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Toronto Christmas Market: This festive market is a must-see for any visitor to Toronto during the holiday season. Located at the historic Distillery District, the market features over 80 vendors selling unique gifts, crafts, and food. There are also live performances and activities for children.
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Cavalcade of Lights: This annual event marks the official start of the holiday season in Toronto. The cavalcade features a parade of floats, marching bands, and performers, as well as a fireworks display over Nathan Phillips Square.
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WinterCity Festival: This month-long festival offers a variety of winter activities and events, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and live music. The festival is held at various locations throughout the city, including Nathan Phillips Square, Harbourfront Centre, and Ontario Place.
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Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): This prestigious film festival takes place every September and showcases the latest films from around the world. TIFF is a great opportunity to see some of the most anticipated movies of the year, as well as meet your favorite celebrities.
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Toronto Jazz Festival: This annual festival features over 1,500 jazz musicians performing at over 50 venues across the city. The festival is a great opportunity to hear some of the best jazz music in the world, as well as discover new artists.
Weather In Toronto During December
The weather in Toronto, Canada during December is typically cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F). Snowfall is common, with an average of 46 cm (18 inches) falling throughout the month. The days are short, with an average of 8 hours of sunlight per day, and the nights are long and dark.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the weather in Toronto, Canada during December:
- Average temperature: -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F)
- Average snowfall: 46 cm (18 inches)
- Average number of days with snow: 15
- Average number of days with rain: 10
- Average number of hours of sunlight per day: 8
What to expect:
- Cold temperatures: Be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night and in the early morning. Make sure to pack warm clothing, including a winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Snowfall: Snowfall is common in Toronto during December, so be prepared for slippery roads and sidewalks. Wear boots with good traction and be careful when walking or driving.
- Short days: The days are short in December, so make the most of the sunlight by getting outdoors during the day. Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or visit a museum or art gallery.
- Long nights: The nights are long in December, so there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the holiday season. Curl up with a good book, watch a movie, or spend time with family and friends.
Tips for staying warm and safe in Toronto during December:
- Dress in layers. This will help you stay warm even if the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.
- Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. These items will help to keep your head, neck, and hands warm.
- Wear boots with good traction. This will help you to avoid slipping on icy sidewalks.
- Be careful when walking or driving. The roads and sidewalks can be slippery in December, so be extra careful when walking or driving.
- Stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated even in cold weather. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Things To Do In Toronto In December
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Toronto Christmas Market: Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Toronto Christmas Market, held in the iconic Distillery District. This festive market features over 700 vendors selling unique gifts, delicious treats, and holiday decorations. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, a carousel, and a visit from Santa Claus.
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Cavalcade of Lights: Kick off the holiday season with the annual Cavalcade of Lights, a spectacular light show that illuminates Nathan Phillips Square and the surrounding area. This free event features a festive atmosphere with food vendors, live entertainment, and a skating rink.
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Winterlicious: Indulge in Toronto’s culinary scene during Winterlicious, a month-long festival where top restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at a discounted price. This is a great opportunity to try new restaurants and experience the city’s diverse cuisine.
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Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Winter Solstice Celebration: Celebrate the winter solstice at the ROM with a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, storytelling, hands-on workshops, and an Indigenous art market. This event showcases the cultural significance of the winter solstice and the importance of community.
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Sugar & Spice Festival: Head to the Distillery District for the annual Sugar & Spice Festival, a celebration of all things sweet and savory. This festive event features a variety of food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
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Holiday Hills Festival: Enjoy a winter wonderland at Holiday Hills, a month-long festival that transforms Downsview Park into a magical holiday destination. This event features a variety of winter activities, including ice skating, snow tubing, and sleigh rides. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, a holiday market, and festive food and drinks.
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Toronto Santa Claus Parade: Ring in the holiday season with the annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade, a beloved tradition that features colorful floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus himself. This festive parade is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate with the community.
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New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Welcome the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over the Toronto Harbour. This free event attracts thousands of people and is a great way to ring in the New Year with friends and family.
Tourism In Toronto, Canada During December
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The Christmas Market: Set up in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, the Christmas Market features over 100 vendors selling everything from unique gifts to delicious food and drinks. It’s a festive and bustling atmosphere that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
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The Nutcracker: Performed by the National Ballet of Canada, The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition that draws visitors from all over the world. The show is visually stunning, with elaborate sets and costumes, and the music is simply magical.
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Winterlicious: Running for two weeks in February, Winterlicious is a culinary event that showcases the city’s best restaurants. Over 200 restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at a discounted price, so it’s a great opportunity to try some of Toronto’s finest cuisine.
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The Toronto Zoo: Open year-round, the Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from around the world. In December, the zoo is decorated for the holidays and there are special events, such as a Santa’s Workshop and a Polar Bear Plunge.
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The Hockey Hall of Fame: A must-see for any hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is home to the Stanley Cup and a collection of hockey memorabilia. There are interactive exhibits and a theatre where you can watch highlights from past NHL games.
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The CN Tower: No visit to Toronto is complete without a trip up the CN Tower. The tower offers stunning views of the city, and there’s a glass floor section that gives you a thrilling view of the ground below.
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The Royal Ontario Museum: The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Canada’s largest museums, with a collection of over six million artifacts. The ROM has exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, and there’s a planetarium and a cinema.
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The Art Gallery of Ontario: The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is home to a collection of over 90,000 works of art, from Rembrandt to Picasso. The AGO also has a world-renowned collection of Canadian art.
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The Toronto Island Park: The Toronto Island Park is a group of 15 islands located just offshore from downtown Toronto. The islands are a popular destination for picnics, swimming, biking, and hiking. In the winter, there’s also ice skating and cross-country skiing.
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The Harbourfront Centre: The Harbourfront Centre is a cultural complex located on the waterfront in downtown Toronto. The Harbourfront Centre offers a variety of activities, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals. In the winter, there’s also an outdoor skating rink.
