Experience holiday magic with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group. With an opening night that brings Nathan Phillips Square to life with dazzling sights and festive, family-friendly entertainment, this free event welcomes winter with a celebration of light and local artists.
Enjoy the glittering tree, participate in public skating and bask in the glow of thousands of energy-efficient bulbs as they adorn the heart of downtown Toronto. Bring your own skates or rent them on site.
6 p.m. Greetings by host Britta Badour. Welcome and blessing by Cat Criger, Elder of the Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan. Musical performance by Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk) pop electro-RnB artist Semiah.
6 to 6:45 p.m. Public skating on the rink
6 to 8:30 p.m. Carolling by McGregor Carollers roaming the Square
6 to 10 p.m. Drop-in lantern workshops led by Shadowland Theatre in the large tent near City Hall
6 to 10 p.m. Colourful costumed stilt walkers and Jack Frost juggler from Hala Circus Arts roaming the Square
6:30 p.m. Remarks on the main stage. Countdown to lighting the Christmas tree & Nathan Phillips Square.
6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Reggae, dancehall and RnB fusion artist Ammoye on the main stage
7:15 p.m. Jack Frost juggler from Hala Circus Arts on the main stage
7:25 p.m. Ice skating performances by Canada’s Drag Race contestant Star Doll and Québécois drag queen Carmen Sutra on the rink, presented by Desjardins Financial Group
7:35 to 8:30 p.m. Public skating on the rink
7:40 p.m. Fire in Motion performance from Hala Circus Arts on the main stage
8 to 8:30 p.m. Lantern parade with Shadowland Theatre and its workshop participants, marching band Gayly Forward and various performers on the Square.
8:30 p.m. Jack Frost juggler from Hala Circus Arts on the main stage
9:05 p.m. Ice skating performances by Canada’s Drag Race Contestant Star Doll and Québécois drag queen Carmen Sutra, presented by Desjardins Financial Group
9:15 to 11 p.m. Public skating on the rink
9:15 p.m. Fire in Motion performance from Hala Circus Arts on the main stage
9:30 p.m. Holiday classics with Sole Power Productions Choir on the main stage
10 p.m. Closing remarks
Enjoy art installations illuminated daily from 6 to 11 p.m.
An interactive installation that allows you to explore the hidden power of your unique voice. Produced by Desjardins Financial Group.
A human-scale spatial clock that renders the passing of time and movement through space as light and colour by Gathering.
Take advantage of free skate rentals courtesy of Desjardins Financial Group.
Every evening during Hanukkah, the City’s official Menorah is illuminated at approximately 4 p.m. One additional candle is lit each night.
Nathan Phillips Square
100 Queen St. W.
Nathan Phillips Square offers accessible ramps, underground parking and washroom facilities for people who use wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Queen Street West is closed between York Street and Bay Street from 3 to 10 p.m. Queen Street remains closed between Bay Street and Church Street. Get the latest information on road closures across Toronto.
Parking is available nearby and under the Square. Find Green P parking lots available during the event.
Visit TTC.ca to plan your trip.
Plan your trip using GO Transit. Take advantage of GO Transit’s One-Day Weekend Pass or Weekday Group Pass.
Conveniently located across the street from Nathan Phillips Square, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel offers a variety of special offers and festive packages. Browse offers.
