Casa Loma Christmas: A Holiday Tradition in Toronto

Every December, my family bundles up, grabs some hot chocolate, and heads to our favourite Toronto holiday tradition: Christmas at Casa Loma. The moment you step into the castle, it feels like a page out of a fairytale – twinkling lights, snowflake projections on the ceiling, and a 40-foot tree towering above the Grand Hall.

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Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or a magical family outing, Casa Loma goes all out for the holidays – with live performances, storybook characters, and a dazzling light display that turns the castle and its gardens into a winter wonderland.

In this guide, I’ll share what to expect at both Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights, including what my family loved most, what’s new this year, and my honest tips for making the most of your visit. Plus, where to grab your tickets before they sell out!

When and Where to Experience Casa Loma Christmas

Casa Loma’s holiday events run annually from early December through early January, and there are two separate experiences to choose from – or combine:

✓Christmas at the Castle (Daytime): Runs on select dates from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last admission at 4:30 p.m. Explore the castle’s decorated interior, enjoy live performances, and take part in family-friendly activities.

✓ Holiday Lights Tour (Evening): Held on select evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the last entry at 9:00 p.m. A self-guided walk through the castle’s outdoor gardens and tunnels, fully lit for the season with music and entertainment.

Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto (near Davenport Road & Spadina Avenue)
Christmas at the Castle Tickets: Buy online in advance (recommended!) or at the main entrance if still available.

Why Casa Loma at Christmas is So Special

Every December, Casa Loma becomes one of the most exciting places in Toronto to celebrate the holidays. If you’re someone who loves the energy of the season – festive music, sparkling lights, and the feeling of everyone coming together – this event captures all of that and more.

The entire castle is decorated for the holidays, from the massive 40-foot tree in the Great Hall to the smaller themed trees designed by Canadian artists in every room. There’s something about seeing those decorations inside such a historic space that just makes it feel more meaningful.

And it’s not just about how it looks – there’s so much happening. You’ll find live performers around every corner, from carolers and magicians to aerialists putting on full shows inside the castle. Kids can visit Santa in his workshop, decorate treats, or join in on crafts and storytelling. It’s the kind of place that keeps everyone – from toddlers to grandparents – entertained.

For my family, it’s become a yearly tradition because it’s more than just a visit. It’s a celebration. A way to kick off the season that gets us all excited for what’s to come.

Inside the Castle: What You’ll See and Explore

Casa Loma is much larger than many visitors expect, with plenty to explore during your visit. The castle features 98 elaborately decorated rooms, hidden passageways, and secret tunnels that stretch beneath the surrounding streets.

Discover three stunning floors of rooms filled with unique artifacts, including items from World War I, Group of Seven paintings, and a fascinating collection of antique cars.

You also don’t want to miss the climb to the top of the two picturesque towers for incredible views of the city – definitely worth the effort!

Christmas at the Castle: Can’t-Miss Moments

In addition to the every day features of the castle, Christmas at the Castle turns Casa Loma into a magical holiday experience. The entire castle is decked out in stunning holiday décor, including a breathtaking 40-foot Christmas tree in the Grand Hallway.

Here are a few of the holiday holiday highlights and fun activities spread throughout this historic landmark.

Designer Trees

✓ You’ll see a dozen beautifully decorated trees throughout the castle including the iconic 40-foot tree in the Great Hall and the outdoor tree at the entrance. Each room feels different, and the attention to detail is incredible.

Holiday Décor

✓ The castle is filled with festive touches, from garlands and twinkling lights to a gingerbread replica of Casa Loma.

Holiday Performances

✓ Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, featuring magicians, aerialists, and a holiday play, with shows every 30 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Storytelling & Crafts

✓ In the Carriage Room, kids can decorate treats, do crafts, and enjoy holiday storytelling. It’s a nice quiet break from the castle crowds – and a great way to warm up if you’ve come in from the cold.

Festive Tunnel

✓ Don’t miss the underground tunnel filled with singing reindeer, playful elves, and holiday projections. A favourite spot for kids in particular!

Santa’s Workshop

✓ Visitors can meet Santa up until December 24. After that, you’ll still find festive photo ops with holiday characters and Nutcracker-themed decor. Santa photos can be purchased, or taken with your own camera.

Between the architecture, the decor, and the energy of the performances, Christmas at the Castle does a great job of keeping things exciting – without being overwhelming. There’s something to enjoy at every turn, no matter your age.

Holiday Lights Tour: Is the Evening Worth It?

Once the sun sets, Casa Loma transforms again – this time into a glowing outdoor wonderland. The Holiday Lights Tour is a self-guided evening event that takes you through the castle’s gardens, tunnels, and pathways – all dressed up with lights, music, and immersive holiday scenes.

It’s a completely different vibe from the daytime experience. You’ll wander past light projections, decorated trees, and festive displays – with plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way. Fire performers, magicians, and carolers pop up throughout the trail, keeping the energy fun and festive without feeling too busy.

You can still visit Santa – which is great if you missed him during the day or want to avoid daytime crowds.

A few things to know before you go:

• The tour runs on select evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with last entry at 9:00 p.m.
• It’s mostly outdoors, and covers around 2 km of walking, so bundle up and wear appropriate shoes. There are lots of stairs and strollers can not be used.
• The trail is one-way so don’t rush your way through. Take all the time you like to take photos and enjoy the gardens.
• Entrance is at the southwest corner of the property (Davenport Rd. & Walmer Rd.), not the main castle doors.
• Note: This tour does not include access to the interior of Casa Loma – it’s focused on the gardens and outdoor areas.

It’s a great option for families looking for a relaxing evening outing, couples planning a seasonal date night, or anyone who wants to see the castle lit up without committing to the full daytime event.

How Much Time Do You Need at Casa Loma Christmas?

Give yourself at least 2–3 hours to explore Casa Loma during the daytime event. That’ll give you enough time to take in the performances, admire the designer trees, visit Santa, and explore the castle at your own pace without feeling rushed.

If you’re also doing the Holiday Lights Tour, plan for about another hour in the evening. It’s mostly outdoors and self-guided, so the pace is up to you – but between the light displays, fire performers, and photo stops, most guests easily spend an hour or more. Remember, the holiday lights require a different ticket to enter.

☞ Looking for even more holiday lights? Read my guide to Toronto’s Christmas lights with more than 20 festival spots (both paid and free) across the city and just beyond.

Casa Loma Parking Tips & Transit Options

Casa Loma has limited paid parking on-site, which cost $20 during my last visit. Payments are cashless.

If the on-site lot is full, additional paid parking is available at George Brown College, located just south of Casa Loma off Macpherson Avenue.

Residential parking nearby is scarce, so consider taking the TTC instead for convenience.

Tips for Planning Your Visit to Christmas at the Castle

A little planning goes a long way in making your Casa Loma visit more enjoyable – especially during the holiday season when it gets busy.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your day:

• Give yourself time: Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours inside the castle to enjoy the performances, explore the rooms, and take in all the décor.
• Dress in layers: It might be freezing outside, but inside the castle gets surprisingly warm, especially with the crowds. There’s no coat check, so layering is key.
• Visit the towers early: If you want those panoramic city views, head to the towers first. The lines get longer as the day goes on, and there’s no elevator access.
• No strollers inside: The castle has narrow staircases and no public elevators, so if you’re visiting with a baby, bring a carrier instead.
• Expect stairs – lots of them: Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a lot of walking and climbing. Casa Loma is beautiful, but not very accessible.
• Crowds are part of the experience: Weekends and school breaks are especially busy. If you can, go on a weekday morning for a slightly quieter visit.
• Some rooms may be closed: Places like the library or conservatory are sometimes in use for events or performances, so you might not see every space.
• Evening visitors: While the gardens are closed during the Holiday Lights Tour, you can still catch great views from the terrace, especially of the skyline.

Is Casa Loma Worth It for the Holidays? My Honest Thoughts

After visiting Casa Loma at Christmas more than once, I can confidently say: yes, it’s worth it – especially if you’re looking for a festive way to celebrate the season in Toronto.

The holiday décor inside the castle is beautiful, and the performances give it so much energy. The holiday tunnel to Santa’s Workshop was a highlight for my family – especially meeting Santa at the end! Kids will love it, and there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too.

That said, be prepared for crowds, higher seasonal pricing, and the fact that some rooms or areas (like the gardens) might be off-limits depending on the event or day. The castle isn’t stroller-friendly or easily accessible – something to keep in mind if you’re visiting with mobility needs.

But overall, it’s a memorable and well-run holiday event that’s become a tradition for us. Whether you’re visiting Toronto for the first time or you live here and want to make the season feel special, Christmas at Casa Loma is a festive experience I always recommend.

More Christmas Activities in Toronto

☞ Toronto is a fantastic city to visit during the holidays, with plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy in November and December.

☞ Explore the Distillery Winter Village for holiday shopping and lights, or visit WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland for rides and entertainment. Downtown Toronto is also a great spot for holiday shopping with its decorated streets and holiday lights.

☞ Winter fun extends beyond holiday events. Lace up your skates for outdoor ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, a classic Toronto experience. 

☞ And don’t miss the chance to visit Niagara Falls in winter – seeing the frozen ice around the falls is truly unforgettable.

☞ Join my Facebook Group: Toronto, Ontario, and Niagara Falls Canada Travel Tips and Planning to ask your questions and get personalized travel help from a local.