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Toronto tree lighting celebrations beginning tomorrow

With Hallowe’en and Remembrance Day ceremonies behind us, the exciting build up to Christmas has officially begun in Toronto. It all gets underway Thursday, November 14 with two tree lighting celebrations, followed by the much anticipated Cavalcade of Lights in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square on November 30.

The Distillery District, Tree Lighting and Christmas Market Grand Opening

Thursday, November 14, 6 pm

One of the most popular Christmas events, the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District officially opens at 4 pm on November 14 and celebrates its 16th anniversary with a dramatic tree lighting celebration at 6 pm. The enormous 50 ft. tall tree is adorned with over 800 ornaments, 1 kilometre of ribbon and over 40,000 lights.

The historical village, with its Victorian red brick buildings and sidewalks is transformed into Christmas-land, capturing the essence and spirit of European-style Christmas markets with carollers, glittering fairy lights, vendors, tasty treats, hot chocolate, mulled wine and musical performances. It’s the perfect way to get into that Christmas spirit and find that unique stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift for the office party.

The best part is the Toronto Christmas Market is free on weekdays and up until 6 pm on Fridays. Also the first two opening weekends (No.v 15 – 17 and Nov. 22 – 24) it is FREE admission for anyone bringing eight cans of food to donate to the Daily Bread Food Bank. Because of the popularity of this market, weekend tickets for this not-for-profit Christmas Market are offered in time slots. You can enter during your selected time slot an stay as long as you wish within operating hours. Tickets range from $8 for advanced general admission, to $12 for day-of purchase admission (12:00 AM onwards) and a $30 ticket allows holders to bypass the exterior entry line to the market, and includes access to two indoor warming lounges restricted to guests ages six and older.

The Toronto Christmas Market is open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from noon to 9 pm. The market runs until December 22, 2019.

For more information on the Toronto Christmas Market visit: tochristmasmarket.com

CF Toronto Eaton Centre Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 14, 6:30 pm

Join Mississauga and Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu and special guests including DJ 4Korners and Dr. Draw with his electric violin, as CF Toronto Eaton Centre celebrates the traditional lighting of one of Toronto’s most famous Christmas trees. Presented by Starbucks, this free event takes place from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

For more information visit: www.cfshops.com

Cavalcade of Lights presented by Great Gulf.

Cavalcade of Lights and Tree Lighting at Nathan Phillips Square

Saturday November 30, 2019

Always a fun family event, on November 30, 2019 the Cavalcade of Lights presented by Great Gulf tree lighting, concert and fireworks event will mark the official start to the holiday season in Toronto. The 53rd annual celebration will feature the first lighting of Toronto’s 50-foot (15-metre) Christmas tree, live musical performances, circus arts, a skating party and a spectacular fireworks display.

It all begins at 7 pm and runs until 10:30 pm with Main Stage performances by: DJ MelBoogie at 6:30 pm, Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit at 7:20 pm, Nunavut artist Riit at 7:30 pm. Tree lighting at 8:10 pm, the Lemon Bucket Orchestra at 8:35 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:30 pm and a skating party with DJ MelBoogie at 9:35 pm.