It’s the most *Instagrammable time of the year! With the kids photographin’ , And everyone asking can ya ‘snapchat me here’ – It’s the most selfie-d time of the year!
…But seriously, ’tis the season to capture all the merry and bright Christmas cheer, and we have you covered with the top 7 Instagram-worthy holiday decoration spots around Toronto.
1 – Kringlewood / Santa’s Lane
Location: Inglewood Drive (Mid-Town)
Santa Claus is coming to town… or to the front yard of every house on Inglewood Drive!
What started as only a few houses participating grew into a fun tradition where majority of homes on this mid-town Toronto street now inflate their giant waving Santas for the holiday season — this year, there isn’t a house on the street that doesn’t have a Santa up! Coined as Kringlewood, the fitting name pays homage to Kris Kringle and Inglewood Drive.
Take a walk or a drive down the festive street and get a snap of the hilariously amazing display of holiday cheer!
2 – Miracle on Queen Street
Location: Civil Liberties Bar
Snuggle up to the giant teddy while you sip on festive boozy beverages at this cool Christmas pop-up bar on Queen Street West.
Holiday decorations are a plenty and light the entire place with fun festive cheer. Rock your ugly Christmas sweater and feel nostalgic as you sip on a Snowball Old Fashioned or a Bad Santa.
Bonus: Christmas is a time for giving, so this popup donates a dollar from every drink to charity! 
3 – A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle
Location: Casa Loma
Casa Loma is beautiful 365 days a year, but during the holidays, the castle is especially magical. The iconic, historical heritage landmark is vibrant and cheerful with holiday décor and lights all throughout the grounds. A 40ft tall Canadian Christmas tree stands proudly in the Great Hall. There are fun family activities for all to enjoy including visiting Santa in his workshop, enjoying thrilling performances, participating in festive arts & crafts, and decorating holiday treats.
To get your tickets to A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle, visit casaloma.ca. Open daily from December 1st to January 6th 9:30am-5pm and nightly from December 17th to December 23rd 5pm-9pm.
4 – Winter Light Exhibition
Location: Ontario Place
On the West Island of Ontario Place, the Winter Light Exhibition is shining through the cold and dark winter nights! The bright and beautiful exhibit is filled with captivating light displays, live entertainment, and holiday activities.
Wander around the wonderful winter world without charge until March 17th, 2019.
5 – CF Shops at Don Mills
Location: Don Mills
Shops at Don Mills is easily one of my favourite places to go over the holidays! It’s the perfect place to get some Christmas shopping done, grab a drink, watch a movie at the VIP Cineplex, and take a ton of pretty pictures with all the extravagant holiday decorations.
I visited here with Toronto-based photographer Basit of @visualslxyer and our favourite Insta-worthy spot was in the light tunnel! You can also grab great pictures with the towering reindeer light display or in front of the giant Christmas tree in the square.
There is also a Fireside Lounge– perfect for festive beverage pics and to also unwind after a long day of shopping. Every Friday they offer special DJ performances from 6pm – 11pm.
PSA: The Lindt store has the most creamy and delicious hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted – try it and you won’t be disappointed.
6 – Evergreen’s Winter Village
Location: Brick Works
So I’m sure we’ve all heard of the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District but have you visited the Evergreen Brick Work’s Winter Village and Christmas Market? Honestly speaking, I may actually prefer it.
Snuggled away, the Toronto Brickworks hosts weekend markets with tons of great vendors setting up shop.
Skate on their little rink, browse for gifts in their Holiday Market, and eat to your hearts content. Between the food trucks, vendors, and year-round dine-in restaurant and cafe, there are a ton of delicious food options.
This Winter Village is a winter wonderland and there are tons of great photo opps all around–OH, and admission is FREE!!!
7 – The Toronto Christmas Market
Location: Distillery District
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the iconic, classic, and most well-known spot for tourists and locals alike in the winter here in Toronto — The Toronto Christmas Market.
If you’ve been living under a rock, The Toronto Christmas Market is one of the top ranked Christmas Markets in the entire world! Every year for the past nine years, the historic Distillery District transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations and light canopies spread throughout the cobblestone streets. A giant tree is brought in and decorated with beautiful warm lights, gold ribbon, and red giant bulbs.
Pose beside one of the many Christmas trees, under the Naughty or Nice sign, or in front of the many shiny and bright decorations!