto Taste (June)

Toronto Taste is in its 27th year, and features the season’s best flavors from over 90 of Toronto’s top restaurants and beverage purveyors.

Toronto Jazz Festival (June)

The Toronto Jazz Festival has become one of North America’s premier jazz festivals and now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons. Ritz-Carlton Recommends: Visit Nathan Phillips Square with an impressive 1,200-seat, fully-licensed main stage marquee and outdoor stage, where many extraordinary events are offered free to the public

Taste of Toronto (July)

Fort York is transformed into a foodie wonderland for eating, drinking and entertainment. The city’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants dish up their best in an al fresco gourmet feast.

Pride Toronto (June)

With the focus on the LGBTQ community the heart of the celebration is in Toronto’s gay village, but opportunities for entertainment can be found in bars, restaurants and nightlife spots across the city. Ritz-Carlton Recommends: Get to Church Street (heart of the village) early on Sunday to take in the food, music and vendors.

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North by Northeast (June)

A music and arts festival the festival’s main focus has always been live music, but also includes a film and comedy festival, art components, and a digital interactive media conference.

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Canadian National Exhibition (August)

A popular end-of-summer ritual, indulge in classic fair foods, kooky culinary concoctions while flipping inside out and upside down on a kaleidoscope of midway rides. Ritz-Carlton Recommends: Visit during the thrilling three-day air show, featuring the Canadian Snow Birds and more.

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Toronto Caribbean Carnival (August)

Every summer the streets of Toronto come alive with the sights, sounds and spirit of the Festival.

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Fall

Fall lovely leaves, a cool breeze, and all the warmth of a freshly baked apple pie. The Fall brings with it some exciting new colours to our city, and returning favourites. Here are a few ideas for things to enjoy this fall.

Fan Expo (August)

Canada’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Canada. Packed with exciting family-friendly activities and celebrity guests.

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Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) (September)

There’s no event that quite compares to the Toronto Film Festival. Spot your favorite celebrity, discover a new favorite movie, and experience the glitz and glam of Toronto’s most exciting festival. Ritz-Carlton Recommends: Spend the day (or night) on Festival Street. King Street closes down and opens up to pedestrians looking to soak in the glitz and glamour of TIFF.

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Buskerfest (September)

Comedians, contortionists, musicians, magicians, fire jugglers, acrobats, aerial artists, clowns and daredevils all come together for North America’s largest street performer festival.

Oktoberfest (September)

Toronto Oktoberfest brings a taste of Munich to the city as it captures the essence of Bavarian festivities through authentic food, drink and merriment.

Santa Clause Parade (November)

Over a century old, The Santa Claus Parade features an abundance of animated floats in the company of two dozen marching bands and thousands of costumed participants, cheered along by excited kids.

Nuit Blanche (October)

Every October for one special night, all of downtown Toronto is transformed by contemporary art projects created by hundreds of artists.

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Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend (November)

The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomes its newest Inductees every November.

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The Toronto Christmas Market (November)

Inspired by the Old World and influenced by the new, this annual event captures all of the tradition, heritage and charm of a European Christmas market.

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