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Here is the Cavalcade of Lights opening schedule set for Nathan Phillips Square this Saturday

The annual Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group, will illuminate Nathan Phillips Square this Saturday, November 26, with an opening night celebration from 3 to 11 p.m., which will include a tree-lighting ceremony, live music, circus performers and more. From November 26 – January 7 all are invited to experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group. Inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals, this year’s festivities will transform City Hall and its surrounds into a dazzling wonderland each night.

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Here is the schedule for opening night:

Date: Saturday, November 26
Time: 3 to 11 p.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Note: A media area will be available on the ramp to the City Hall podium roof next to the Christmas tree. Broadcast media crews are advised to arrive early for their setup.
Members of the media are asked to email Michele.Simpson@toronto.ca or call 416-392-4467 to request assistance with any production needs or arrange spokesperson and artist interviews.

Main stage performances:

3 p.m. Welcome with local Indigenous Elder
4 p.m. Nirkoda Israeli Dancers of Toronto
5 p.m. Traditional Latin American music and dance by Tocani
6 p.m. Abenaki & Franco-Ontarian folk music by Mimi O’Bonsawin
7:45 p.m. Electronic Québécois music by Mélisande [électrotrad]
8:30 p.m. Christmas Tree & Nathan Phillips Square lighting ceremony
9:30 p.m. Contemporary African dance music by 10-piece Asiko Afrobeat Ensemble

Full program details and road closure information is available on the Cavalcade of Lights webpage.

Guide to Lighting Installations and Artworks

Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights

South lawn by Queen St. W.

A stunning fusion of Asian traditions and Indigenous cultures, this installation draws on stories that bring us closer as a diverse community. Presented in partnership with LunarFestGTA .

Global Vision

Surrounding the Circle Stage

This work by artists Nargiza Usmanova and Maxim Zinchuk embodies the theme of immigration from Europe and Asia to North America. Each triangular prism is connected to another in some way, reinforcing the idea of the intersection of human destinies.

The ECHO

South of Main Stage

An interactive installation produced by Desjardins Financial Group that allows participants to explore the hidden power of their unique voices.

கோலம் (Kolam): A Parallel Coexistence

On the Main Stage

Featuring thousands of illuminated threads, this glowing mandala reflects artist Whyishnave Suthagar’s Tamil Canadian upbringing. The mandala is an ancient Hindu symbol of eternal time and hope, representing the idea of history repeating itself.

Collective Dreams

In front of City Hall main entrance

Created by Toronto locals in partnership with Muse Arts , each lantern represents the makers’ dreams and personal experiences. When placed together, they form a community that complements one another in a mosaic of unity and solidarity.

The Barricade Cover Project

Various locations across the square

Artists David Chinyama , Nancy Ospina and Lidia Barrera transform barricade covers into stunning works of art. Presented in partnership with Muse Arts.

Enjoy the glittering tree, participate in public skating and bask in the glow of thousands of energy-efficient bulbs as they adorn the heart of downtown Toronto.

Other events happening during City of Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights

Holiday Fair in the Square

December 2 to 23

Christmas market meets winter carnival at Holiday Fair in the Square. Whether you’re shopping for that perfect gift, taking the family out for skating, rides and games or stopping by for a bite to eat or an evening drink, Holiday Fair in the Square has something for everyone. Learn more about the Holiday Fair .