As the holiday season approaches, Torontonians are greeted with shorter days, bustling shops, and packed calendars filled with festive gatherings. While this time of year can be magical, it can also be costly. To help residents enjoy the season without breaking the bank, here are five free activities to experience in Toronto this holiday season.

**Window Wonderland** Returning for its sixth year, Window Wonderland brightens The Junction with immersive augmented reality displays. This award-winning exhibit transforms a section of Dundas Street West into an outdoor art gallery featuring 31 installations. Visitors can download the Artivive app to see the artwork come to life through their smartphones. **Location:** Dundas Street West and Keele Street **Hours:** Open until February 1, 2026, 24/7, with recommended viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

**Yorkville Village Holiday Magic** Throughout December, Yorkville Park will be adorned with unique lighting displays, creating a picturesque holiday atmosphere. The area will feature tree-lined streets illuminated with twinkling lights, perfect for evening strolls. Victorian-era carollers will also perform throughout the neighborhood, enhancing the festive spirit. **Location:** 115 Cumberland St. **Hours:** Lighting displays visible until December 31; carollers will perform Fridays from noon to 3 p.m., weekends from 1 to 4 p.m., and on December 22 and 23 from noon to 3 p.m.

**Winter Glow Holiday Carnival** Sankofa Square will host its third annual Winter Glow Holiday Carnival, featuring a ferris wheel, the Great Canadian Carousel, and an artisanal holiday market. Guests can enjoy seasonal drinks at Polar Point Bar and take photos with Santa. The carnival opens on December 11 at 5 p.m. with a performance by My Pop Choir. Admission is free, but rides on the ferris wheel and carousel will cost $6 each or $20 for four rides. **Location:** 1 Dundas St. E. **Hours:** December 11 to December 21, weekdays from 4 to 10 p.m., and weekends from noon to 10 p.m.

**Festival of Trees** The Small Arms Inspection Building will host Mississauga’s Festival of Trees, showcasing ten tree installations by Ontario artists. This fifth annual event will also feature a holiday market with over 80 local vendors and live music. The festival operates on a pay-what-you-can basis, with donations supporting local artists and community programs. **Location:** CreativeHub 1352, 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga **Hours:** December 5 to 14, with varying hours; closed on December 8.

**The Bentway Skating Trail** Visitors can enjoy free ice skating at the Bentway Skating Trail, a 220-meter figure-eight trail located beneath the Gardiner Expressway. During the opening weekend from December 20 to 23, free skate rentals, maple taffy, and warm drinks will be available. On December 28 at noon, participants can join the Polar Bear Skate, where they are encouraged to skate in their underwear to ring in the new year. Donations of shoes will be collected during this event for New Circles Community Services, which provides clothing to those in need. **Location:** 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto **Hours:** December 20 to January 4, from noon to 9 p.m. (skate rentals available until 8 p.m.). From January 5 to February 16, hours will be Monday to Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., and weekends and holidays from noon to 9 p.m.

While the holidays can be financially challenging for many, these free events offer opportunities to celebrate the season. Additionally, the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund aims to provide holiday gift boxes to 50,000 financially vulnerable children. Donations can be made online, by cheque, or by phone, with tax receipts issued for contributions. **Goal:** $1.5 million **How to donate:** - **Online:** Use the secure donation form. - **By cheque:** Mail to the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, 8 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. - **By phone:** Call 647-250-8282. Volunteers are also welcome to help with the initiative.