Fun Christmas Party Ideas in Toronto for Everyone

Toronto is the place to be during the holiday season, with new and exciting things to do and attractions to explore every year. Trust us, this city never disappoints if you’re looking for a magical time with family, friends or colleagues.

Looking to spice up your holiday family parties, avoid breaking the bank this season, or find fresh ideas for your office party? We’ve got you covered. We update our list every year to include the best holiday pop-ups, spectacular markets, and dazzling light displays for you to have a great time in the city.

Are you searching for a venue before diving in? Our smart filters make it easy to find your dream Christmas spot, whether you’re going for a splurge or something budget-friendly. Whatever your style, you’ll find it on our platform.

Family-Friendly Christmas Party Ideas

If making everyone happy is on your Christmas to-do list, you might be feeling the pressure of finding the perfect family activity. Don’t worry—we’ve got some brilliant ideas to save the day. Keep reading!

1. Rewatch Christmas Favourites

Ah, la magie de Noël! Is there anything better than snuggling up with hot cocoa, a warm blanket, fuzzy reindeer socks, and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas on a big screen? Probably not—unless you’ve seen Santa in person, which is hard to beat. A cozy night with family and friends is a wonderful way to focus on what truly matters during the holidays: the people and the movies!

Start by surveying everyone’s favorite Christmas movies via WhatsApp or another tool, then choose your top picks.

You don’t have to limit yourself to just one film—why not make it a weekly movie marathon until Christmas or enjoy holiday episodes from your favorite shows? Ugly sweaters are optional!

Check out some of the best animated holiday movies for some inspiration and nostalgia!

2. Holiday Potluck (with a Twist)

Guess who gets to take a break from cooking this year? Grandmas! This year, let the other generations take over the kitchen while the grandmothers—and mothers—enjoy a well-deserved break. It’s a wonderful way to thank the family matriarchs who’ve always made holiday meals special.

Add a fun twist with a friendly competition: who can bake a Christmas pie that rivals—or even surpasses—Grandma’s famous recipe? Sounds like a challenge? Have everyone bring a family classic so each dish has its unique take on traditional favorites.

For the absolute beginners, a little help from the Guardian can save the day—or the dish!

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Related: 10 Christmas Potluck Party Ideas to Make Everyone Merry in 2024

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3. Exquisite Holiday Dinner at Octagon 

This year, skip the stress of cooking at home. Enjoy a holiday meal at Octagon, where you can relax, focus on conversations, and catch up with loved ones without worrying about grocery runs or pie perfection.

Choosing a venue like Octagon means no cleanup and no last-minute cooking mishaps.With ample parking, friendly service, and food cooked to perfection, it is the place to be this festive season.

Start with their warm toasted bread, olives, and pickles, followed by a freshly made house salad. Their lobster and steak are must-tries and you surely don’t miss out on their exceptional desserts. Bon appétit!

4. Christmas Market in Distillery Winter Village

Canada’s premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination truly shines during the holiday season.

Tickets start at just $18, making this holiday event a steal for the fun-packed festivities on offer! This year, the Distillery Market is turning up the holiday magic with live performances by Mo Guzman, a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony, and joyful tunes from the Candy Cane Carolers. Plus, don’t miss the smash-hit family musical Alice in Wonderland at the Soulpepper Theatre—it’s surely an interesting way to add some sparkle to your holiday season!

Find out more about the events here.

5. Virtual Christmas Reunion 

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and that’s certainly true. If your relatives are scattered across the globe, a virtual Christmas party could be the best solution for you this holiday season.

Forget about old grudges or Aunt Miranda’s classic “helpful” comments; virtual gatherings are great for keeping things brief but still heartwarming. Plus, you can always mute her if needed!

They also provide a chance to show off your surroundings to relatives who cannot travel. This could become a cherished yearly tradition. Amp up the fun with a murder mystery, trivia, or a karaoke session to make your online gathering even more memorable.

6. Face Painting for All

Is face painting fun, you ask? Absolutely! While it’s often seen as a kids’ activity, there’s no reason adults can’t join in the fun.

Embrace the holiday spirit by transforming into your favorite Christmas characters—The Grinch, Jack Skellington, Rudolf, or Santa himself. Turn your guests into joyful or mischievous canvases. While you could volunteer to paint each other’s faces, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid ending up as a glittery mess.

Don’t forget to have your camera ready to capture some fantastic photos!

Corporate Christmas Party Ideas in Toronto 

Legend has it that no office party is complete without a great idea from Tagvenue—and we couldn’t agree more! A successful corporate Christmas party hinges on a solid concept that ensures staff have a great time and eagerly anticipate the next event. A well-executed party boosts employee morale and allows colleagues to socialize outside of work, making the experience fun and engaging.

7. Invite Santa to the Office

Add a touch of magic  and nostalgia to your office party with a visit from the legendary Santa Claus. Several companies in Toronto offer this service, so you can all have a memorable experience. Make it even more special by giving gifts to all staff and letting them share their wishes with Santa.

If employees want to bring their kids along, that’s a great idea, too. Turn the visit into more than just a meet-and-greet by including storytelling and gift distribution, making Santa Claus the highlight of your Christmas season.

Just make sure you’re not asking Michael Scott to volunteer as Santa—his version might end up being a disaster.

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Related: 170 Greatest Themes to Rock Every Party in 2024

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8. Solve a Holiday Murder Mystery

Looking for a fun way to bond your team and boost problem-solving skills? A holiday murder mystery is a brilliant choice. It’s an excellent opportunity for startups to unite their teams to tackle a challenging case. Don your Santa hats and hope the elves lend a hand as you work together to uncover whodunit.

Race against other teams to solve the mystery and win either a prize or bragging rights until next Christmas.

9. Organize a Magic Show

Since Christmas is already magical, why not add to it with a spectacular magic show? Magic shows offer more than just tricks; they provide immersive experiences that allow your staff to unwind and take a break from their screens.

A Christmas magic show is sure to leave everyone spellbound. Just make sure your staff don’t end up as rabbits in a hat trick!

10. Christmas Trivia

What did the other reindeer not let Rudolph do because of his shiny red nose?

Which real-life person is Santa Claus based on?

If your team enjoys a bit of friendly competition and a good laugh, a holiday trivia game is the way to go. You can host it yourself and recruit a volunteer as the emcee or book a professional host to add extra flair to the event.

For an added twist, customize the trivia with questions about last year’s Christmas party or fun facts about your colleagues.

To make the game even more engaging, include a fact-matching round where everyone shares a little story about themselves. Ready, set, let the fun begin!

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Related:

• 12 Christmas Venue Booking Mistakes to Avoid, According to Experts
• Have a Holly Jolly Friendsmas: 29 Christmas Party Ideas for Friends

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11. Christmas Corporate Shoot

The holiday season is the time to update your website and showcase your fabulous team on LinkedIn with a professional photo shoot. Toronto offers plenty of studio options, so planning a shoot is a breeze.

Coordinate outfits in matching colors, or go for a classic black-and-white theme with hints of red, especially if red is part of your brand’s color scheme.

Be sure to give your team ample notice so they can prepare and arrange for hair and makeup on the day.

Keep the holiday spirit alive by planning additional fun activities like bowling or a team dinner—this is how we do it at Tagvenue for our quarterly meetings (and you can be as cool as us, or even cooler!).

Here are some of our favorite photo studios in Toronto:

• Wade Studio: An expansive photography venue that boasts carefully selected furniture pieces and the benefit of vibrant morning sunlight.
• Borada Photography: An adaptable studio tailor-made for video shoots and photographic endeavors.

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Related:

• 15 Christmas Party Themes to Spread the Holiday Magic in 2024
• Office Christmas Party Planning: The Ultimate Guide
• The 20 Best Office Christmas Party Games to Play in 2024

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Budget-Friendly Christmas Party Ideas in Toronto 

Are you thinking of cracking open that piggy bank for the holiday season? Hold off on spending for now and save up for that dream vacation instead. This year, celebrate the old-fashioned way without breaking the bank. Toronto is full of charming spots that are worth visiting year after year, no matter how many times you’ve seen them.

12. Join the Festivities at Casa Loma

Casa Loma, Toronto’s famous castle, becomes a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Built-in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, this Gothic Revival mansion is a beautiful place to visit during the holidays.

Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy light displays, and participate in seasonal activities.

Guests will be surrounded by the castle’s holiday décor, including a 40 ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight other signature trees by talented Canadian designers.

As always, kids are invited to visit Santa in his castle workshop and participate in festive arts and crafts, visit with wintery holiday mascots, and much more.

Find out more about the 2024 festivities here.

13. Attend the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square

The Cavalcade of Lights is a Toronto tradition dating back to 1967, celebrating the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree.

This event is held at Nathan Phillips Square and features unique light displays, live music, and ice skating. The square itself, named after former Toronto mayor Nathan Phillips, is home to Toronto’s City Hall, a striking example of modernist architecture.

Glide into the holiday spirit with nightly ice skating and marvel at the light installations adorning Nathan Phillips Square.

14. Experience Christmas Magic at Yorkville Village

Yorkville Village, once a bohemian enclave, is now one of Toronto’s most upscale shopping and dining districts.

During the holidays, the area is elegantly decorated with twinkling lights. Yorkville’s history as a hub for artists and creatives adds a touch of charm to the modern-day experience.

For gifts or simply soaking in the holiday magic, Yorkville Village offers a holiday activity perfect for families and colleagues alike.

15. Enjoy the Wonderland Winterfest

Canada’s Wonderland outside Toronto becomes a holiday haven during Winterfest. With millions of twinkling lights, ice skating, and holiday-themed shows, this amusement park—opened in 1981—offers something for everyone. The park’s iconic rides, like the towering Leviathan, get a seasonal makeover. It’s a historic spot where you can create new holiday memories!

Cheers to the Holidays

And an even merrier holiday party. ‘Tis the season to have fun, however, you choose to celebrate. Don’t stress too much about planning a perfect event. Take it easy, and let our venue managers assist you with a hassle-free experience. Discuss your budget, party needs, and preferences—because, as they say, “Ask and you shall receive.” That’s a promise that came true with Tagvenue.

Now, find your holiday event space today!

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