Casa Loma Christmas: A Holiday Tradition in Toronto
Looking for something fun and memorable to do in Toronto in December? Visiting Casa Loma at Christmas is one of the city’s most popular holiday events, and it’s perfect for families or even a date night.
The historic castle puts on two amazing holiday events—Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights.
For those wondering if a visit to Casa Loma over the holidays is worth it, I have created this guide that includes all the highlights of Christmas at Casa Loma.
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When and Where to Experience Casa Loma Christmas
Casa Loma Christmas runs from December 5, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Here’s how to plan your visit:
- Christmas at the Castle: Available on select dates from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last admission at 4:30 p.m.
- Holiday Lights: Available on select dates from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the last admission at 9:00 p.m.
You’ll find Casa Loma at 1 Austin Terrace, near Davenport Road and Spadina Avenue. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. You can buy your tickets online or at the main entrance.
Plan Your Trip to Toronto with my Favourite Resources
✓ Casa Loma Admission Tickets
✓ Toronto Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
✓ Top Hotel Recommendation: Toronto Sheraton Downtown
What Makes Casa Loma at Christmas Special?
Casa Loma truly comes alive during the holiday season, making it a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Here are a few reasons why this is such a special holiday event in Toronto.
- Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- A beloved annual tradition
- Beautifully designed Christmas trees and holiday décor
- Live performances
- Family-friendly event and atmosphere
It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season and one of the best Christmas events in Toronto.
Explore Casa Loma: Highlights of the Historic Castle
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: Festive Highlights
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
✓ Admire stunning designer Christmas trees throughout the castle, including the iconic 40-foot tree in the Great Hall and the outdoor tree at the entrance.
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
✓ Stop by the Carriage Room for holiday storytelling and fun arts and crafts, perfect for young visitors.
Festive Tunnel
✓ Walk through a brightly lit tunnel filled with interactive displays, singing reindeer, and elves preparing for Christmas on your way to Santa’s Workshop.
Santa’s Workshop
✓ Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos until December 24, or pose with the Nutcracker for photos after Christmas.
Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma
The Holiday Lights Tour is a separate event that begins 30 minutes after Casa Loma closes for the day. This self-guided tour takes guests through dazzling outdoor lighting displays and beautifully decorated tunnels, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
Guests can explore the property’s gardens, enjoy live performances, and visit Santa in his castle workshop, making it a fun evening for families. Keep in mind, the tour is primarily outdoors and involves walking approximately 2 km, so dress warmly.
Note that this tour does not include access to Casa Loma’s interior. The entrance for the Holiday Lights Tour is located at the southwest corner of the property, at Davenport Road and Walmer Road.
How Much Time Do You Need at Casa Loma Christmas?
Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring Casa Loma Christmas, including its exhibits, performances, and activities.
If you’re also attending the Holiday Lights Tour, set aside an additional hour to enjoy the outdoor lighting displays and festive atmosphere.
Parking at Casa Loma
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
To make the most of your visit to Casa Loma during the holidays, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring all the festive highlights at the castle.
- Dress in layers—it can get quite warm inside, even during winter, and there’s no coat room or air conditioning.
- Visit the towers first if they’re a priority, as lines can get long later in the day.
- Be ready for lots of narrow stairs throughout the property. There are no public elevators available.
- Strollers aren’t allowed inside, so consider a baby carrier if you’re visiting with an infant.
- Expect crowds and lines, especially during the holiday season—it’s a busy time of year.
- Some rooms, like the library and conservatory, are in use, affecting how much you can see.
- While the gardens are closed for the Holiday Lights Tour, you can still enjoy views from the terrace.
Is It Worth Visiting Casa Loma at Christmas?
I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to Casa Loma in December. The holiday décor, both inside and outside the castle, was stunning and magical.
The holiday tunnel leading to Santa’s Workshop was especially fun and is perfect for families looking for a something to do during the holidays.
That said, there are some limitations. Certain rooms and the garden aren’t fully accessible due to performances, and admission costs are higher during the holiday season.
Despite this, I still found it a fun way to spend the day. For anyone looking for an unforgettable holiday activity in Toronto, Casa Loma Christmas is definitely worth considering.
More Christmas Activities in Toronto
Toronto is a fantastic place to visit during the holidays, with plenty of festive 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 Christmas activities. 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.
