City of Toronto kicks off holiday season with Cavalcade of Lights 2024 & arrival of the Nathan Phillips Square Christmas tree

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2024 – Marking the start of the holiday season, today the City of Toronto kicked off celebrations with the arrival of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, and continues with the opening night of Cavalcade of Lights on Saturday, November 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. 

The City of Toronto is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Cavalcade of Lights, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Group, a free event that will illuminate Nathan Phillips Square with a spectacular lineup of cultural performances, light installations and family-friendly festivities under this year’s theme, Shine. 

Tuesday, November 12 – Tree arrival 

The Christmas tree, a majestic 55 to 60 foot white spruce from Bancroft, Ontario, will light up Nathan Phillips Square with thousands of energy-efficient LEDs and more than 500 sparkling ornaments. The tree will shine throughout Cavalcade of Lights, bringing warmth and magic to the season. Afterward, it will be recycled into mulch for spring tree planting across the city. 

Saturday, November 30 – Opening Night  

Kicking off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, the opening night of Cavalcade of Lights will offer an evening filled with live music, light displays and performances that celebrate Toronto’s cultural diversity and unity. 

Guests can enjoy African, Calypso and R&B music by Zaynab Wilson Mozayik, circus performances from Zero Gravity Circus, dragon dances by Northern Legs Southern Fists and world music by Moskitto Bar on the main stage. 

Tree Lighting 6:40 pm 

 A tree lighting ceremony at 6:40 p.m. will illuminate Nathan Phillips Square, followed by a DJ skating party and a rink showcase by Team Trinity featuring Canadian National medalists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. 

 The lighting installations and holiday ambiance will continue to brighten the Square through January 7, 2025. 

Cavalcade of Lights Opening Night schedule Nov. 30, 2024

Main Stage

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is provided for the main stage program.

5 p.m. Welcome & blessing by Indigenous Elder Jimmy Dick with drumming by Spirit Storm Singers & hoop dancing by Theland Kicknosway 

5:35 p.m. Afro-Caribbean music by Zaynab Wilson MoZayic 

6:20 p.m. Remarks

6:30 p.m. Circus performances by Zero Gravity Circus  & Trash Panda Brass 

6:40 p.m. Lighting of the Christmas tree & Nathan Phillips Square

7:40 p.m. Dragon Dance by Northern Legs Southern Fists 

8:30 p.m. World music by Moskitto Bar 

Queen Street

6 p.m. Dragon Dance by Northern Legs Southern Fists

7 p.m. Trash Panda Brass

Skating Rink

Programming presented by Desjardins Financial Group

5 to 6:40 p.m. Public skating

7:15 to 7:40 p.m. Team Trinity  Skating Showcase featuring:

• Two-time national medalists Canadian Pairs team Lia Pereira & Trennt Michaud 
• Skaters from North Toronto Skating Club 
• Skaters from Toronto Metropolitan University Skating Club 

7:45 to 10 p.m. Public skating with DJ Dre Ngozi 

On the Square

5 to 9 p.m. Stilt-walking by Hala on Stilts 

7 & 8 p.m. Fire performances by NorthFIRE Circus 

8:20 p.m. Hoop dancing by Theland Kicknosway

Art Installations in the Square

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.

Lunar Lanterns

Near City Hall Entrance

This installation invites the diverse communities of Canada to come together and share their stories. In this Year of the Dragon, LunarFest  encourages everyone to celebrate new and old traditions in a spirit of co-existence and freedom.

Twin Dragons

Near the TORONTO Sign

Visit the glowing dragon at Cavalcade of Lights and venture out to Woodside Square Shopping Centre  to see its twin. Together, these dragons symbolize the connection between cultures and community spirit with their presence at two iconic locations.

For more details about Cavalcade of Lights please visit here.

Saturday, December 7 – 60th Anniversary Skating Party 

Nathan Phillips Square rink celebrates its 60th anniversary

The Nathan Phillips Square rink celebrates its 60th anniversary with a DJ skating party on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy public skating with free skate rentals and a special skating showcase featuring Canadian Olympic Team Gold Medalist Gabrielle Daleman, courtesy of Desjardins Financial Group. The event promises an evening filled with music, community spirit and seasonal cheer, celebrating six decades of winter joy on this iconic rink. 

The City is thankful for the generous support of presenting sponsor Desjardins Financial Group and sponsor Snow T.O., Christmas tree lighting sponsor Toronto Hydro, Dragon Lantern sponsor 95 Developments and hotel sponsor Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, as well as media partners CHUM 104.5, CP24, Toronto Star and Virgin Radio. 

Learn more about Cavalcade of Lights on the City’s website.

Other articles from totimes.ca – mtltimes.ca – otttimes.ca