We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Toronto for 2026. The season starts on November 14 with Merry Marketplace and runs until December 25 (Celebrate Christmas Day at Your Toronto Zoo). 10 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Markham and Pickering
- First: Merry Marketplace, Richmond Hill, November 14
- Free events: The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Toronto Zoo, Create Your Own Gingerbread House with Makedo (Ages 5+), The Original Santa Claus Parade, Markham Santa Claus Parade, Pickering Santa Claus Parade and After School Club: Letters to Santa
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
Toronto Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- Toronto, Richmond Hill, Markham and Pickering
- Season
- November 14 to December 25
- Free events
- 10
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Toronto
9 confirmed events in Toronto, soonest first.
The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Toronto Zoo
Visit with SantaFreeToronto Zoo · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Toronto Zoo, Front Entrance, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto M1B 5K7
- When
- Sun, Nov 15, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Cost
- Free photo with Santa, paid parking
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Sunday, November 15, the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan visits the Toronto Zoo. Between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, families can stop by the Zoo's Front Entrance for a free family photo with Santa and some early holiday spirit. It is a simple, quick outing that works well for little ones who want to see Santa before the busy December rush.
Zoo admission is not required to visit the caravan, but paid parking is enforced and can be bought ahead of your visit through the Zoo website. The same weekend the Zoo hosts its annual Holiday Marketplace, which is free with Zoo admission, so families who want to make a full day of it can combine the photo with a walk through the Zoo.
Parent tip: Buy parking in advance on the Zoo site, and come early in the 9:30 to 12:30 window since lines for Santa photos tend to grow later.
See dates and details from Toronto Zoo (opens in a new tab)Create Your Own Gingerbread House with Makedo (Ages 5+)
Christmas craftsFreeToronto Public Library · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Runnymede Branch, Toronto Public Library, 2178 Bloor Street West, Toronto M6S 1M8
- When
- Fri, Nov 20, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, tickets handed out 30 minutes before
- Ages
- Ages 5 and up with a parent or caregiver
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Runnymede Branch hosts a gingerbread house building session on Friday, November 20, from 2 to 3 pm in the 2nd floor program room. Instead of icing and candy, children use Makedo kits to build their own gingerbread house out of cardboard, which is a fun hands on engineering challenge with a holiday theme.
The finished creations will be displayed in the library, so kids can come back and show them off. The program is meant for children 5 and up with their parent or caregiver. It is free, but space is limited, and tickets are given out 30 minutes before the program starts. Because it runs on a weekday afternoon, it suits homeschoolers, kids with a day off or families who can come right after an early pickup.
Parent tip: Tickets are handed out 30 minutes before the 2 pm start, so plan to arrive by 1:30 pm to secure a spot.
See dates and details from Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)The Original Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus paradeFreeThe Original Santa Claus Parade · Toronto
- Host
- The Original Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parade route, downtown Toronto, Toronto
- When
- Sun, Nov 22
- Cost
- Free to watch on the route
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Original Santa Claus Parade marks its 122nd year on Sunday, November 22. Families can line the route to watch larger than life floats built over the whole year, plus world class marching bands and music groups playing the soundtrack of the season. Mr. and Mrs. Claus make the trip from the North Pole to wave to children along the way.
If you would rather stay warm, the parade is also back on television this year on Citytv and streaming on Citytv+. Watching in person is free. The parade is run by a charity, and the organizers invite families who enjoy it to consider a tax deductible donation through CanadaHelps to keep the tradition going for future years.
Parent tip: Check the parade site's The Parade page closer to the day for route and timing, and dress for the weather since you will be standing outside.
See dates and details from The Original Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)After School Club: Letters to Santa
Visit with SantaFreeToronto Public Library · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Highland Creek Branch, Toronto Public Library, 3550 Ellesmere Road, Toronto M1C 3Z2
- When
- Mon, Nov 30, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Ages 6 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Highland Creek Branch After School Club takes on a holiday theme on Monday, November 30, from 4 to 5 pm, when kids gather in the meeting room to write their letters to Santa. After School Club is a regular program where children learn new things, make stuff, meet other kids and have fun, and this session is a nice way to get Christmas wish lists down on paper.
The club is for ages 6 to 12. Snacks are offered to participants, supported in part by donors, and ingredient lists are available for families managing allergies. The program is free and drop-in, with no registration required, so kids can come straight from school. It is a low key, free way to start the season with a school age child.
Parent tip: Ask staff for the snack ingredient list on arrival if your child has food allergies.
See dates and details from Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)Ho Ho Holiday Story Time!
Christmas story timeFreeToronto Public Library · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Agincourt Branch, Toronto Public Library, 155 Bonis Avenue, Toronto M1T 3W6
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, no registration
- Ages
- Ages 5 and under with a parent or caregiver
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Agincourt Branch is hosting a special festive story time on Saturday, December 5, from 11 am to 12 pm in the Main Program Room. The program is designed for children ages 5 and under who come with a parent or caregiver, and it is full of holiday stories, songs, rhymes and activities that suit short attention spans.
After the story time, children make a special holiday craft that they can bring home, which makes a nice keepsake or a decoration for the tree. The program is free and no registration is required, so families can simply drop in. A Saturday morning time slot makes this an easy option for working parents who miss weekday library programs.
Parent tip: No registration is needed, but arriving a few minutes early helps you get settled in the Main Program Room before the stories start.
See dates and details from Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Suncatcher for Families
Christmas craftsFreeToronto Public Library · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Steeles Branch, Toronto Public Library, C107-375 Bamburgh Circle, Toronto M1W 3Y1
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Sunday, December 6, from 2 to 3 pm, the Steeles Branch invites families to create a holiday suncatcher together. Working as a team, each family designs and makes its own unique suncatcher using dried flowers and other festive materials. It is a relaxed craft hour that suits a range of ages, since parents and kids work side by side.
The finished suncatcher is a handmade decoration to hang in a window and brighten the house all winter. The program is free and drop-in, but space and materials are limited and handed out on a first come, first served basis, with one suncatcher per family. A Sunday afternoon time makes it easy to fit into a weekend of holiday errands.
Parent tip: Materials are first come, first served and limited to one suncatcher per family, so arrive right at 2 pm.
See dates and details from Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Break Family Time
Christmas story timeFreeToronto Public Library · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- S. Walter Stewart Branch, Toronto Public Library, 170 Memorial Park Avenue, Toronto M4J 2K5
- When
- Mon, Dec 21, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5 with parents and caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
S. Walter Stewart Branch is adding a Holiday Break Family Time on Monday, December 21, in the branch auditorium. This staff led story time is for children ages 0 to 5 with their parents and caregivers, and it is filled with stories, songs and rhymes. The story time itself runs from 10:30 to 11 am.
Afterwards, families are welcome to stay for an extra 30 minutes of Stay and Play, which gives toddlers a chance to explore and meet other children while parents chat. It is a drop-in program, so there is no need to register ahead, though the library notes that space is limited. With school out for the holidays, it is a handy free outing for families with younger siblings at home.
Parent tip: Space is limited for this drop-in, so arrive a little before 10:30 am, especially since it falls during the school holiday break.
See dates and details from Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Family Time
Christmas story timeFreeToronto Public Library · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Branch, Toronto Public Library, 100 Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Lane, Toronto M2K 3C9
- When
- Tue, Dec 22, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, drop-in
- Ages
- Ages 5 and under with parents or caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Ethennonnhawahstihnen' Branch holds a Holiday Family Time on Tuesday, December 22, in its Program Room. This program is for children ages 5 and under with their parents or caregivers, and it features holiday themed stories, songs, rhymes and activities. Family Time runs from 10:30 to 11 am, a good length for toddlers and preschoolers.
From 11 to 11:30 am, children, parents and caregivers are invited to Stay and Play, so there is time to explore the space and let little ones socialize after the stories. The program is free and drop-in, with no registration needed. Falling just before Christmas, it is a calm and cozy way to get into the holiday spirit with very young children.
Parent tip: It is a drop-in program, so simply arrive shortly before 10:30 am and plan to stay for the play time afterwards.
See dates and details from Toronto Public Library (opens in a new tab)Celebrate Christmas Day at Your Toronto Zoo
Family Christmas eventToronto Zoo · Toronto
- Host
- Toronto Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto M1B 5K7
- When
- Fri, Dec 25, 11 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- Zoo admission, tickets online
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Toronto Zoo is open on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, from 11 am to 4 pm. The Zoo calls it a new tradition, an invitation for families to spend part of the holiday outdoors together, surrounded by wildlife, after the morning at home. It can be a welcome change of pace for kids with energy to burn once the presents are open.
Tickets are sold online through the Zoo website, and regular Zoo admission applies. The Zoo is a large outdoor site, so plan on plenty of walking and dress warmly for late December weather. Note that the separate evening lantern show at the Zoo does not operate on December 24 or 25, so this is a daytime visit only.
Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead online, and remember the Zoo closes at 4 pm that day, so an earlier arrival gives you more time with the animals.
See dates and details from Toronto Zoo (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Richmond Hill
2 confirmed events in Richmond Hill, soonest first.
Merry Marketplace (Richmond Hill)
Visit with SantaCity of Richmond Hill · Richmond Hill
- Host
- City of Richmond Hill (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill L4S 1M5 (near Toronto)
- When
- Saturdays, Nov 14 to Dec 12, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Merry Marketplace is an outdoor holiday shopping evening at Richmond Green Park, held on Saturdays from 4 pm to 8 pm starting November 14. The City of Richmond Hill lists dates on November 14, 21 and 28 and December 5, with the December calendar also showing December 12. Each evening brings local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions and community displays.
For kids, the draw is the display of winter lights, the parades that move through the market and a meet and greet with Santa Claus. Since it runs after dark at this time of year, the lights are at their best, and families can browse for gifts while the children visit Santa. Everything is outdoors in the park, so warm layers make the evening more comfortable.
Parent tip: It is all outside after sunset, so bring hats and mittens, and check the City calendar for any weather updates before heading out.
See dates and details from City of Richmond Hill (opens in a new tab)Holidays at the Observatory (Richmond Hill)
Christmas craftsCity of Richmond Hill, Heritage Services · Richmond Hill
- Host
- City of Richmond Hill, Heritage Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, 123 Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill L4C 1T3 (near Toronto)
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, 7 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Registration required, fee not listed
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holidays at the Observatory takes place on Saturday, December 19, from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory. The evening explores what winter is like across the solar system, with real images of icy planets and moons. In the Skylab, staff recreate the winter night sky using planetarium software, which is a great introduction to stargazing for curious kids.
Weather permitting, guests may also look at celestial objects through the observatory's historic 74 inch telescope. Families can relax in the observatory library, snap a photo beside the Christmas tree and make celestial themed crafts to take home. The City asks guests to register in advance, so book a spot before the evening if you plan to go.
Parent tip: Register ahead through the City, and dress warmly in case the skies are clear enough for telescope viewing.
See dates and details from City of Richmond Hill, Heritage Services (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Markham
1 confirmed event in Markham, soonest first.
Markham Santa Claus Parade (Markham)
Santa Claus paradeFreeCity of Markham · Markham
- Host
- City of Markham (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Main Street Markham, Main Street Markham, between Highway 7 and 16th Avenue, Markham (near Toronto)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 11 am to 1 pm
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 52nd Annual Markham Santa Claus Parade, presented by Tim Hortons, takes place on Saturday, November 28 along Main Street Markham between Highway 7 East and 16th Avenue. The parade starts at 11 am at Highway 7 and the event runs until about 1 pm. This year's theme is The Power of Love, brought to life with festive floats, community groups, marching bands and special holiday guests.
Santa is the star of the show as he makes his way north along Main Street toward 16th Avenue. Some roads will be closed during the parade, and the City posts a parade map with road closure details on the event page. The parade is free to watch, and families can find a spot anywhere along the route.
Parent tip: Look at the parade map and road closure information on the City page before you go so you can plan parking and arrive before the 11 am start.
See dates and details from City of Markham (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Pickering
1 confirmed event in Pickering, soonest first.
Pickering Santa Claus Parade (Pickering)
Santa Claus paradeFreeCity of Pickering · Pickering
- Host
- City of Pickering (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Whites Road parade route, Whites Road, from Dunbarton High School north, Pickering (near Toronto)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 10 am start
- Cost
- Free to watch
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa Claus is coming to Pickering on Saturday, November 28, with the parade starting at 10 am. For 2026 the parade uses a temporary route on Whites Road. It forms at Dunbarton High School and travels north along Whites Road to the northernmost entrance of the St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School parking lot. The official start point is on Whites Road at the south side of the railway bridge.
The parade features the official Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, along with floats and walking groups from the community. The route moved this year because City Centre development means Glenanna Road south of Highway 2 is not available, and the City hopes to return to the usual route in the future. Watching from the roadside is free.
Parent tip: Spectators are not allowed on the railway bridge, so pick a spot elsewhere along Whites Road and arrive early for the 10 am start.
See dates and details from City of Pickering (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)Toronto Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Toronto in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Toronto for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Merry Marketplace (Richmond Hill), The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Toronto Zoo, Create Your Own Gingerbread House with Makedo (Ages 5+), The Original Santa Claus Parade, Markham Santa Claus Parade (Markham), Pickering Santa Claus Parade (Pickering), After School Club: Letters to Santa, Ho Ho Holiday Story Time!, Holiday Suncatcher for Families, Holidays at the Observatory (Richmond Hill), Holiday Break Family Time and Holiday Family Time. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Toronto?
Yes. 10 of the 13 events here are free, including The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Toronto Zoo, Create Your Own Gingerbread House with Makedo (Ages 5+), The Original Santa Claus Parade, Markham Santa Claus Parade (Markham), Pickering Santa Claus Parade (Pickering), After School Club: Letters to Santa, Ho Ho Holiday Story Time!, Holiday Suncatcher for Families, Holiday Break Family Time and Holiday Family Time. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Toronto this year?
Santa appears at Merry Marketplace (Richmond Hill), The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Toronto Zoo, The Original Santa Claus Parade, Markham Santa Claus Parade (Markham), Pickering Santa Claus Parade (Pickering) and After School Club: Letters to Santa. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Toronto?
Christmas story times on this page: Ho Ho Holiday Story Time!, Holiday Break Family Time and Holiday Family Time. Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
