Things to Do in Toronto in December

December in Toronto doesn't slow down, it just gets colder. Christmas markets, free skating, holiday parties and a countdown to midnight all pile up in the same few weeks. Here's how to make the most of it, starting and ending at the Roundhouse.

Walk through the Distillery Winter Village

The Distillery District turns into the most photographed few blocks in the city every winter. Cobblestone lanes, a towering tree, vendor cabins and carollers doing their best work. Go on a weekday to dodge the crowds or go at night and let the lights do the talking.

Skate at Nathan Phillips Square

Cavalcade of Lights runs from late November into the first week of January and the free rink in front of City Hall is the main event. Bring your own skates and it costs nothing. Forget them and rentals have you covered. Even if you're not lacing up the nightly light displays make it worth the walk.

Tour Casa Loma dressed for Christmas

Toronto's only castle goes all in on the season with decorated rooms and a tree in the Great Hall big enough to make you forget you're minutes from downtown by subway. Good pick for the day the cold is too much to handle.

Browse a smaller holiday market

Not everyone wants to fight a crowd for mulled wine. Toronto's got smaller markets scattered around too, from the vendor stalls at Stackt to pop-up craft fairs across the city. Same handmade gifts, way more elbow room.

Warm up at the Roundhouse

Enough time outside in a Toronto December and you'll be looking for somewhere warm with cold beer waiting. The Roundhouse is a short walk from the CN Tower, right in the middle of everything else on this list. Pull up a stool in the Tap Room, catch a hockey game nearby, or ask about booking the space if you're the one stuck planning this year's office party.

Eat at the Steam Whistle Kitchen

Stay for dinner while you're at it. Grab a table at the Kitchen and pair whatever's on the menu with a cold pilsner brewed right upstairs. It's the kind of finish a day of Christmas markets and skating rinks deserves.

Watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve

Toronto closes out the year with a free fireworks show off the harbourfront at midnight, timed to music with a livestream if you'd rather watch from somewhere warm. One of the last truly free New Year's shows left in the city and the waterfront views deliver every time.

Plan around the weather

Layer up, wear boots with actual grip and check hours before you head out since outdoor programming shifts with the weather. Most of this list is free or close to it, so leave room to wander instead of locking in a tight schedule.