(AGENPARL) – Fri 07 November 2025 City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
November 7, 2025
Cavalcade of Lights brings music, skating and holiday magic to Nathan Phillips Square
The City of Toronto’s annual Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Desjardins Group, returns to Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday, November 29, with an opening night celebration of music, light and community. The festival will run until Wednesday, January 7, 2026, transforming the heart of the city into a dazzling winter wonderland.
Residents can also enjoy the annual New Year’s Skating Party on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring free skates, hot chocolate, music and family-friendly activities.
This year’s Cavalcade of Lights embraces the theme of illumination, cross-cultural celebration and winter activity, highlighting Toronto’s diversity through music, dance, skating, visual arts and site animation.
The festival will once again feature Toronto’s official Christmas tree and more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights, illuminating Nathan Phillips Square nightly from dusk until 11 p.m. The Christmas tree will arrive on Wednesday, November 12 marking the start of the holiday season.
Opening night
Highlights this year include:
– A countdown to the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree
– A candlelight concert under the stars produced by Fever Entertainment
– A spectacular skating show on the Square’s rink
– A special Indigenous performance by DJ Classic Roots
– Family-friendly activities including Diya decoration workshops
– A headline performance by acclaimed Canadian recording artist Tyler Shaw
– Interactive light and sound installations
Throughout the festival, residents and visitors can lace up their skates and enjoy one of Toronto’s most beloved winter traditions. Free skate rentals will be available every Saturday from December 6 to January 3, 2026, from 4 to 10 p.m., courtesy of Desjardins.
New Year’s Skating Parties
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., residents can ring in the new year at the City’s free, family-friendly New Year’s Skating Parties, hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and Members of Council. Skating parties will take place at McCowan District Park, North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, Colonel Samuel Smith Park and Nathan Phillips Square, featuring free skate rentals, hot chocolate, local DJs and winter activities for all ages.
The City is grateful for the generous support of presenting sponsor Desjardins; Christmas tree lighting sponsor Toronto Hydro; mainstage performance sponsor WestJet; Luminescence light installation sponsor 95 Developments; Lux Array light installation sponsor Enbridge Gas; hotel sponsor Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel; on-site sponsors Snow T.O.; accessible washroom sponsor Who Gives a Crap; and media partners CHUM 104.5, CP24, Toronto Star, and Virgin Radio.
High resolution images and b-roll from previous Cavalcade of Lights celebrations are available on the City’s media page: https://www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/video-b-roll-images/cavalcade-of-lights-b-roll-images/.
Learn more about Cavalcade of Lights on the City’s website: http://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cavalcade-of-lights/.