December in Toronto is cold and dark. That is the first thing you need to know. The sun sets before 4:45pm, temperatures hover around 3°C (37°F) during the day and drop to -3°C (27°F) at night, and the wind off Lake Ontario adds a raw edge that the thermometer alone does not capture. That said, if you have any tolerance for winter at all, the city currently runs one of North America's better holiday seasons. The Toronto Christmas Market fills the Distillery District with mulled wine, timber stalls, and 50-foot trees from late November through December 23. Nathan Phillips Square hosts the Cavalcade of Lights, with its outdoor skating rink framed by the illuminated Toronto sign. The cultural calendar tends to peak this month, with the National Ballet's annual Nutcracker run at the Four Seasons Centre and a dense schedule of concerts at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.
The trade-off is real, though. You will spend more time indoors than in summer. The PATH underground network, 30 kilometres of connected tunnels beneath the Financial District, becomes a genuine lifeline rather than a curiosity. Hotel rates climb 20-30% above the annual average for the first three weeks, then drop sharply between December 25 and 30 before spiking again for New Year's Eve. If you are weighing December against the alternatives, June through September offers longer days and patios in full swing. But December brings a specific atmosphere, concentrated around the holidays, that no other month replicates.
Why visit in December
- The Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District draws over 600,000 visitors across its 4-week run, with over 80 vendor stalls selling handcrafted goods and European-style food
- Skating at Nathan Phillips Square is free and open until 10pm most nights, with the city hall towers lit up behind the rink
- The cultural season peaks in December, with the National Ballet's Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre selling out most of its 25+ performances
- Restaurant reservations in neighborhoods like Ossington and Queen West are easier to get than in summer patio season, when 2-hour waits are common
Worth knowing
- Daylight is limited to roughly 8 hours and 50 minutes, with sunset arriving before 4:45pm for the entire month
- Wind chill off Lake Ontario can make -3°C feel like -12°C, particularly along the Harbourfront and in the Islands ferry terminal area
- Hotel rates run 20-30% above annual average through December 23, and spike further for New Year's Eve bookings
- Snow and freezing rain can disrupt transit, particularly the above-ground streetcar lines on King and Queen Streets
Best for
Think twice if
December in Toronto is proper winter. Daytime highs typically reach 3°C (37°F) but rarely feel that warm due to persistent wind off the lake. Nights drop to -2.8°C (27°F) on average, though cold snaps below -10°C happen at least once most years. Precipitation arrives as a mix of rain, freezing rain, and snow, totalling around 86mm across 12 days. The humidity sits at 77%, which makes the cold feel wetter and more penetrating than dry prairie cold at the same temperature. Overcast skies are the norm. You might get 3 or 4 genuinely sunny days all month.
Seasonal caution
- Freezing rain events occur 2-3 times per December on average, coating sidewalks and roads in black ice. The city salts major pedestrian routes but side streets can remain treacherous for hours.
- Wind chill regularly drops the feels-like temperature to -10°C to -15°C, particularly along the waterfront and in open areas like Nathan Phillips Square. Exposed skin can develop frostnip in 15-20 minutes at these temperatures.
- Lake-effect snow bands from Lake Ontario can dump 10-15cm in a few hours with little warning, primarily affecting the eastern parts of the city near Scarborough.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0 | -7 | 63 |
| Feb | 1 | -7 | 64 |
| Mar | 6 | -2 | 70 |
| Apr | 11 | 3 | 92 |
| May | 18 | 9 | 77 |
| Jun | 24 | 15 | 97 |
| Jul | 26 | 18 | 88 |
| Aug | 25 | 17 | 72 |
| Sep | 22 | 14 | 64 |
| Oct | 16 | 9 | 77 |
| Nov | 8 | 2 | 51 |
| Dec | 3 | -3 | 86 |
Headline events
Toronto Christmas Market
Mid-November through December 23
The Distillery District's cobblestone lanes fill with over 80 timber vendor stalls, a 50-foot Christmas tree, live music stages, and European-style food and drink. It is the largest outdoor Christmas market in Canada and draws over 600,000 visitors across its run. Timed entry tickets are required on weekends.
Best things to do in December
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
outdoorThe city's most iconic outdoor rink sits directly in front of City Hall, with the illuminated Toronto sign as your backdrop. The rink is free to use and open from late November through mid-March, with skate rentals available on site.
December brings the full holiday lighting display, the Cavalcade of Lights ceremony, and evening DJ skate sessions that draw hundreds of people on Friday and Saturday nights.Booking tipWeekday mornings between 10am and noon tend to have the shortest waits for rental skates. Weekend evenings can mean 30-45 minute queues.
Exploring the PATH underground
urban_explorationToronto's 30-kilometre underground pedestrian network connects over 75 buildings in the Financial District, linking Union Station to the Eaton Centre through climate-controlled tunnels lined with shops and food courts.
When wind chill drops to -15°C, the PATH transforms from a shortcut into the only comfortable way to move through downtown. You can walk from Union Station to Dundas Street without stepping outside.Booking tipDownload the PATH map from the city's website before you go. Signage underground is notoriously confusing for first-time visitors.
National Ballet's Nutcracker
performing_artsThe National Ballet of Canada performs its production of The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on University Avenue. The production has run annually since 1995 and features over 200 performers including students from the National Ballet School.
The Nutcracker runs exclusively in December, with 25+ performances across the month. It is the National Ballet's single highest-grossing production each year.Booking tipBook well in advance for weekend performances. Weekday matinees tend to have better availability and are popular with families.
Holiday window displays on Bloor Street
sightseeingThe luxury retailers along Bloor Street between Yonge and Avenue Road install elaborate animated window displays each December. Holt Renfrew's displays have been a Toronto tradition for decades and typically debut in mid-November.
The displays are up from mid-November through early January, but December is when the full stretch is active and foot traffic brings a festive atmosphere to the strip even on cold evenings.Booking tipWalk the stretch after dark when the lighting makes the displays pop. Start at Yonge and walk west toward Avenue Road.
Concerts at Massey Hall
performing_artsToronto's 131-year-old concert hall on Victoria Street hosts a dense December schedule spanning classical, jazz, folk, and rock. The hall completed a major restoration in 2021 and the acoustics in the 2,765-seat room remain among the best in the country.
December programming tends toward special holiday performances and year-end celebration shows. Artists often add Toronto dates specifically for the holiday concert season.Booking tipThe venue's balcony seats offer better sightlines than some floor seats due to the hall's steep rake. Check the seating chart before booking.
St. Lawrence Market on Saturday morning
food_and_drinkToronto's 220-year-old public market on Front Street fills its lower level with over 120 vendors on Saturday mornings. The peameal bacon sandwiches, fresh pasta, and cheese selections draw both locals stocking up for holiday entertaining and visitors looking for edible souvenirs.
December Saturdays bring holiday specialty items like tourtière, fruit cakes, and artisanal preserves. The market also serves as a warming stop during cold-weather downtown walks.Booking tipArrive before 8am for the smallest crowds. By 10am on December Saturdays the aisles become shoulder-to-shoulder.
Royal Ontario Museum
museumCanada's largest museum sits at the corner of Bloor and Queen's Park, housing over 13 million items across natural history, world cultures, and art galleries. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal extension adds a striking angular glass facade to the original 1914 building.
December's cold and short days make the ROM's 3-4 hours of indoor exploration particularly appealing. The museum typically runs a holiday-themed family program through the school break period.Booking tipTuesday evenings tend to be the quietest. The museum extends hours during the holiday school break in the last week of December.
Kensington Market winter walk
neighborhoodToronto's bohemian market neighborhood between Spadina and Bathurst still operates through winter, with vintage shops, record stores, Caribbean restaurants, and independent coffee roasters lining Augusta and Kensington Avenues.
The annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade on December 21 fills the streets with lantern-lit processions and live music. It has run since 1987 and marks the shortest day of the year.Booking tipThe solstice parade starts at dusk, around 4:30pm. Arrive 30 minutes early to find a spot along Augusta Avenue.
What to eat in December
On menus now
Tourtière
French-Canadian meat pie that appears on restaurant menus across the city in December, particularly at bistros in the Junction and along Dundas West. The filling is typically a mix of pork, veal, and warm spices like clove and cinnamon.
Peameal bacon sandwich
Toronto's signature sandwich peaks in comfort appeal during cold months. The St. Lawrence Market's Carousel Bakery serves the definitive version on a soft kaiser roll. The cured, cornmeal-crusted pork loin is sliced thick and griddled until the edges crisp.
Butter tarts
Ontario's provincial obsession shows up in holiday gift boxes and bakery displays across the city in December. The filling is a gooey mix of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg in a flaky pastry shell. Raisin or plain remains a genuine point of debate.
Street food peaks
Beavertails
Fried dough pastries stretched into the shape of a beaver's tail, served hot and topped with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or maple butter. Available year-round but the warmth and sweetness feel particularly right at outdoor skating rinks and markets in December cold.
What to drink
Mulled wine and hot cider
Every Christmas market stall and half the bars in the Distillery District serve versions of these throughout December. The mulled wine at the Toronto Christmas Market comes in a collectible ceramic mug that changes design each year.
Regular events in December
Cavalcade of LightsFree
The official holiday lighting ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square features fireworks, live performances, and the illumination of the square's holiday tree and the Toronto sign. The event marks the opening of the skating season.
Late November, with the rink and lights remaining through the seasonKensington Market Winter Solstice ParadeFree
A lantern-lit community parade through the narrow streets of Kensington Market, celebrating the winter solstice with fire performers, musicians, and handmade lanterns. The tradition dates back to 1987.
December 21Toronto Raptors home games at Scotiabank Arena
The NBA's Toronto Raptors play 7-8 home games at the 19,800-seat Scotiabank Arena during December. The arena sits on Bay Street at Union Station.
Throughout DecemberNew Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips SquareFree
The city's official New Year's Eve celebration features live music, DJs, skating, and a countdown with fireworks at midnight. The event draws tens of thousands to the square.
December 31Best places this December
Distillery District
neighborhoodA pedestrian-only neighborhood of restored Victorian-era industrial buildings housing galleries, restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. Transforms entirely during the Christmas Market season with timber stalls lining the cobblestone lanes.
East EndNathan Phillips Square
landmarkToronto's civic square in front of City Hall, anchored by the illuminated Toronto sign and a free outdoor skating rink. The square hosts the Cavalcade of Lights and is the city's gathering point for New Year's Eve.
DowntownSt. Lawrence Market
marketA 220-year-old public market with over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods. The Saturday Farmers' Market on the lower level is the main draw.
Old TownRoyal Ontario Museum
museumCanada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures, with over 40 galleries spread across 2 connected buildings. The dinosaur gallery and ancient Egypt collection are the most visited sections.
YorkvilleFour Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
performing_artsHome to both the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company. The 2,000-seat hall on University Avenue is the only purpose-built opera house in Canada.
DowntownKensington Market
neighborhoodA tight grid of Victorian houses converted into vintage shops, record stores, cafes, and restaurants representing Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern communities. Still independently owned, no chains.
West EndPATH Underground Network
urban_infrastructureA 30-kilometre network of underground pedestrian tunnels connecting over 75 buildings, 5 subway stations, and Union Station. Over 1,200 shops and restaurants line the corridors.
Financial DistrictMassey Hall
performing_artsA 131-year-old concert venue on Victoria Street with 2,765 seats and historically significant acoustics. Reopened in 2021 after a multi-year restoration that preserved the original plasterwork and added modern amenities.
Downtown
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Insider tips
The TTC day pass covers unlimited rides on all subway, streetcar, and bus routes. It is significantly cheaper than paying per ride if you plan to make more than a few trips in a day.
The PATH network has free public washrooms at most food courts, which is useful since above-ground public washrooms are scarce in the Financial District.
Many downtown hotels offer holiday packages that bundle breakfast, parking, and skating or theatre tickets at a lower rate than booking each separately. Check hotel websites directly rather than third-party booking sites for these bundles.
The Distillery District Christmas Market is significantly less crowded on weekday evenings compared to weekends. Thursday evenings tend to have the best balance of atmosphere and space to move.
If you are flying into Pearson, the UP Express train to Union Station runs every 15 minutes and takes 25 minutes. It avoids the Highway 427 traffic that can stretch a taxi ride to 90 minutes during December rush hour.
The Toronto Islands ferry still runs in December on a reduced schedule, but the island itself is quiet and offers unobstructed skyline views. Dress for the exposed wind on the crossing.
Avoid these mistakes
- Underestimating the wind chill. The posted temperature of -3°C feels manageable until you stand at a streetcar stop on King Street for 12 minutes with wind cutting through an unlined jacket.
- Wearing fashion boots or sneakers. Salt, slush, and ice cover Toronto sidewalks from the first snowfall. Non-waterproof footwear gets soaked within blocks and provides zero grip on icy patches.
- Trying to visit the Toronto Christmas Market on a Saturday afternoon without pre-booking timed entry. Weekend crowds hit peak density between 2pm and 6pm and the entry queue can stretch 20-30 minutes.
- Not reserving restaurant tables for December weekends. Holiday parties and corporate dinners book out popular spots in King West and the Entertainment District weeks in advance.
- Assuming the subway runs late on New Year's Eve without checking. The TTC extends service for NYE but exact schedules change year to year and not all stations remain open.
Practical tips for December
Layer aggressively and plan indoor warming stops every 30-45 minutes of outdoor time. The PATH network, shopping centres, and hotel lobbies all serve as wind breaks. Book accommodation before mid-November for the best December rates, as holiday pricing sets in early. The TTC subway, streetcar, and bus network runs frequently but above-ground routes can experience delays during snow or freezing rain events. Download the Transit app for real-time vehicle tracking. Most major attractions and restaurants accept contactless payment, so you rarely need cash. If you are attending New Year's Eve events, book accommodation within walking distance of your venue, as transit and rideshare availability drops sharply after midnight.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Toronto?
It depends on your tolerance for cold and darkness. December is one of the more expensive months and the weather limits outdoor time to about 30-45 minutes before you need to warm up. But the holiday atmosphere, Christmas markets, skating, and cultural programming are concentrated in ways that no other month offers. If you enjoy winter cities and holiday events, the first three weeks of December deliver.
How cold does Toronto actually get in December?
Daytime highs average 3°C (37°F) and overnight lows hit -2.8°C (27°F), but the wind chill off Lake Ontario regularly makes it feel like -10°C to -15°C. Cold snaps below -10°C happen at least once most Decembers. The cold is wet rather than dry, which makes it feel more penetrating than the same temperature in Alberta or Manitoba.
What should I wear in Toronto in December?
A proper winter coat rated to -10°C or below, waterproof insulated boots with grip soles, thermal base layers, a hat covering your ears, insulated gloves, and a scarf. Layering is essential because indoor spaces are heated to 21-22°C and you will overheat in a heavy coat. A zip system lets you adapt between the -5°C street and the 22°C mall.
Is the Toronto Christmas Market worth visiting?
It draws over 600,000 visitors across its 4-week run for a reason. The Distillery District's cobblestone lanes and Victorian industrial architecture create a backdrop that most North American Christmas markets cannot match. Go on a weekday evening if possible, as weekend afternoons hit shoulder-to-shoulder density. Timed entry tickets are required on weekends.
How do I get from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto?
The UP Express train from Pearson to Union Station runs every 15 minutes and takes 25 minutes. It is the most reliable option in December when highway traffic on the 427 and Gardiner Expressway can stretch a taxi or rideshare to 60-90 minutes during afternoon rush hour. Union Station connects to the subway and PATH network.
What is there to do on New Year's Eve in Toronto?
Nathan Phillips Square hosts the city's official free celebration with live music and a midnight countdown with fireworks. The Entertainment District's clubs and restaurants run ticketed NYE events. The Distillery District is closed by then (the Christmas Market ends December 23), so plan around the downtown core. Book accommodation nearby, as transit and rideshare availability drops sharply after midnight.
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