10 Best Places To See Santa In Toronto This Christmas 2025

Here is a summary of the 10 best places to see Santa in Toronto this Christmas and to take your LO’ for a traditional photo with Santa.

I’m pretty sure the lines up will be crazy, so come prepared with snacks and toys.
In some of the places I mention below, you can book your time and avoid the lineup, which I believe will be a good idea.

Before you leave the house please check the link to confirm Santa dates and hours, which might be changed. It is a good idea to wear Christmas decorations such as lapel pins that can be designed by yourself, which will make you more integrated into Christmas.

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10 Best Places To See Santa In Toronto This Christmas

1. Santa’s Storytime (Gerrard Square Mall)

An indoor, ticketed experience: story-time with Santa & the elves, send a letter to the North Pole, photo-op afterwards. Designed especially for young children (1+).

Dates/Times: Nov 28 – Dec 23, 2025. Fridays 4–7 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 10 am–5 pm.

Tip: Book a morning slot when little ones have the most energy.

👉Get tickets: gerrardsquare.com/santa-storytime

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2. Breakfast with Santa at Ripley’s Aquarium (Downtown Toronto)

A special holiday breakfast event inside the aquarium, children meet Santa and receive a gift, plus they get to explore the aquarium exhibits. Great for kids age 3+.

Dates: Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 6, 2025.

Tip: Combine Santa fun with a family day out, these sell out quickly!

👉 Register here: ripleysaquariumofcanada.com 

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3. The Distillery Winter Village (The Distillery Historic District)

A magical outdoor winter wonderland experience. Includes a dedicated “Santa’s Village” inside, photo-ops, elves and festive decor designed with families in mind.

Dates: Nov 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026.

Tip: Visit early in the afternoon to avoid crowds; bundle up!

👉 Plan your visit: thedistillerywintervillage.ca

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4. Breakfast with Santa (Miracle Harbourfront)

A breakfast event with Santa, kids’ activities (colouring pages etc), in a cosy indoor/outdoor space on the waterfront.

👉RSVP: https://www.miracletoronto.com/events/breakfast-with-santa

Tip: Great for toddlers and younger kids who prefer a calm, festive vibe.

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5. Meet Santa at Indigo Books (Bay & Bloor / Sherway Gardens)

A quieter, bookstore-based Santa visit + photo-op + storytime + activity table. Great for children who might be overwhelmed by large crowds.

Dates: Nov 9, 2025 (Bay & Bloor and Sherway Gardens locations).

Tip: Limited slots, book early and bring your own camera.

👉 Book tickets: ticketscene.ca

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6. Unwrap the magic with Santa

A mall-based Santa photo experience with packages, free basic photo, good for little kids who already enjoy malls.

Dates: Late Nov – Dec 24, 2025 (exact dates TBD).

Tip: Ideal for young children — climate-controlled and stroller-friendly.

👉 Details: cloverdalemall.com

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7. The Original Santa Claus Parade 2025 (November 23, 2025)

While not a “sit with Santa” photo event, this parade lets children see Santa, Mrs. Claus, floats, bands, and is magical for young kids.

Date: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025.

Tip: Arrive early, dress warmly, and pack snacks.

👉 Parade info: thesantaclausparade.com

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8. Photos with Santa – Port Union Community Rec Centre

A community-event Santa photo session (small scale, fewer kids) that might feel more personal and less overwhelming.

Date/Time: Nov 21, 2025, 6 pm onward.

Tip: Ideal for families in East Toronto. Bring your own camera.

👉 Register on Eventbrite: eventbrite.ca

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9. The Real Santa Experience – LittleTix Toronto

A high-quality Santa photo session: deluxe setting, professional styling, ideal if you want something more special than a mall photo.

Tip: Pricier than malls but perfect for a keepsake Christmas memory.

👉 Book session: little-tix.com

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10. Breakfast with Mr & Mrs Claus – Ontario Play & Cafe (Oakvile)

A smaller, more relaxed brunch event where kids meet Mr & Mrs Claus, play at the cafe, have breakfast. Tailored for younger children. Dates: Dec 14 & 21, 2025 (9–11 am).

Tip: Arrive early; kids under 1 may enter free.

👉Grab your ticket here: https://www.ontarioplay.com/santa

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