Toronto's Cavalcade of Lights: A wonder of Nathan Phillips Square
Since 1967 Toronto has announced the arrival of the holiday season with the Cavalcade of Lights. This glittering festival captures Canada’s winter spirit and transforms Nathan Phillips Square easily accessible by the TTC Queen streetcar or the subway via the Yonge and University lines. The plaza is filled with over half a million LED lights ice skating and Toronto’s official Christmas tree—typically a spruce tree around 18 m high.
For the past 21 years the Cavalcade of Lights has also had free Saturday night skate parties on the schedule amplifying the interactive magic until after New Year’s Eve.
Opening Night
On Saturday November 30 the annual Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square kicks off with the following celebrations:
- Live music and circus performances start at 5 p.m.
- Toronto’s official Christmas spruce at 6:40 p.m.
- Public Ice Skating (5-6:40 p.m.) and a skating showcase (7:15-7:40 p.m.)
Last year attendees were treated to a showcase by 2022 Olympian and two-time national champion Madeline Schizas and this year you can expect to see two-time national pairs medalist team Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud in the rink as well as the North Toronto Skating Club and Toronto Metropolitan University Skating Club. Afterward public skating commences at 10 p.m.
2024 Cavalcade of Lights Highlights
Things to see at the Cavalcade of Lights include:
- Musical performances
- Ice skating
- Christmas tree lighting
- Holiday light display
Event Venue
Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, Ontario, Canada