Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour – Dates, Tickets, and Sights

DATE	TIME	ADDRESS
December to January	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Last Update February 16, 2026

If you’re searching for a magical way to celebrate the holidays this year, the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour is the perfect festival of lights to experience. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about this wonderful event.

About the Festival

The Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour is an immersive festival of lights held at Casa Loma, a historical mansion in Toronto, Canada. This nighttime light festival lets visitors follow a self-guided 2 km outdoor trail through a colorful and magical setting.

During the event, guests can wander through the gardens and step into the famous 800-foot underground tunnel, surrounded by millions of twinkle lights.

Guests can also find historic stone walls that blend beautifully with modern light displays, as well as various light art installations around nearly every turn.

Here are some of the highlights and features you can catch at the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour:

Themed Lighting Displays: Guests can explore Christmas-movie-inspired scenes with interactive areas featuring characters like the Grinch and Cindy Lou.

The 800-Foot Tunnel: Walk through a historic underground passage transformed into a glowing holiday experience.

Live Performances: Enjoy nightly shows and musical entertainment that bring extra energy to the castle grounds.

Santa’s Castle Workshop: Visit the stables where children meet Santa and personally deliver letters to the North Pole.

Indoor Whimsical Rooms: Discover playful indoor spaces like the Gummy Bear Room, Gingerbread Projections, and the Great Hall with its impressive 40-foot Christmas tree.

When is Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour Happening

This holiday event usually happens from December into early January, lighting up Casa Loma right in the heart of winter and the yuletide season.

The most recent season ran from December 6, 2025, through January 3, 2026, giving guests plenty of evenings to enjoy all the sparkling holiday decorations and lighting displays on the castle grounds.

Dates for the next edition of the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour are not yet announced, so if you wish to become part of this holiday festival, stay tuned or visit the festival’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

Where It’s Located and How to Get There

The festival takes place at Casa Loma, located at 1 Austin Terrace in Toronto, Canada, with the event’s entrance typically set at the southwest corner of the property near Davenport Road and Walmer Road.

The closest major airport to the festival site is the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which connects Toronto to cities across Canada and around the world.

Getting to the castle is fairly simple, and guests have several easy options depending on where they’re coming from and how they prefer to travel.

How to Get to the Festival from Within Toronto:

Subway + Walk: Take TTC Line 1 to Dupont Station and walk north for about 10 minutes to reach Casa Loma.

Subway + Walk: Ride Line 1 to St. Clair West Station, then head north and east on foot toward the castle grounds.

Bus Route 127 Davenport: Board this bus from Spadina Station and get off near Davenport Rd., then walk a short distance uphill.

Streetcar Option: Take the 512 St. Clair streetcar to St. Clair West Station and continue on foot.

Taxi or Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis can drop guests close to the event entrance for added convenience on cold evenings.

How to Get to the Festival if Coming from Outside Toronto:

From Pearson Airport (YYZ): Take the UP Express train to Union Station, then transfer to TTC Line 1 northbound to Dupont Station.

GO Transit: Travel by GO Train or GO Bus to Union Station, then connect to the TTC subway toward Casa Loma.

Intercity Bus: Arrive at downtown Toronto terminals and switch to the TTC subway or bus system.

Car Rental: Rent a vehicle at the airport or downtown and drive directly to Casa Loma, where paid parking is available.

Airport Taxi or Rideshare: A direct ride from Pearson to Casa Loma usually takes about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you liked this festival, you can also check out these other lighting events perfect for the holiday season:

Christmas at Dunham Massey

Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail

Festival Hours

The Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour runs every night, usually from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a full evening to explore the castle grounds when it’s lit up for the holiday season.

Final entry is at 9:00 PM, so planning an earlier arrival can give you enough time to walk the entire trail and enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour

Tickets for the next edition of the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour have not been released yet. Prices are typically available from early to peak dates, with upgraded VIP packages also included.

To give you an idea of how much it could cost to attend this lighting event, here are the prices from previous editions:

Early Season: $45 online | $50 on-site
Peak Season: $50 online | $55 on-site
VIP Experience (Admits 2): $125 – $150 (depending on date)
Children (3 and under): Free with a ticket-holding adult

For the latest updates on ticket prices, stay tuned or visit the festival’s official website and social media accounts.

Weather and What to Wear

December and January in Toronto are typically cold, with daytime temperatures usually hovering between 0°C and 3°C, while evenings often dip to -5°C or lower.

Snow is frequent, the air can feel damp, and light winds around the castle grounds can make it feel even colder after sunset.

Here’s what to wear to comfortably enjoy the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour:

Warm Winter Coat: A well-insulated winter jacket is a must during Toronto’s colder nights. Longer styles that cover the thighs offer extra protection against wind.

Thermal Layers: Base layers add steady warmth without bulk. They also make it easier to adjust when stepping into heated indoor spaces.

Waterproof Boots: Snow and slush are typical during these months. Waterproof, insulated boots keep feet dry and steady on icy paths.

Gloves or Mittens: Fingers tend to feel the cold first during evening walks. Mittens often hold heat better, especially on windier nights.

Hat or Beanie: A simple knit hat helps lock in warmth.

Scarf or Neck Warmer: Cold air can slip through open areas near the gardens and tunnel entrance. A scarf adds comfort and keeps the chill from settling in.

Where to Stay – Hotels Nearby

For guests planning a cozy holiday getaway in Toronto, these nearby hotels offer comfort, style, and easy access to the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour.

Kimpton Saint George Hotel: This stylish boutique hotel blends local art with modern comfort right in the city. Guests can enjoy a complimentary evening social hour, a well-equipped fitness center, and even record players in select suites for a fun, personal touch.

The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel: Set in the upscale Yorkville neighborhood, this hotel offers a refined stay with a timeless feel. An indoor heated pool, rooftop space, fitness center, and on-site dining make it a comfortable choice during chilly winter nights.

The Annex Hotel: Designed for modern travelers, this minimalist hotel sits in a lively historic district close to great cafés and shops. With keyless entry, strong Wi-Fi, in-room iPads, and a relaxed café-bar downstairs, it keeps things simple yet smart.

Where to Eat – Nearby Restaurants

If you wish to keep the holiday evening going with a great meal, these nearby dining spots in Toronto offer everything from castle luxury to cozy local favorites.

BlueBlood Steakhouse: Set right inside Casa Loma, this high-end steakhouse makes dinner feel like part of the experience. Guests can enjoy prime cuts, fresh oysters, and indulgent favorites like lobster thermidor.

Fat Pasha: This cozy neighborhood spot is known for its Middle Eastern and Jewish fusion dishes served in a warm, rustic space. Popular picks include roasted cauliflower, hummus topped with lamb, and perfectly crisp falafel.

Playa Cabana: Lively and casual, this Mexican favorite brings bold flavors and a fun atmosphere close to the castle. The menu is packed with tacos de carnitas, fresh guacamole, and filling burritos.

More Places to Explore in the Area

Aside from the glowing castle and festive light displays, Toronto offers plenty of nearby attractions that can make the trip even greater.

Spadina Museum: Sitting right next door to the castle, this historic home offers a quieter look at Toronto’s past. Guests can join a guided tour, explore elegant 1920s rooms, and enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): One of Toronto’s most famous museums, the ROM is packed with culture, history, and natural wonders. Visitors can see massive dinosaur skeletons, step into the Bat Cave, and browse exhibits from around the world.

Bata Shoe Museum: This fun and unexpected museum stands out with its shoebox-like design and its fascinating collection. Guests can discover ancient footwear, celebrity shoes, and rotating fashion displays that make it surprisingly memorable.

A Glowing Conclusion: Final Words on Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour

The Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour brings history and holiday magic together in one glowing winter experience.

From sparkling pathways in the gardens to the illuminated underground tunnel, this event offers moments that are perfect for anyone who wishes to make their holiday celebrations even more special.

If you wish to experience a magical festival of lights, this holiday event should be a part of your bucket list.

FAQ

1. Is the festival family-friendly?

Yes, the Casa Loma Holiday Lights Tour is designed for all ages, with festive displays and seasonal experiences that children and adults can enjoy together.

2. Is there parking available at the festival?

There is limited paid parking onsite at Casa Loma, along with additional paid parking nearby, though many guests prefer transit or rideshare.

3. Are pets allowed at the event?

Pets are not permitted at the Holiday Lights Tour, so it’s best to make arrangements before heading out.

4. Can guests take photos during the festival?

Yes, photography is allowed, and the glowing light displays throughout the gardens and tunnel make great photo backdrops.

5. Is food available onsite during the festival?

Light refreshments may be available at select castle cafés, but there is no large food court along the outdoor trail.

6. Is the event accessible for guests with mobility needs?

The experience includes about 2 km of outdoor pathways, so guests with mobility concerns should plan ahead and contact Casa Loma for specific details.

7. Are restrooms available during the Holiday Lights Tour?

Yes, restrooms are available on the property, generally near the main castle facilities and entrance areas.

8. Are strollers permitted on the tour?

Strollers are not permitted during the Holiday Lights Tour, and there is no designated stroller parking area.