No sooner has the Toronto-famous Legends of Horror receded back into the crypt do we receive notice that one of Toronto’s most beloved holiday traditions is returning as Casa Loma prepares to welcome guests for Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights, running December 4 through January 2. Designed by Liberty Entertainment Group’s Creative Director Nadia Di Donato, this year’s season brings more music, festive movies and a fresh lineup of designer trees to one of Toronto’s most enchanting backdrops.
“The idea was to create a holiday story you can walk right into, with a new surprise at every turn, from the designer trees inside the castle to the beautiful glowing gardens at night,” says Nadia Di Donato, Creative Director, Liberty Entertainment Group.
Guests can embrace the season with two magical experiences:
Christmas at the Castle (daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Christmas at the Castle is Casa Loma’s daytime holiday experience, where guests wander through the castle’s historic rooms dressed up for the season, with live entertainment and family activities along the way. New this year, community choirs from local schools, churches and music schools will take the stage in the castle with daily performances throughout the day. Guests can also meet roaming mimes and festive mascots; watch the Jambo Brothers return with their spectacular acrobatics; visit Santa’s Workshop; and write letters to the North Pole.
Along the way, leading designers have dressed the castle with a fresh collection of trees. Jane Lockhart’s “A Christmas in Full Bloom,” a traditional red-and-gold tree, takes center stage in the Great Hall. On the Mezzanine, Christine Spencer brings a full Harry Potter-themed tree, complete with a life-size Dumbledore keeping watch from the railing, while Carolyn Switzer’s “Venetian Masquerade” fills the Solarium. Desta Ostapyk dresses Sir Henry Pellatt’s bedroom, David Dunkley lines the second-floor hallway with black-and-white top hats, and Cori Halpern celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah in the Serving Room.
Holiday Lights (5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
In the evening, the gardens light up with twinkling displays, glowing tunnels, and an abundance of photo moments. Guests can watch the Fire Guy perform and wander through Whoville and Scrooge’s house. New this year, classic holiday shorts like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman will play outdoors in front of the pavilion, with inflatable seating to keep everyone cozy. Between all the lights and movie fun, guests can stop by the outdoor market for maple syrup and popcorn, plus a gift shop, making it the perfect festive stop for the whole family.
“This year, we wanted the castle to feel like a place where the whole community can come together for the holidays,” says Nick Di Donato, President & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. “From local choirs singing in the castle to movies outside of the pavilion, there is something here for every generation to enjoy.”
Holiday Lights will run Friday to Sunday on December 4 to 6 and December 11 to 13, then nightly from December 18 through January 2. VIP packages for two include a gift bag, two food tickets and two drink tickets.
Liberty Caffé will be open after 4 p.m., inviting guests to warm up with a holiday menu that includes Christmas poutine, cider and other seasonal treats.
Tickets are now on sale and are available for purchase at www.casaloma.ca.
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