City of Toronto kicks off holiday season with Cavalcade of Lights and arrival of the Nathan Phillips Square Christmas tree

The City of Toronto is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Cavalcade of Lights, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Group, a free event that will illuminate Nathan Phillips Square with a spectacular lineup of cultural performances, light installations and family-friendly festivities under this year’s theme, Shine.

Marking the start of the holiday season, the celebration begins with the arrival of Toronto’s official Christmas tree on Tuesday, November 12, and continues with the opening night on Saturday, November 30 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, November 12 – Tree arrival

The Christmas tree, a majestic 55 to 60 foot white spruce from Bancroft, Ontario, will light up Nathan Phillips Square with thousands of energy-efficient LEDs and more than 500 sparkling ornaments. The tree will shine throughout Cavalcade of Lights, bringing warmth and magic to the season. Afterward, it will be recycled into mulch for spring tree planting across the city.

Saturday, November 30 – Opening Night

Kicking off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, the opening night of Cavalcade of Lights will offer an evening filled with live music, light displays and performances that celebrate Toronto’s cultural diversity and unity.

Guests can enjoy African, Calypso and R&B music by Zaynab Wilson Mozayik, circus performances from Zero Gravity Circus, dragon dances by Northern Legs Southern Fists and world music by Moskitto Bar on the main stage. 

A tree lighting ceremony at 6:40 p.m. will illuminate Nathan Phillips Square, followed by a DJ skating party and a rink showcase by Team Trinity featuring Canadian National medalists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud.

The lighting installations and holiday ambiance will continue to brighten the Square through January 7, 2025.

Saturday, December 7 – 60th Anniversary Skating Party

The Nathan Phillips Square rink celebrates its 60th anniversary with a DJ skating party on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy public skating with free skate rentals and a special skating showcase featuring Canadian Olympic Team Gold Medalist Gabrielle Daleman, courtesy of Desjardins Financial Group. The event promises an evening filled with music, community spirit and seasonal cheer, celebrating six decades of winter joy on this iconic rink.

For further information, please visit: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cavalcade-of-lights/